Sergey Shaterkin

Sergey Aleksandrovich Shaterkin was born in Moscow on September 30, 1947, to Aleksandr and Maria Shaterkin.

It was a very ordinary Moscow family with all the consequences of the post-war years and, of course, with all the little joys of everyday life.

From his earliest childhood, Sergei showed a great interest in both his studies and sports. He repeatedly won prizes in Greco-Roman wrestling at Moscow championships. But his talent, of course, was most evident in the technical sciences. In 1982, he entered the Moscow Institute of River Transportation and after graduating, he worked for many years as the head of the cargo department at Domodedovo Airport in Moscow.

While in this position during the difficult 90s, Sergey unfailingly helped his loved ones, and during the tragic Sukhumi war in 1992, he hospitably opened the doors of his home to all of Margarita's relatives. All the refugees from Sukhumi still remember Sergey with a deep sense of gratitude.

The people of Sukhumi have always held a special place in Sergey's heart. And the reason for this fondness was one of the young girls from Sukhumi with unusually beautiful green eyes. On May 12, 1978, Sergey married this green-eyed beauty and he and Margarita created a very prosperous and happy family.

On October 8, 1979, their charming daughter Yulia was born, followed by their bundle of joy Maxim on January 31, 1981.

On July 4, 1998, Sergey and his family moved from Moscow to Los Angeles. And of course, like many immigrants, the Shaterkins had to go through all the emotional and everyday difficulties of adapting to a new life. As it usually happens, it is at such times that the strength of a family and devotion to each other are revealed. The Shaterkins have gone through this ordeal with dignity. And today they all have something to be proud of.

Yulia, this young, delicate girl, received a master's degree in business management. She created her own business from scratch and today runs a successful enterprise. Of course, not without the help of her faithful and devoted husband Arayik. They got married in 2000 and Arayik very quickly became an integral part of the Shaterkin family. He and Yulia raised two charming daughters - Mary and Ani.

Mary recently graduated from university with a bachelor's degree in psychology.

Ani is studying at Northridge University (CSUN). She chose to be an economist.

Of the Shaterkin family, Maxim proved to adapt the fastest to life in America. As a teenager, he graduated from High School in two years, and immediately went on to serve in the US Coast Guard – wasting no time. During these 10 years of service in the Coast Guard, he graduated from university, met the love of his life Anya, married her in 2008, and by the end of his service had two wonderful children with her: Sam and Masik (Maxim Jr.). Anya was the perfect match for Maxim—and her presence completed the Shaterkin family in every way. She graduated from USC and received a bachelor's degree in finance.

Today, Maxim works as a public servant with a fulfilling career and family.

Sergey had a lot to be proud of. He had a strong family, happy children, beloved grandchildren. But, as often happens, even the most cherished and loving of us are not spared grief. In 2012, he had a massive stroke and for the last 13 years he has lived practically bedridden.

That's when the strength and devotion of his family really showed.

Over all these years, Margarita served as a dutiful wife and became Sergei's cornerstone of support. She became his doctor and bedside nurse; she strived to replace everything that the stroke had taken from him. For the past 13 years, Margarita has devoted herself wholeheartedly to Sergei, with unwavering love and tireless commitment.

And today is no exception.

Today, Sergei's family has once again gathered around him again - but for the last time.

His children and his family will continue to live on and carry the remembrance of all the good things he did.

May his soul find eternal peace, and his name remain in our hearts forever.