VANCOUVER ISLAND WINDTALK

Andrei's service is on Saturday, June 16, at 11:30 am
Moscow time at St. Nicholas Naval Cathedral

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Nichol ... _Cathedral

Sadness.

Surreal despite knowing this was on the radar for quite a while.

Andrei, we will miss that mischievous grin, odd food choices, stories of russian army misadventures, and your positive attitude in the face of overwhelming odds. Inspiriation for all of us. You were one tough meat cookie Dood!

today held the update to the RD forum that I've feared would come ... while this day seemed inevitable, I've seen people recover from the brink, and I held out some hope. Sadly, it was not to be for Andrei.

Andrei will be sorely missed.

A couple of things:
- I'm pretty proud to be part of this group of people who rallied and supported RD so much during his illness.
- I'm looking forward to the coast trip, where we can share RD stories and celebrate his life.

Mike

Andrei, our hearts are soaring in the wind with you, and Elena will need +++ positive, loving comfort and support in the upcoming days.
The photos of you at various places at different times over the years bring back warm memories and show the strength and bonds of your island wind community. You will be greatly missed in so many ways

Yesterday I delayed my trip to the Oregon Coast by two weeks, because something felt ‘off’ and I decided it would best to go when the BWD crew where there in numbers. Now I know why – it will be wonderful to join in the celebration of your life with sun, sand, wind, water and waves!

Although Andrei is gone from us, his courage remains.

The older I get the more I have come to realize that people are very important and the rest, to great extent, is just stuff. With family and friends we have time when we get to walk together and then time when we walk without them. Elena and Andrei have been blessed with time to walk together. But that must also make parting very difficult. So it is with a heavy heart that I write to extend my deepest sympathy on Andrei’s passing.

If you are lucky, you come across a few people in your life who you like right away and you can trust right from the start – Andrei and Elena were just like that for me. Although the path we have travelled didn’t overlap for very long, I feel blessed to have met and known you both.

To all of Andrei’s family, loved ones, and friends, please accept my deep and heartfelt condolences. I hope you all have many happy memories to help you through this most difficult time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

With tears and great sorrow.

I'll miss your smiling face Andrei. Very sad.

Reuben

truly sad news. My condolences to the family and wishes for strength and courage for the upcoming days for his family and loved ones. As others have reflected I also will miss his enthusiasm and energy on and off the water.

Dale

So sad. I'm going to miss you bro, we had a lot of good times together...on the water and off.

When I think of Andrei I find that my thoughts always cause my face to break into a smile
He gave a warm gift of easy human company wrapped with entertaining stories of a past life full of foreign and fascinating experiences. It was a privilege to share some very happy times along with adventures and new challenges... from the early days at Nitinat.. doing the walk of shame with him to successes at Florence and then Pistol River.
It was almost a year ago when Andrei, Wingnut and I were camped along the Rogue River that he mentioned his headaches. My thoughts were that perhaps this was a result from a week of wave sailing at Pistol River. Andrei thought he should level out his van and not sleep on a slight decline This was not to be the case ...
Since that time I learned just how truely courageous our friend was.
Thank you Elena and RD's spirit... which is huge...for sharing time throughout this precious year. Hugs and warmth .... Pat
What a Beautiful Difference One Single Life Made

I'm very sorry to hear this tragic news - he was an incredible guy keeping such good spirits all the way through - and a talented sailor from what I gather. I lost my mother to cancer last year, its incredibly difficult losing a loved one, I know what you're going through. stay close to friends and family, they are invaluable in these difficult times. my sincere condolences Andrei will be greatly missed -
Todd

Andrei was one of those people who could seam together all of the things that make a good group of friends, and we are lucky all of us to have known him, even though this community reaches through so many experiences.

He will always have a home in our memories, as I can see him smiling now, standing in the waves at Gordon's Beach, mid session.

It is the same glow he shared with us, and it will always be riding with him, out in the waves.

Will miss you Andrei,
Roger

I can't believe it. RD had the most buoyant attitude, and exuberant love of this sport and community. That glint-eyed smile ... I'll miss you brother. Bean.

Do Pirates go to Heaven ?

Sure hope so.....

So sad to hear this news. I am happy to have been able to see you and Elena for one last time on that epic JR day this winter. Dunkingirl and I have great memories of you force feeding BWD and us watermelon in the gravel pit in HR, Watching, and wondering how you could eat the potted meat and the miles of laughter we got out of you getting mad at the Mexican teen lovers with the pimped out car and tunes blasting. Your response with the classic Russian dude accent, "Frreakin Mexicans. I'm trying to enjoy my meal." (Potted meat). You battled hard my friend. I'll miss you.

Trev

dunkinguy wrote:Your response with the classic Russian dude accent, "Frreakin Mexicans. I'm trying to enjoy my meal." (Potted meat).

Haha! I can't perfectly envision him saying that complete with accent!