Boris Doudakov

With heavy hearts, we share that our beloved father, Boris Dudakov, passed away peacefully at home on the morning of December 23, 2025, in Toronto, Canada.

Born on August 21, 1931, in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg), Russia, to Grigoriy Goldberg and Evgenia Dudakova Goldberg, Boris lived a life marked by courage, intellect, and profound humanity. As a child, he survived the Siege of Leningrad during World War II, a testament to his resilience and strength that would guide him throughout his life.

After graduating from the University of Leningrad Law School, Boris and his family moved to Moscow, where he embarked on a distinguished and varied career. He served as Chief of Staff at Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport, Assistant to the Minister of Automatization of the Soviet Union, and later led a scientific research institute overseeing inventions and innovative technologies.

A pioneer in the emerging field of space law, Boris completed his doctoral studies with a dissertation on International Legal Problems of the Use of Geostationary Orbit, laying the groundwork for legal frameworks that continue to guide international space exploration today. In recognition of his groundbreaking contributions, he was awarded one of the highest honors in the Soviet Union, becoming a Laureate of the State Prize of the USSR.

Boris possessed encyclopedic knowledge and an insatiable curiosity. He delighted in learning, always eager to dig a little deeper into any subject. Equally remarkable was his knack for connecting with people. Throughout his life, he maintained friendships both old and new, excelling in the art of being a true friend, offering guidance, sharing wisdom, giving sound advice, and lifting others up wherever he could.

Boris also had a passion for exploration and travel, and he was fortunate to visit many corners of the world throughout his life, embracing new cultures, ideas, and experiences with the same curiosity and enthusiasm that defined him.

Boris also found great joy in sports, a love that began in his youth when he attended countless soccer matches in person with his father in Russia. That early bond ignited a passion that followed him throughout his life. He especially loved soccer and tennis, always deeply invested in his favorite teams and players. Whether it meant staying up late, waking up early, or arranging his day around important matches, he rarely missed a tournament or game, watching every moment with enthusiasm, emotion, and unwavering loyalty.

After his retirement, Boris and his wife, Eleonora, moved to Toronto, Canada, to be near their grandchildren. The youngsters coined his loving nickname “Dudi” that stuck with him for the rest of his life. His grandchildren brought him utmost joy and happiness. He also loved his extended stays on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, where he enjoyed spending time with family, exploring beaches and nature, and where he formed lasting friendships and shared his warmth with the community.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Boris possessed charm, warmth, and a sense of humor that touched everyone who knew him. His handsome presence once landed him roles as an extra in films and even a feature in a men’s fashion magazine, but it was his heart and character that left the deepest mark on those around him. He was incredibly proud of his daughters and their families, he reveled at his children’s and grandchildren’s accomplishments, embracing them as a part of his own legacy.

Above all, Boris was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was preceded in death by his parents, and leaves behind his beloved wife of 55 years, Eleonora Dudakova; his daughters Natalia Dudakova Diaz (Eduardo “Eddie”) of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, USA, and Yeugenia Dudakova Kazantseva Macdonald (Allan) of Toronto, Canada; and his cherished grandchildren: Ekatherina Kazantseva Pajic (Damien) of Geneva, Switzerland; Ksenia Kazantseva of Toronto, Canada; Sofia Dudakova Diaz of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, USA; Matthew Macdonald of Victoria, British Columbia; and Kate Macdonald and Megan Macdonald, both of Toronto, Canada. His family, and the countless lives he touched, carry forward his legacy of love, integrity, and kindness.

Those who knew him will remember his quiet strength, his boundless curiosity, his laughter, and his ability to make everyone feel valued.

Boris Dudakov wished to be remembered as a man who believed deeply in love, peace, and fairness for all. His life was a testament to knowledge, friendship, resilience, and devotion to family. We are endlessly grateful for his love, his guidance, and the light he brought into our lives.

He will be forever loved, forever missed, and never forgotten.

The Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, December 28, 2025, with visitation beginning at 2:45 pm, at Jerrett Funeral Home, Toronto, Canada.