Our dear old Pop was ushered into heaven on June 24, 2018 in the late afternoon. He was 95 at the time of his death.
This is a post I wrote about Pop in 2016.
These two…always the best when they were together. Together for 70 years before our mom died. My Pop has been fragmented ever since our mom died on their 70th wedding anniversary, September 13, 2013. They could communicate well in Russian with each other. None of us kids are fluent so he’s lost that aspect of his daily life. We’ve all tried to support him in his sorrow. He would love to be reunited with mom and His Savior. But…until then we try to keep him looking up and staying in the light. Can you imagine sharing life together with someone for 70 years and then trying to live on your own?
Pop lives with our oldest sister’s family now. God bless her and her family for being there daily for our Pop. He has a special buddy in our dear niece Miss on the right in the photo above. Our sister Lana tries to visit regularly while she is in Southern California. I love the photo above of the 3 musketeers.
My Pop loves eating breakfast out but nowhere fancy please! He likes Denny’s or a similar spot where he can get his 2 eggs sunnyside up, with hashbrowns, sausage links and a cup of coffee. Oh yes…white toast only!
For lunch if you are going to take him out he enjoys a hamburger at the Habit. If you order or bring in a pizza he does not want thin crust healthy nonsense. Bring on the dough and all the good toppings, please.
Our best purchase ever was this recliner that he tells me every time he sees me in person that he loves. Thank you Lyena for my chair.
His sweet great granddaughter Eleanor. He thinks she’s the best.
No birthday cake just bring him a cherry pie!
His last sibling that is alive today. Aunt Anna and Pop live a few miles from each other. She lives in a senior care home. (She now lives with her granddaughter) They talk most every day for about 30 seconds tops. That’s another thing about Pop all you need is about 30 seconds a week to stay connected. He does not talk long on the phone!
These are some of Pop’s grandchildren with some of their spouses. He has many others and a very cool thing I’ll share about my Pop is that up until a few months ago he would get down on his knees every night and pray out loud for each of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
My niece captured this image of our Pop on his knees praying. Although my Pop and Mom had a language challenge in communicating with us children and grandchildren they showed us all love in different ways. My mother expressed her love through her cooking and preparing meals for us. Our Pop expressed his love in working hard all his life to provide our basic needs. Both my Mom and Pop prayed for each of us every day. These days if our Pop feels his bank account has more money than he needs he gives us some extra cash. My parents always lived with the bare necessities. Another thing my Pop would want you to know is that he was a sinner like the rest of us and that he has been saved by grace. He’s wasn’t perfect but he loves God and is grateful for all that God has done for him.
I wrote this post when my Pop was 93 in 2016. We thank God for Him and how God has blessed him and kept him all these years.
In 2010 my Pop said this to me on the phone after he was released from the hospital for a heart incident. “You know Lyenah last night when I was awake I was thinking, I’m so thankful, so thankful for all these years and God never let us down. For whatever God did…all His blessings and guiding, for all my children, I’m so thankful. I cannot complain. I love you Lyenah. I love all of you. When God calls me home I’ll say Ok…”
Pop meeting his great granddaughter, our first granddaughter, Addy. This was in February of 2018.
Our Pop has been in hospice care for several months at my sister’s home and was ready to leave this earth. We are thanking God that Pop was ushered into his Savior’s presence peacefully as he slept. We are so thankful to my sister Kathy and her husband and dear niece for the day to day care they blessed our dear pop with these last several years.
Past posts about Pop in random order for my own record keeping.
Addy meets her great grandfather
Some Facebook condolences I want to add here, too.
Josh’s Grandpa was ushered into heaven tonight. Our hearts are heavy at the loss of such an important part of our lives, but we rejoice too. He is fully restored, and is with his Savior and beloved wife. What an honor it was to know, love and be loved by him. Love you always, Deda
So very thankful for the legacy of faith this man left behind, and am privileged to call him family. We didn’t get a chance to introduce Ruthie to her Great Dzeda, but he loved her and Ellie so much. We love you and will miss you, Dzeda!
You should have heard the thunder and lightning last night!! Felt like the Lord was saying “HE HAS ARRIVED!” He is with the Lord & the Lord was exclaiming it last night ! What a amazing thought.. he is with our Creator!
