1940-2018
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our dear husband, father and
grandfather Ely Chernenkov. With family by his side Ely passed away on June 6, 2018 after a
courageous battle with cancer at Kootenay Lake Hospital.
Ely was born in Nelson, B.C. on July 14, 1940 to parents Polly and William Chernenkoff. He
grew up in Goose Creek, with his older sister Elaine and younger sister Helen. Ely followed his
his dad’s footsteps driving a logging truck. Work was a big part of Ely’s life he worked for
Voykin Brothers, Kootenay Forest Products, Hadiken Brothers and Slocan Forest Products
retiring in 1997.
He met Olga Zarubin and they were joined in marriage on December 23,1961. They purchased
land in Crescent Valley and built their lifetime home together raising their children Larissa, Ely
and Marlene. Growing up there were many family camping trips, car trips to Disneyland and
weekend getaways. Ely was a talented man. He could fix anything and he had a strong will to
never give up trying. As children we would call 1-800- Ely- Help for vehicle issues, plumbing
issues and the list goes on. He would drop everything he was doing and come help his children
and grandchildren and anyone near him.
In retirement he enjoyed spending time at Christina Lake at his summer place meeting new
friends and travelling to Hawaii with Olga. At home he spent endless hours in his shop. He
found great satisfaction working on his 1966 Orange Mustang and anything that needed fixing
for his family.
One of Ely’s greatest joys in his life was his grandsons. He was very fortunate to part of their
lives from infancy to where they are today as young men. They would often seek Deda’s advice
and guidance for life’s decisions. He attended school activities, concerts, soccer games and
travelled the province to endless hockey arenas with support.
Ely is survived by his loving wife Olga of 56 years. Daughter Larissa(Colin) Sookro, Son
Ely(Loni)Chernenkov, and daughter Marlene Chernenkoff. Grandsons Ryon and Brandon
Sookro, Cody Chernenkov and step grandchildren Kelsey and Taylor Turner. Sisters
Elaine(Alex)Voykin, Helen(Alex)Barisoff, brother-in-law Paul Zarubin and partner Jane
Switlishoff and numerous nephews and nieces.
Ely’s funeral services were held in Crescent Valley Community Hall, and was laid to rest at the
Krestova Cemetery on Wednesday, June 13. On behalf of the family we would like to extend our
deepest gratitude to Dr. Kobayashi and Dr. Malpass, Kootenay Lake 3rd floor nursing staff and
oncology department, Nelson home care program and the staff at the Safeway pharmacy. We
would also like to thank Bill Strilaeff, Bill Clark and Jordan Wren from the Castlegar Funeral
Chapel, Harry Zeabin for officiating the service, the Psalm singers, Crescent Valley Ladies
Cooking Club, and the grave diggers. We would also wish to express our gratitude to all those
that sent cards, made phone calls, and stopped by the family home with food, flowers and
words of comfort. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Kootenay Lake Hospital
foundation or the Iskra Publication.
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Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Chernenkov Ely Share.source
Décès pour la Ville: Castlegar, Province: Colombie britanique
