With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Peter Koochin on Wed., Jan. 11, 2017 at the age of 88. He was born on May 11, 1928 in Grand Forks in the Doukhobor Community of Christovoye to parents Aleksey and Masha Koochin.
Peter had 3 sisters; Hazel, Emily, and Marylin. When he was 8 years old his mother passed away, and his father married Fenya Makortoff and they had three children; Harry, Nettie, and Katie (who died in her infancy).
Peter completed several grades in the Outlook school, and learned Russian at home as well. He loved the outdoors, exploring and collecting rocks, developing an interest in prospecting.
In 1949 Peter met Ann and in January 1950 they were married and began their life together, working in the Okanagan Valley. They bought some land in Grand Forks, and built their own home. They were blessed with two sons – Steve and Jack. While Ann dedicated herself to looking after the children, the household, and the garden, Peter worked at Zak’s Body Shop to provide for his family.
At 62 years of age, Peter retired and continued with his passions - prospecting for minerals, and rock crafting. He continually explored and staked several mineral claims in the Boundary area, and made jewellery, clocks, and accessories in his home workshop.
Peter was a lifelong member of the Union of Spiritual Communities of Christ and an active committee member of the Canada – USSR Friendship Association.
In his later years Peter experienced mobility challenges and in 2012 went to live at the Silver Kettle. Recently, Peter’s health deteriorated, and on Wed. evening, January 11, 2017, with son Jack by his side, Peter peacefully passed away.
He was predeceased – on November 27, 2016 – by his wife Ann with whom he lived for 66 years; his parents Masha and Aleksey; his Stepmother Fenya; his grandfather Vasya Koochin; his sisters Hazel Waselenkoff and Emily Zibin; and his beloved grandson Jesse Koochin.
He is survived by his son Steve with wife Andrea and beloved granddaughter Anuska Koochin of San Diego, California; son Jack Koochin of Grand Forks; sister Marylin Konkin of Grand Forks; brother Harry with wife Elsa Koochin of Grand Forks; sister Nettie with husband Fred Makortoff of Kamloops; and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.
Peter was a hard working man with a quiet nature who enjoyed a good outdoors adventure, and a good family game of cards on Saturday nights. He will be dearly missed by friends and family. May he be accepted into God’s Heavenly Kingdom and rest in peace.