Your dad was such a wonderful and strong man of God. So sorry to hear of Dadya Moisei. Please accept our condolences and apologies in not being able to be there with you during this time as Mike and I are in Australia.
Friday evening Bible Studies at Bethany! He impacted my life! He taught me so much! Will miss him!
He was a shining example of faith. Love you 
I miss you already, Deda…I love you forever 
So sorry for your families loss.
He left an incredible heritage that is rich in love. So beautiful!
May our Heavenly Father comfort you all and bring you His peace during this time.
My sweet Deda, Moisi Bagdanov, is Home with his Savior. He has fought the good fight, finished his race, and kept the faith…and now that faith is sight! The same God who answered my Baba’s prayer of 20 years and used him to bless many has ushered him into Glory. Thank you to those of you who have faithfully prayed for and loved my family during this time…we love you all!
“Perfect submission, perfect delight,
Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
Angels descending bring from above
Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long!”
Our dear old Pop is with his savior. He just wasn’t happy on this earth without his dear Nadz. Peace at last…
As Deda is now with Jesus and Baba in heaven three things keep rolling over and over in my head. 1.) His inherent work ethic passed on to his children and grandchildren and I am sure greatgrands as well. 2.) His passionate prayers mostly in Russian and partly in English. 3.) His “I love you, I love you, I love you”’s always in 3’s. It is an honor to be your grandchild, I will love you forever.
Home to eternal glory! Your dad’s godly legacy lives on in his dear children and grandchildren! Oh to be present with the Lord! Love you all and share your sadness and joy!
So sorry to hear. What a blessed life. A man of God and a man of integrity. Our love to you and all the family.
Absent from the body, present with the Lord. But also absent from those who loved him and cherished his love for them. Joy, washed with tears. God be with you and your loved ones, Ellen (and Greg and family)
So happy that your dad is where he has wanted to be for a long time! He leaves behind an amazing legacy and will be missed by so many whose lives were touched by his love!
Much love to all the Bagdanovs! Heaven looks sweeter all the time especially now that sweet Moisi is there. Blessings. 
💜
✝
😢
Always such a sweet, kind couple. They’re together again.
Your parents were so dear and such a blessing. They made a mark on my life. Always giving of their time to care for their family and still others. Full of hospitality and warming others in. So thankful for our good Lord who brings us to our new home. Praying for all of you Ellen Bagdanov Bayles, your family is a great reflection of the God your parents trusted. big hugs
Psalm 115:16. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints. I am happy for your dad, but I am sad for you. Love, Hugs and Prayers.
Praising God He is at Peace with Him & His Nadz, Praying for you and the whole family!,
Please let us know how we can help & support you! xoxo
Ellen…to you and all your family our thoughts are with you…..We know death is coming, but is still hard.
I’m so glad I got to meet them , such a sweet endearing couple, & all why I feel your loss, a tiny fraction of yours. Sweet Peace & Comfort to you & your family. Xoxo
Oh Ellen- I am so sorry. I know how he loved you and your family. And, how you loved him. My prayers are with all of you.
Love and condolences from Steve and I , to all your family.
Gone physically from this earth but now joyfully with his beloved. In that Heavenly Kingdom. What joy that brings to hearts, knowing the peace he now knows. Love
Praying for you and your family during this time, but knowing that your Pop is with his savior and rejoicing, is so awesome. May the Lord continue to comfort you and give you peace.
Promoted to glory!!
So many Saints have been swept up by Jesus Angel’s recently. And now your father and what an amazing reunion they are having. I’m sorry Ellen. You had great parents. **
Praying for you, Lana, and the whole family with love at this time of loss. And thankful with you for the rich legacy your dear parents left. How happy your dad must have been to walk through the gates and what a joy-filled reunion!
Oh Ellen. I’m so very sorry. Your parents have been such an inspiration for so many. Hugs to you and your family. 
💗
Aching and rejoicing and praising God for the beautiful smiles, prayers and welcoming words I was privileged to enjoy, gifted by your precious Pop through more than 4 decades.
Love to you all.
I will always remember your parents with fond memories when we were in junior high and high school. They were always so dedicated to their family. I feel your pain Ellen. I know you take comfort in our Lord and the fact that your parents are reunited once again. 🙏🏻🙏🏻
From Instagram:
I’m reminded of the words to the hymn that he likely walked down to at the crusade when he gave his life to Jesus…. Just as I am, without one plea,
But that Thy blood was shed for me,
And that Thou bid’st me come to Thee,
O Lamb of God, I come! I come!
