Victor Bokhan

Victor Bokhan of Salem, New Hampshire, died peacefully on Sunday morning, June 5, 2022, at the age of 86, with weakened health while battling Alzheimer’s disease. Victor was recently pre-deceased by his wife, Marilyn in January; they were married for over 60 years. Victor is survived by his son Mark and his wife Jill, daughter Anne Austin and her husband Edward; four grandchildren, Kristen Bokhan and fiance’ Katie Drummonds, Nicholas Bokhan and his wife Kelly, Heidi Austin and Julia Austin. Victor is also survived by his two sisters, Tania Babiuk and Lily Kostyk and her husband Steve, all residing in Rochester, NY. Victor’s niece Julie Flaherty resides in St. Petersburg, FL, and nephews Andrew Babiuk and Max Kostyk are in Rochester, NY.

Victor’s life was vibrant and inspiring, and his story is the definition of an American immigrant’s dream. He was born on March 15, 1936 in the Kirovohrad region of Ukraine, just to the south of Kyiv. He was the son of the late Ivan and Luba (Kovalenko) Bokhan. At a young age Victor’s father Ivan died during WW2. His family was removed from their home by the German army, and they were taken to live and work in a camp in Ulm, Germany. While in the camp, food was not plentiful; they were only given enough to survive and continue to work for the German war machine. While living in the camp they even had to run to bomb shelters when allied air forces were bombing in the area.

After the war, they were among the lucky refugees to receive asylum in the United States, and they started their new lives in Rochester, New York. Victor learned to speak English in one summer, enrolled in public school and also worked to help make ends meet. He made many friends and enjoyed sports like soccer, skiing, skating and gymnastics. After graduating high school in Utica, NY, Victor attended classes at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) where he learned about photography and the printing industry, while still working late shifts and helping to support his family. During those years he met Marilyn Blohm, who later became his wife in the spring of 1960.

Throughout his career in printing, Victor worked for companies that advanced the technology. After learning and learning the industry he eventually became a salesman for Compugraphic Corporation, where he was a top salesman for at least a decade. He succeeded with his endearing accent and his engaging personality as well as his knowledge of modern, computerized photo-typesetting.

In his free time, Victor was passionate about skiing and soccer. He coached children and helped to start a youth soccer league at UConn in Storrs, CT, he went to all his son’s middle and high school games, and continued to play soccer late into his fifties. He loved hosting his family at his home in Salem, NH, and splashing with his grandchildren in the pool. His infectious smile, his laughter and his corny jokes will be missed by all who loved him.

On Monday morning, July 18, 2022 there will be a dual internment ceremony for Victor and his wife Marilyn at the Pine Grove Cemetery in Salem, NH. There will be a celebration of Victor and Marilyn’s lives immediately following the ceremony. In lieu of flowers, please donate to refugee relief efforts for Ukraine, such as the United Way for Ukraine and the World Central Kitchen.