Metrofan Rukovishnikoff

1949 - 2014

Metrofan Rukovishnikoff, 65, of Saint Paul Island, Alaska passed away peacefully at the Alaska Native Medical Center on Sunday, September 7th. 2014. He was born in Alaska on June 15, 1949. Metrofan graduated from Chemawa Indian School in 1969 and was immediately inducted into the United States Army. He served as a Specialist IV with Company B, 815th Engineer Battalion. He was in Vietnam from July 16, 1970, until July 15, 1971. He received the National Defense, Marksmanship M14, Vietnam Service, Army Commendation, Vietnam Campaign and Good Conduct Medals. He had honorable discharge in 1970. After discharge, Metrofan resided in Saint Paul and worked as the City Water and Wastewater Operator until he retired. He served devotedly as Starosta for the Saints Peter and Paul Russian Orthodox Church of Saint Paul. Metrofan was an active member of the community and is known for his daily routine of visiting the offices of Saint Paul. He is known to his nieces and nephews as "Uncle Mad" because he would pretend to be mad to tease the kids. He had a generous, caring and humorous soul that imprinted on the lives of many people. His response to a "Good Morning" greeting was commonly "What's so good about it?" with a smile. He found great amusement in making people laugh - everyone he encountered felt better after seeing him. He enjoyed watching sports but did not have a favorite team. Metrofan is preceded in death by his parents, George Sr. and Ifrosenia Rukovishnikoff; brothers Andrey, George Jr., Gabriel Sr.; and sister Daria Kochutin. He is survived by his sisters Feofaneya Galanin and Georgia Paulus. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and extended family. Visitation will be held at Saint Innocent's Russian Orthodox Cathedral in Anchorage on Monday, September 15th, at 11:00 a.m. with funeral services following at 12:00 p.m. Metrofan will be laid to his final resting at Fort Richardson National Cemetery with honors at 1:30 p.m. The Very Reverend Archpriest John Zabinko will officiate. Pallbearers will be Mark Rukovishnikoff, Andrew Rukovishnikoff, John Rukovishnikoff, Gabriel Rukovishnikoff Jr., Gary Paulus and Edward Paulus. Honorary pall bearers will be Thomas Bourdukofsky, Joshua Rukovishnikoff, Phillip Zavadil, and Devin Kushin. Arrangements are with Janssen's Evergreen Memorial Chapel.