In memory of Grandpa Kolya

Farewell 10/14/2025
Funeral 10/18/2025

Grandpa Kolya meant so much to me.

Thanks to Grandpa Kolya, I learned to see the good in people. In his youth, Grandpa Kolya damaged his optic nerve as a result of an infection, causing him to see double, his balance was impaired, his coordination deteriorated, and he had to relearn how to walk and write. This also affected his speech, which slowed and became slurred. He was permanently disabled. He was often mistaken for drunk on the street and on public transport; he fell and injured himself a lot, and no one helped him. Where many saw a sick man, I saw the real him. This taught me to look for the good in people, to see beyond the superficial.

I also inherited my stubbornness from Grandpa Kolya. And I learned not to give up even in the most difficult moments of life. He enjoyed truly robust health, rarely got sick, and his injuries healed quickly and without a trace. He ran in the mornings, doused himself with cold water, skied 10 km each way to the forest sauna, went rafting on an inflatable raft, and participated in hikes and orienteering competitions wherever he could. Grandma Lyuba worried that he might injure himself again—he was a frequent visitor to the emergency room—but his own limitations didn't stop him.

Thanks to Grandpa Kolya, I became an engineer. Even though Grandpa Kolya couldn't achieve his professional potential, he never gave up. He had his own hobbies, and even a whole design project. He was very erudite, knew a lot, and knew how to explain things. He helped me with my homework; for example, I still remember his explanations of how to calculate integrals. With his help, I was interested in learning new things, and by the end of school, I knew for sure that I would one day become an engineer.

Thanks to Grandpa Kolya, I learned the value of family relationships. Grandpa Kolya was mostly at home, and he devoted himself to caring for his family. Every day, he got up at 4 a.m. and, after a run, made us breakfast. He worried if something went wrong, and rejoiced when someone else succeeded. Kind, attentive, caring, he always helped me, both in word and deed, and when necessary, he stood up for me. I truly appreciate all the time Grandpa Kolya devoted to me and the knowledge he shared with me. I felt loved, protected, and accepted for who I am. And now I share my time and my knowledge with my son, understanding how important it is.

.........................

Grandpa Kolya is no longer with Grandma Lyuba. He's doing well there. His knees don't hurt, he can walk, run, and ride a bike again. He no longer sees double, he can finally see clearly and accurately pick up and use objects. He jokes a lot, plays the accordion, and sings songs. And Grandma Lyuba laughs and sings along. And she finally recognizes him. She greets him with a large bowl of tomato and garlic salad and a huge mug of tea brewed over the fire. And they are as young as they were years ago.

They were always young in spirit. And I will remember them that way.

/ granddaughter Natasha
10/12/2025

Hello Igor!
Hello brothers!

No wonder they say: word gets around. Although the TatNII is far from UPI, I overheard that you are going on a hike to the Subpolar Urals. Goska, holy-moly! Take me for God's sake!

Igor! First, please get back to me right away. Secondly, tell me who is coming. Thirdly, how many days is the trip, and how much it will cost me, so I have all the facts to make an informed decision if I can afford to go.

For my part, I want to tell you in advance that I have no skis, no ski boots, and no backpack. But I have everything else. Do you think possible for me to get backpack, boots and skis from the institute? I would be very happy if so. I'll find the rest myself. Igor, be sure to write right away,

if the group does not mind my part me joining, so that I can inform you in time whether I can go or not. In the meantime, I will start getting ready without wasting any time.

Give all the brothers greetings from the Gloomster. Let me know what is like the new (hiking - ed. note) section. And most importantly, unlike all past times, at least write an answer.

My life at the moment is tolerable, but the hiking aspect is very bad: although we are only 5 (in total!) qualified hikers, were trained over the summer, but there is no section. Neither in the TatNII, nor anywhere else in Bugulma. And for the whole of this winter we made only one hike that lasted a day. There is neither equipment in the VSS (Voluntary Sports Society - ed. note), nor enthusiasm among the youth of the city of Bugulma.

Well bye for now! Hiking gree
tings from the Gloomster (signature)
Dec 12, 1958