April 4, 1928 - May 28, 2023
In Loving Memory ~
Alec was born on April 4, 1929 in Crescent Valley located in the Kootenays. Alec was the eldest of two children born to James and Mary Tarasoff.
At approximately three years of age Alec lost his father due to a respiratory illness. It was also around this time that Alec and his brother were taken into foster care. The foster care status lasted for a relatively short time (approximately two years). He was eventually released from foster care into the care of his grandparents. When she was again able, his mother returned to care for and raise her children.
As a young adult Alec worked in the logging camps in the coastal region of British Columbia, rigging and setting chokers on fallen logs. This would turn out to be the start of a long career in the forestry industry.
In those days logging camps and saw mills often closed during the winter season. It was during one of these closures in 1954 that Alec proposed to and married Mildred, whom he remained married to for 64 years. Together Alec and Mildred were blessed with and lovingly raised their five children.
Machine maintenance was a natural skill in which Alec excelled. He became known as someone that could repair anything mechanical. Alec generally worked slowly and methodically. It was said that if you wanted something fixed right call Alec. If you wanted something fixed fast call someone else.
He eventually formalized his maintenance qualifications by challenging and passing the skilled trade's exam in millwrighting.
Alec was passionate about his many interests like working with wood, rock hunting, rock polishing, silver work and placer mining. He also enjoyed a continuous expansion of knowledge and practiced lifelong learning.
Alec took special pleasure in solving word and number puzzles with family members. All this mental activity helped to keep his mind very sharp.
Alec slipped away peacefully on May 28, 2023 at the age of 94. He was predeceased by his parents James and Mary Tarasoff, his brother Jim Tarasoff, his wife Mildred Tarasoff, his daughter Christine Nicodem and his grandson Michael Zarubin.
He is survived by his son Walter Tarasoff, his daughter Nadia Reynolds, his son Ivan Tarasoff and his daughter Natalie Wyper, seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
Funeral Service was held on Saturday June 3, 2023 at the Grand Forks funeral home.