Yuri Federov

From: John Halbert [mailto:johnhalbert@comcast.net] 
Sent: Wednesday, June 20, 2012
To: 'Tom Halbert - President'
Subject: Yuri Fedorov
Former city director for our Sister City of  Vladimir, Russian Federation, Laura Flesch, has passed on information about the death of Yuri Federov who was our point of contact from the establishing our twinning with Vladimir.  Laura writes “With deep sadness, I learned that Yuri died today.  Yuri will be missed by so many people around the world whose lives he touched.  He embraced and enriched Sarasota’s Sister Cities program with Vladimir through beautiful ideas that served to bring our people closer together, and shared his fond memories of this friendship to the end.
                                                                                                           
The memory of Yuri Viktorovich Fedorov remains forever in the hearts of his friends and colleagues, and he will be an inspiration for continued mutual cooperation with Vladimir.  Notes and letters of condolence may be sent to his wife, Nadiezhda Fedorovna, and to the Mayor of Vladimir, Sergei Sakharov, via Anna Makarova of the International department, of Vladimir City Administration, anna.makarova@vladimir-city.ru and inter@vladimir-city.ru

You may like to take a moment to read the attached Proclamation for Yuri Fedorov Day issued by Mayor Suzanne Atwell and Sarasota Sister Cities Association last Spring, which reads in part:  “…Yuri was a true Ambassador of Russian hospitality, with a global sense of Citizen Diplomacy, who has created lasting and progressive contributions to our joint mission, building bridges of peace and understanding between our citizens with dedication and commitment to the spirit of Sister Cities International…”
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From: Kate Alexander [mailto:kalexander@floridastudiotheatre.org] 
Sent: Wednesday, June 20, 2012 10:50 AM
To: John Halbert
Cc: Richard Hopkins; Beth Duda; A Ratner; Pam Smith; DEVELOPMENTA; Christianne Greiert
Subject: RE: Yuri Fedorov: please share

What a moving tribute to have Yuri Federov Day-----in our city.

When I think of Russia, the image of Yuri is deeply embedded because he embodied the "soul" of Russia in our experience. Warm, humorous, full of the vitality of life, Yuri left no stone unturned in our  magnificent trip.  He brought us  directly to the heart of the people - interesting cafe's, excursions, important meetings, historical and social contextual viewpoints on everything and always with that depth of feeling that was so characteristic of him. 

I still picture him. Our van driving up in the snow, Yuri in his Russian hat  (the cold air whipping us senseless)  boldly coming down the steps of the City Offices , arms out stretched ,booming voice, welcoming us day after day after day, We never felt it was a "duty," never felt he was putting in time after long work hours.

Like a larger than life storybook character, he beckoned us to experience Russia on his terms-see the real Russia in its vivid religious mystical presence, its rich history enveloping every street, his laughter and soulful engagement warming every cold day. 

Yes, Yuri and Russia are one.  His impact on our theatre artisans, our relationship with our Russian friends, educators and students was forever forged by Yuri. He shall be missed, but never forgotten for his legacy lives on.

On behalf of Florida Studio Theatre,

Our condolences

Kate

Kate Alexander 
Associate Director 
Florida Studio Theatre 
1241 North Palm Avenue