November 17,1958 – November 22, 2021
Larry Nickolaevich Rilkoff was born in Nelson, BC to proud parents Mildred and Nick Rilkoff, and big brother Nick. Living in South Slocan the two boys got into all kinds of mischief. On one particularly memorable occasion for their mother, they managed to cover themselves in tar and shared the mess with a wagon, the house, the bathtub, and their clothing, which was unsalvageable and later tossed in the fire.
When Larry was 7, the Rilkoffs moved to Crescent Valley and brother Jim joined the family. As the three boys grew, they shared many common interests including fishing, mushroom picking, sledding, and watching drag races. A touching memory for Jim was how special Larry made him feel when inviting him along to the Spokane Raceway Park. Nick and sister-in-law Jeanette fondly remember an overnight fishing trip where Larry’s skill and patience caught him a large Dolly Varden.
Larry participated in the Slocan Valley Youth Choir and was a lifelong member of the USCC. He graduated from Mount Sentinel and went to work for Kootenay Forest Products and later Slocan Forest Products. He was a dedicated and hard worker. In his youth Larry spent countless hours outdoors, fishing in the summer and sledding in the winter. He loved and owned fast cars, motorcycles, and sleds keeping them impeccably detailed. His taste in music covered many genres, the bigger the sound system the better. Remarkably talented artistically he would amaze his family with his drawings and carvings. Extremely generous with his time and money, he never refused to help others. Truly a very selfless and kind-hearted man.
Larry did not marry and eventually bought a home and settled in Castlegar. His concern for his parents never wavered no matter his situation. With his talent for cooking, he kept them well supplied with many delicious meals including borsch and varenniki. Larry was a thoughtful, generous, and fun uncle with a terrific sense of humour. He loved his nieces and nephew as if they were his own. A great friend, he spent many happy hours playing pool, chess, scrabble, and cards. He had a passion for art, antiques, and collectibles, delighting in the meaningful stories behind his treasured purchases.
Larry stoically endured health challenges for many years, finally succumbing and answering God’s call November 22, 2021. With his family by his side, he asked that the window be opened, said his goodbyes, and understood how much he was loved. In the words of one of his many doctors, “A real gentleman to the very end.”
Larry is survived by his loving parents Mildred and Nick; devoted brothers Nick (Jeanette) and Jim; nieces Lareena (Dan), Vanessa (Andrew), Kimberley (Matt), nephew Ryan (Joy); grandnephew Jaxxon; and numerous relatives and friends.
A traditional Doukhobor service was held November 26 at the Castlegar Funeral Chapel with a limited number due to Covid-19 restrictions. Interment followed at Shoreacres Cemetery. The family wishes to acknowledge and thank the many doctors, nurses, and staff at the Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital for their compassionate care. Many thanks to Bill Strilaeff, Peter Relkoff, and J.J. Verigin for their guidance and thoughtful words. Heartfelt gratitude to the many relatives and friends who supported us through this very difficult time with phone calls, cards, food, and donations.
Larry will be deeply missed, dearly remembered, and ever in our hearts. May the good LORD accept Larry’s soul into His Heavenly Kingdom.
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Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Larry Nickolaevich Rilkoff 2021..
Décès pour la Ville: Castlegar, Province: Colombie britanique