Demetri Suk's Obituary
On Sunday, February 21, 2010, Demetri Suk, 71, passed away in Leesburg, VA.
First generation American born of Russian parents, Korney Suk and Mary Martinek Suk. In 1955 he graduated from Stuyvesant High School, New York City, NY. He served four years in the USAF and worked for over 36 years at the Federal Aviation Administration.
Demetri was the beloved husband of Estelle Compton and father of Demetri Korney Suk, Susan Page (Suk) and husband Ed Lang, and Nicholas Alexander Suk; Grandpapa to Edward Frances Lang, Jr., Nicholas Alexander Lang, Alexandra Nicole Lang. He was also survived by his very dear friends, Richard and Mary Claire Buschman, Marilyn & John Brame plus many other special people.
Demetri was a beloved man that devoted his life to his family and shared his time with his Grandchildren. He attended their sporting or school events, providing entertainment and laughter for all, with all.
Hello, I am Edward Lang, Demetri’s oldest grandson. My grandfather was one of the most heartfelt, enthusiastic men I know. Each time we were together was a new chapter in our lives. It did not matter whether it was a nice hot summer day or a dim rainy day, with him it always made that day much better.
I remember a day not to long ago. My brother and I had the idea of bringing our Nerf guns over the house just to see what would possibly happen. At first I thought it would be a slow game and no one would want to play, but man was I wrong. We all had Nerf guns shooting each other, and he had the best gun. He sat in his chair and had so much fun. Shooting his daughter, son and grandkids without getting yelled at had to be fun. And whenever we got a good shot that hit him somewhere, his acting came into play, and that was one of his many traits that were so memorable.
When he said “That’s my grandson!” or “That’s my granddaughter!” we all knew he was so proud of us no matter what. When he showed up at our events either a baseball game, softball game, or music concert, he would be there to support us. When that event was over, whether we did good or bad, won or lost, he would always have a hug waiting for us in his arms. He would say, “You did amazing!” even if it was horrible, because he loved us.
The stories he told the family of his life were amazing and inspiring. I remember on Christmas day, he told me a story about asking his mother about getting a tree and as a child he was quite poor. He told me how he went to a place where trees were sold and asked for a tree. As many of you probably know, they’re not cheap. So being a cute little boy he was, he asked and begged for a Christmas tree, but with no luck. As he started to walk away one of the workers told him to come back, and when he turned, the man had cut him a little Charlie Brown tree. Even though it wasn’t a large tree he was expecting, he was still a happy little trooper! So as he carried his tree up his stairs to his apartment, little needs trailed behind him as he trotted up the stairs. He finally reached his room and opened the door. His mom was a little peeved that he still got a tree, but inside, she was probably thinking about how big his heart was.
From the amazing stories he told, to the greatly-spoken words he projected, my grandfather was an amazing man. He didn’t ask for much from any of us, but when he did, people were delighted to accompany him and help him with whatever he needed. My grandfather called me “his prince”, my brother “my man” and my sister “his lovely granddaughter”. He was a very strong man for his age, and through the past month or so he used medical equipment to help him. But that did not make him any less strong in my eyes. I know he’s in a much better place, pain and worry free. I know he love us all, and he also doesn’t want things to change because of his absence. I truly miss and love my best friend, and I know he misses and loves all of us here.
I love you Grand-papa.
What’s your fondest memory of Demetri?
What’s a lesson you learned from Demetri?
Share a story where Demetri's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Demetri you’ll never forget.
How did Demetri make you smile?