JOHN ERNEST ANDERSON LIFE
One of the 1st Goalies 1969 Border Bruins  

John donated his goalie equipment to the Alumni and it can be viewed at the Arena Concession
  

1954 - 2008

John Ernest Anderson of Grand Forks, passed away suddenly on December 31, 2008.  John was born on November 29, 1954 in Grand Forks. the eldest son of Bob and Mary Anderson.  He will be sadly missed by his parents, Bob and Mary Anderson, sister Sharon (Tom) Makortoff, brother Dave (Karolyn) Anderson, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and great-nieces, as well as many, many friends.  A celebration of John's life will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion in Grand Forks, on Sunday, January 11. 2009 at 12:00 noon.

(Obituaries the Gazette, Grand Forks, BC, Wednesday, January 7, 2009 - 17)

Uncle John

For me he was my uncle John
To others brother, friend and son
He was also known as Uncle Buck

The eldest son of  Mary and Bob
He inherited their kindness, generosity and love
Raised in the meat business, work came with ease
Whether butchering or cutting or shooting the breeze

He was brother to siblings Sherry and Dave
Who were his torment and later to save
To play with like puppies, to tease and to teach
On top of a mountain or down by the beach

Dear Uncle John, a friend to us all
His generosity as deep, as he was tall
He shared his laughter like he did his home
And made sure that no one was left alone

It is in hearts where he nowstays
To remember on brighter, sunnier days
And I'm sure he'd rather that we didn't cry
And instead seize our days before they slip by

David Anderson Jr.

PAUL SOFONOFF LIFE

  

The Alumni's Official Puck-dropper "Paul Sofonoff" at the 35th Celebrations of the Border Bruins in 2004.


   Paul entered a contest to name the new Junior B Hockey Club in Grand Forks. He won $10.00 cash for naming the team "Grand Forks Border Bruins".  Paul loved the Boston Bruins and since Grand Forks is next to the International (USA/Canadian) border, that semed like a good choice. Paul son "Wally" was the first team captain in 1969/70 the first season for the Border Bruins. Paul and his wife Molly and her sister Vera have been loyal fans throughout the years. In fact Molly and Vera were the only two fans (with friend Betty) who had reserved seats. Paul always had a warm smile and a deep love for the game.

 (The Gazette, Grand Forks, BC, Wednesday 19, 2008 - Obituaries)

    Paul was born on October 15, 1928 in Kamsack, Saskatchewan to Nick and Helen, the youngest of four children.  When Paul four, the family moved to British Columbia and settled permanently in Grand Forks.  Paul received some schooling, and as a teenager worked in the Okanagan orchards.  There he met Molly Arishenkoff and the couple married in December of 1948.  They settled in Grand Forks and built a small house in Christovoye.  The house was added on as the children Elaine, Walter and Naida were born.  He worked hard to provide for his young family.  By now, Paul had begun his 40-year career in the forestry industry.  First he worked for Horvatin Brothers Logging in Greenwood, then at the Boundary Sawmill in  Midway, and later at the Grand Forks Sawmill (Pope and Talbot).  Paul was a member of the International Woodworkers of America.  He supported union activities even after his retirement in 1989.  Paul was an avid hockey and baseball fan.  He was actively involved with the Labor day Baseball Tournament from its inception through to its growth as the Grand Forks International.  Paul won the contest to name our local hockey club known as the Border Bruins  He was always at the arena cheering on his favorite team, and encouraging his grandchildren as they progressed through minor hockey.  Paul was a USCC member and volunteered his time in many activities.  He serve as a trustee for the Christovoye area and also sat on the Executive Committee.  He enjoyed outdoor work and would always help with yard cleaning, construction and upkeep.  For many years he was a member of the Cemetery Board.  Paul and Molly hosted four Chernobyl children, and both enjoyed their Belanrussian grandchildren.  In July, Paul's failing health required his admission to Hardy View Lodge.  His condition worsened, and he passed away peacefully on November 15, 2008 with his wife at his side.  He was 80. Paul was predeceased by his parents; two brothers, John and Jim; his sister Ann; two nephews, Billie Chiveldae and Steve Bufula; and a grandson, Michael Sofonoff.  He will be missed by Molly, his wife of 60 years; daughter Elaine and husband Dick Krickan of Kitimat; son Walter; and daughter Naida Androsoff, both of Grand Forks; and eight grandchildren.  Paul will always be remembered as a kind and humble man with a good sense of humour.  May God, grant him eternal peace.  Vechnaya Pamyat. A funeral service was held on Tuesday, November 18, 2008 in the USCC Community Centre with burial following at the USCC Cemetary.  Funeral arrangements entrusted to Baker family of Grand Forks Funeral Home.

Wayne Piper 
 One of the first Border Bruins General Managers and Coach passed away suddenly following a short illness on October 17th, 2009...more to come.