May 29, 1932 - July 1, 2021
Larry Kimoff was born on May 29, 1932 in the Kootenay area of Thrums BC, to the family of Grigoriy and Masha Evdokimoff. Masha's maiden name was Postnikoff. He was the last child born into a family of four children, brothers Bill, Fred and George.
In 1932, when Larry was just 3 days old, his parents Grigoriy and Masha were part of the five hundred and forty five Sons of freedom men and women, who had been convicted of nude parading in the Kootenay region of BC. His parents together with others were arrested and imprisoned for three years on Piers Island. At that time, Larry and his three older brothers were separated from their parents and he was placed in foster care with a Canadian family in Vancouver for one year. For the remaining two years, while their parents were serving the remainder of their three-year sentence, Larry was cared for in the Doukhobor home of William and Masha Evdokimoff in the Kootenay area. Afterwards he returned with his parents to his home in the Slocan Valley. There he grew-up and received his upbringing.
Larry did not have any formal education of either English or Russian languages. Growing up and living within the Doukhobor and Canadian public, he learned to converse with his friends in both languages. Growing up on their farm, Larry was always around horses, cows and chickens. From a very young age, he took part in haying and gardening.
In his early years, he worked with his father cutting railroad ties for market sale. In his leisure time, he played ball with his friends. In his later years, he moved to Midway BC, where he started working for the Fritz Sawmills.
In the early fifties, Larry met a young woman, Polly Zibin. They fell in love and on September 19, 1953, they were united in marriage. In Midway, they built themselves a home and started their family. They were blessed with four children, a daughter Helen and three sons, Joe, Lawrence and Paul. Right from the beginning of their life together, Larry's life was very busy. He had a steady job at the sawmill, while he built their home and together with Polly raised their children. They always had a big garden, cows, chickens and several fruit trees. They grew many different vegetables and fruit from which their family benefited through summer and winter. Their home was always surrounded with different greenery and flowers.
Polly always loved flowers and Larry was always by her side helping and enjoying the beautiful environment that they created. Both being very hospitable and friendly, they always liked to have guests to entertain.
In their leisure time, they traveled to many tourist resorts in BC where they rested and enjoyed themselves. They also traveled abroad, visiting the Hawaiian Islands and taking an Alaskan Ocean-liner cruise.
Throughout there time Larry and Polly made sure they always attended the yearly Rock Creek Fall Fair, where Polly, in earlier times, participated in its display section. In 1973, they moved to Grand Forks, where they built themselves a home on land in the Doukhobor community of Sion, not too far from the USCC Community Center. Here again, they created themselves a big garden and a small fruit orchard. Larry loved being around domestic animals, cats, dogs, birds and deer. He had several bird feeders set-up around their home. After working some 18 years at Fritz Sawmills, Larry landed a job at the Boundary Sawmills in Midway BC and then later at Pope and Talbot. Where his job was driving, sawmill machinery, finishing with operating a huge log-unloading machine the Wagner. After working some forty years in the lumbering industry, Larry retired in 1992.
Larry was a member of the Union of Spiritual Communities of Christ and with pride participated in its different activities. For several years, he together with the late Fred Seminoff, looked after the grounds and maintenance of Fructova School Historical Society. Larry together with Polly were members of the Grand Forks Friendship Association and he served several years on this committee. For many years, he took part with others in maintaining the grounds at the Sion cemetery, served on the cemetery board, and was responsible, along with other men, at the time for funeral burials. He volunteered much of his time when the Doukhobor Mountain View Museum was becoming a reality and he and Polly donated a new riding lawn mower to the grounds there. He also, as a representative of the Doukhobor community served as a member on its board.
Larry donated much of his energy and time in the assistance at the Sirotskoe Residence. He whole-heartedly provided aid for the Verigin family and contributed labor in maintaining the grounds. Several years ago, at the annual USCC convention Larry and Polly were recognized and honored for the commitment and large amount volunteer hours they put in.
Some seven years ago, Polly's health began to decline and for a couple of years Larry took care of her at home. In 2008, Polly was admitted into Hardy View Lodge where she lived for four years. Through those years, Larry faithfully spent a lot of time with her, assisting wherever he could. In November 2012, she passed away.
His parents Grigoriy and Masha Evdokimoff, his wife Polly with whom he lived for 59 years and his brothers Fred, George and Bill Evdokimoff, predeceased Larry.
He is survived by his children, daughter Helen Kimoff and husband Ed Manuel of Victoria BC, son Joe and wife Charyl of Grand Forks BC, Lawrence and wife Lori of Calgary Alberta, Paul and Connie Marchal of Grand Forks BC, grandchildren Jesse, Nicholas, Mitchal and Amanda. One sister in law Dora Evidokimoff of Perry Siding BC and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Larry's guiding rule, "Doukhobor slogan," Toil and Peaceful Life."
He was a deeply proud honourable and generous man, with a great sense of humour, who was always there for his family, friends, and anyone else who needed help. He truly led a productive, fulfilling and creative life, and was an active member of the community where he developed strong roots. His passing saddens us all and we will all treasure his memory every day.
May God accept his soul into his heavenly kingdom and may he rest in peace.