January 12, 1922 - July 13, 2020
Michael graduated into the presence of his Lord Jesus Christ, peacefully on the morning of July 13th, 2020 at the age of 98 years. He was surrounded by his loving family as he left his earthly home and was welcomed into the arms of his loving Heavenly Father.
Michael was born on January 12th, 1922 in Adamovka, Ukraine. In 1933 Michael, his younger brother and two sisters became orphans when their parents died while escaping as a family from the USSR to China.
He lived in Xinjiang, China until 1958, when Michael and his wife Nadejda with their five children, miraculously immigrated to Australia. In 1963 Michael moved his family to San Francisco, California where he was again reunited with his brother Vanya Ilyin and his sisters, Marusia Lokteff and Lena Kozaczuk.
In 1968, the family moved north to Seattle and then in 1975, the Lord led them further north to Vernon, B.C. In their retirement years, Michael and Nadejda approached their children and shared their heart for missions. Their desire was fulfilled, as they became missionaries to orphans, widows and the needy around the world.
Michael will forever be remembered by his sons and daughters: Victor (Lydia) Ilyin, Walter (Vera) Ilyin, Sara Michalski, Fred (Val) Ilyin, Natasha (Wally) Naten, Ruth (Jesse) Lopienski and Elizabeth (Paul) Chirkoff. Michael and Nadejda were blessed with 23 grandchildren and 36 great-grandchildren. Michael was welcomed into Heaven by his Savior Jesus Christ, his beloved wife Nadia; his grandson, Benjamin; and his son-in-law, Reverend Richard Michalski. His legacy will continue forever in the hearts and lives of his family.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Dr. Dippenaar and his staff and to the Vernon Interior Health Support staff for the loving and compassionate care they gave to Michael.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Orphans and Widows may be made to New Manna Ministries, P.O. Box 1325, Vernon, B.C. V1T 6N6.
(Web: newmanna.org Email: newmanna@telus.net)
A Graveside Service was held at the Pleasant Valley Cemetery on Monday, July 20th, 2020 at 10 am when Michael was laid to rest beside his beloved wife, Nadejda.
Funeral arrangements were made with Bethel Funeral Chapel Ltd., 5605-27th Street, Vernon, B.C. V1T 8Z5
250-542-1187