The Russian Camp community was sad to learn of the sudden passing of Nikita Veniaminovich Smirnov. Nikita and his late wife Elena (‘Lieka’) were senior camp staff at the Russian Children’s camp ORUR in upstate New York. In the early 1970’s, Nikita and Lieka, with their children Tanya, Nina, and George, started the first Canadian branch of the ORUR Camp on what is now Ruskoka Camp. He was an advisor, supporter and donor to Ruskoka.

He was also a longstanding member of the Russian Orthodox community in Toronto, and a very active participant of the church choirs at Henry St. and Manning Ave. In the 1960’s he was president of the Russian Cultural Aid Society.

Nikita spent his childhood growing up in Africa, and followed his father’s footsteps to become an engineer, working in Toronto for Ontario Hydro. He will be fondly remembered by his many friends for his kindness, for being “genuinely Russian” and being proud of his heritage, for his initiative, for being direct, and for his beautiful singing voice. Our deepest sympathies to his family and children. Tsarstvo Nebesnoye.

Funeral services will be held at Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church in Toronto.
Panikhida – 6:30 pm, Tuesday, December 18th, 2007
Matins – 7:00pm, Wednesday, December 19th, 2007
Liturgy and Funeral – 9:00am, Thursday, December 20th, 2007