February 19, 1940 – June 18, 2021
Michael George Jmieff passed away peacefully at Talarico Place on June 18, 2021. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and lifelong member of the USCC Doukhobor community.
Mike was born in 1940 to Polly and George Jmieff of Winlaw, BC. He was four years younger than his brother Tim, and twenty minutes older than his twin sister Nellie. The family lived on Doukhobor community land in Winlaw, and from an early age Mike had to help with chores on the farm, such as carrying water from the river, chopping wood, and making hay.
After finishing Grade 6 at the old red schoolhouse in Winlaw, Mike went to work at the age of 15 to help support his family. He worked for a time at a sawmill in New Denver and in a mine before finding his calling as a cook. He worked his way up from peeling potatoes as a kitchen “flunky,” to running the camp kitchen at the KFP logging camp in Lardeau.
In 1974, Mike married the love of his life, Nina. Together they raised two children, Natasha and Lucas. They continued to live on the family farm, keeping chickens and cows, growing a large garden, and participating in many USCC Doukhobor community activities, including Sunday schools, the Slocan Valley choir, Heritage Choir, and many other groups through the years. Mike was devoted to Doukhobor singing, and directed the Slocan Valley choir after the previous director, Bill Voykin, retired.
Mike loved the land he lived on, especially the cows and garden. He taught his children to grow food and help on the farm. He also loved Doukhobor prayers, singing and traditions, and worked hard to pass this love on to his children.
Mike was an honest, selfless man who would help anybody in need, and rarely said no when asked to volunteer his time, energy, or financial resources for a good cause. He was devoted to his wife and family, to his community, and to his Doukhobor faith. He had a strong faith in God, and worked all his life to live with kindness, humility and true spiritual strength.
It was a shock to the family when Mike suffered a severe stroke in 2017. Although Nina tried to care for him at home, he eventually became a resident at Talarico Place in Castlegar. For 3 ½ years, his friendly smile cheered staff and residents alike.
Mike was predeceased by his brother Tim in 2018, his mother Polly in 2006 and father George in 1972. Left to mourn are his wife Nina, daughter Natasha (and partner Garry Tarasoff), son Lucas (and wife Ginia and daughter Violet), sister Nellie Keraiff, nephew Randy Keraiff, nieces Karen Heddle (Curt) and Jackie Keraiff (Phil Churchill), and their families.
The family would like to thank the staff of Talarico Place and Dr. Keith Merritt for taking care of Mike when his family could not. Thanks to all those who made his last years at Talarico full of social visits, music and laughter! Thank you to Bill Strilaeff and Castlegar Funeral Chapel, and to funeral officiant Peter Relkoff and his wife Shirley.
Due to Covid restrictions, a private funeral will be held, by invitation only, on Friday June 25, with burial at the Doukhobor cemetery in Perry’s Siding.
The family is sorry they cannot invite everyone to attend Mike’s funeral. Please know that Mike valued all his friends and family, his Slocan Valley neighbours, and every member of his Doukhobor spiritual community. If you wish, please say a prayer for Mike, and remember him kindly. Donations to Iskra or the USCC in Mike’s memory are welcome.
Вечная память в Царствии небесном.
Eternal consciousness in the heavenly kingdom.
We love you Mike, and will miss you always!
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Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Michael George Jmieff 2021..
Décès pour la Ville: Castlegar, Province: Colombie britanique