Remembrance of Valeriy Lopanitzin
Valery Konstantinovich Lopanitsin, who faithfully and smilingly served SPbCU in all sorts of grounds and facilities maintenance services since 1997, went home to be with the Lord on November 9th after a long battle with cancer. A formal parting with him took place on the 12th of November. Family, relatives, friends, members of his church and people connected with SPbCU attended a funeral service at a church in Pavlovsk. The pastor of Valery's church ('Logos') and professor at SPCU, Sergei Samoilenkov, conducted this service. Short speeches were given by F.M. Mokan (the executive director of the 'Barnabas' fund), A.I. Negrov ( the Rector of SPbCU) and I.A. Kuznesov (pastor of the church in Pavlovsk which provided space to meet).After a service at the cemetery in Pushkin, an evening in memory of Valery Konstantinovich was held in the SPbCU cafeteria, which was attended by about 70 guests. This special time included a reading from the Bible, Christian songs, remembrances of Valery's friends, colleagues, and members of his church. Pictures of him, his family and life were projected on the wall throughout the evening, bringing a sense of his presence with us. For some of his newer acquaintances who didn’t have time to get to know him very well, this night created an image of an exceptional man who was devoted to God and who was ready to help at any time. Valery Konstantinovich loved his life and was happy. He devoted his time to his favorite job, taking care of his family and helping his brothers and sisters.
In the comments of his friends and co-workers we heard not only condolence but also words of encouragement for everyone who was there. Our brother is not with us, but he is with God. He is in his home.
Toward the end of the evening, the Rector of SPbCU, A.I. Negrov, reported the decision of the university Board of Directors to establish a scholarship in honor of Valery Lopanitcin. This scholarship will be given to first year students who take part in the social life of the university and who show themselves to be in support of cleanliness and order in SPCU. The selection of people who will be given this scholarship will be held every year on the 1st of May.