His life was not easy. At the age of 11 he survived the fascist military occupation of his native town. At the age of 18 he moved to Moscow. With no support, other than from his loyal and beloved wife Yulya, he made his way up from university student to the vice-president of a big research institute.
However, though he was a brilliant chief executive and scientist, his primary focus has always been his family.
For the whole life he was the example of a real head of the big family. He left behind two sons with their wives, five grandchildren with their spouses and eight great-grandchildren.
He taught us all to be firm with enemies but loving and tender with family and friends. And these lessons are unforgettable as well as him – our teacher, inspiration, life coach and best friend.
He always supported his family, and the family always supported him.
It is hard to imagine the depth of our grief.
Farewell dear Dad, you will live in our hearts forever.