Nicolai Burtcev
Nicolai Burtcev “Russian Nick”, 64 died June 24, 2013 quietly at home after a long battle with cancer. Nick maintained a positive upbeat attitude throughout the struggle. Nick made Wrangell his home for the last nine years of his life.
His journey through this world started August 23, 1948 in St. Petersburg, Russia. He came to the U.S. in the 1970s and became a citizen and lived in many different places over the years, often in university towns. His skills and education allowed him work at various jobs and professions over the years. Among other things, he taught physics at the university level, participated in various West Coast fisheries and was ranked as a chess master for a time.
He loved Alaska and chose to settle here, eventually acquiring a boat and hand troll permit.
Nick lived simply and traveled lightly, at least in his later years. He spent most of a winter one year just traveling up and down the coast on the ferry, seeing new places and meeting new and old friends.
He always had time to spend with a friend and enjoyed learning how to do new things. Everyone he met was a potential friend and when able he was always ready to lend a helping hand. He read widely, and kept up with world events and could hold his own in any discussion be it world affairs, politics, philosophy or any other topic.
Nick is survived by his brother Sergei of St. Petersburg Russia and his niece, Ekaterina Nikandrova. Sergei was able to visit his brother here in Alaska a few years ago and understood why Nick made Alaska his home.
His family has few photos of Nick and would love to have a few more for remembrance. Copies can be sent to PO Box 2135, Wrangell Alaska 99929 and will be forwarded on to his family.
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