Page created by: Yuliya Chekhovskiy

My father passed away from Parkinson's disease on May 24, 2015 in Lviv, Ukraine, being only 68 years old. He was sick for more than ten years. He spent the last ten months of his life completely bed ridden depending on my mother, who acted as the most devoted nurse and caregiver. Last time I saw my dad alive was in August 2013, when I came for a visit with my son from New York. Although I knew a lot about Parkinson's disease by that time (my maternal grandfather also had it), I never thought that it was the last time I could talk to my dad and hug him.

My dad was kind, sentimental and peaceful. He loved his family and adored me, his only child but was also attentive and kind to his nephews, my cousins. He was a voracious reader, extremely erudite and well-educated. His memory was nothing short of incredible, and he liked to share his knowledge with anyone who was willing to listen. He loved music and collected vinyls and later CDs his whole life. Movies was another interest of his. Not only did he simply watch a variety of films, he read a great number of volumes on the history and theory of cinematography.

My father was liked by almost everyone who met him. Despite his intellect , he never acted in a condescending manner or looked down on anyone, and always taught me how important it is to be civil and try to get along. He taught me to be skeptical and question everything.

I will never accept his premature death. He will always be sorely missed. My only consolation is that he died with my mom, his devoted lifelong partner, at his bedside.