Ellen, hugs to you and your family! I know heaven had been your Dad’s desire! I look forward to meeting him in heaven one day. And I will always remember his love for the Lord, his family and jigsaw puzzle. Prayers and hugs to you and your family! 💕✝
At peace, and with your beloved mother. May eternal light shine on him and may he rest in peace. What a man your father was. What a legacy of faith and courage and determination he had left for you and your children!
Our family will be trying to figure out the best time for all of us to have Pop’s memorial service and funeral. There are a lot of us. The funeral will be at Rose Hills in Southern California which means some of us have to travel from Washington State and Texas. We’ll have to weed through all that is going on in our lives to choose what’s best for most.
The Happy Wonderer ~ ellen b. 
Sincere condolences to all of you….with many blessings as you treasure your memories
Thank you.
My sincere condolences, Ellen. I so loved all your posts about Pop. The world needs plenty more like him. Thanks for sharing about him – you did a wonderful job writing a tribute. That pic of him praying by his bedside is precious! I pray someone in your family will pick up the mantle and continue praying for all of you daily. I suspect that will take a good chunk of time!
Thank you, Jerralea.
My heartfelt condolences for your loss, but more importantly my heartfelt elation for the joy your Pop brought to you, your family, and all he knew and loved. When my Dad went home 5 years ago, he, much like your Pop, proclaimed that he had lived a full and happy life and that he was ready. When people say they are ready, that brings us a certain peace that can help ease the sorrow of no longer having them here with us on earth to touch and laugh with and cry with and talk to…even if it is for only 30 seconds.
Peace for sure Alycia. Thank you.
Hello Ellen, I am so sorry for your loss. You have a wonderful tribute post and beautiful memories of your Pop.
Sending my prayers for you and your family.
Thank you, Eileen.
My condolences to you and your family, Ellen. What a blessed life he led and what a legacy he leaves here on Earth.
Thank you Sandi.
I am sorry for your loss, the gap that is there. I’m sure you will dearly miss him . But I’m delighted for your father. He is fully himself, in glory – and with your mom. Still, it’s so hard to say goodbye to your parent. God bless you – and all your family.
Thank you Susan.
Hi Ellen, My sympathy in your loss but thankful for the many years you had your Dad and for his love of the Lord and his family. The prayers of our parents are so important. You and I were blessed with parents who led by example. I always remember your Dad when I see a cherry pie (one of my favs too). God bless each of you during this time. With love, Mildred
Thank you Mildred.
Oh Ellen — your words and those of your family and friends say everything there is to say so beautifully — may I add my poor words but heartfelt sympathy. (And joy that you were able to enjoy the blessing of having your Pop with you as long as you did).
(And as a personal postscript; yes, at just past our 60th Anniversary, i can definitely imagine how hard it was for your Pop!)
Thank you Sallie.
From what you have written your Pop led a very productive and devoted life. What precious memories you have!
Millie
Thank you Millie.
Dear Ellen, my deepest condolences to you and your family.. Over the years I have been blessed by all of the many stories you have shared about your family.
Thank you.
You are welcome Ellen..
A bitterweet moment….freedom, and re-united with Mom for your Pop….a goodbye till we we meet again for the rest of you. Prayers for peace and comfort to you all.
Thank you.
My deepest condolences for your loss Ellen. This is a wonderful tribute to his life and love for his family.
Thank you Denise.
Such a sweet and loving post Ellen! Your Pop was much loved and will be sorely missed by all! What a wonderful legacy and heritage he has passed on to his children and children’s children. Huge hugs and prayers dear friend.
Thank you Rosella.
My condolences to you and your family for your loss Ellen. Thank you for sharing with us your personal tribute which witnesses to your trust and faith in our Saviour. The Lord has brought your Pop Home to be reunited with his dear wife. ‘In Heavenly Love Abiding’. Your parents’ Christian example will live on in your family. Remembering you and your loved ones in prayer as you prayerfully make decisions for the funeral and memorial service. May the Lord be with you at this time.
Thank you Linda.
Sorry for your loss but what a wonderful man and father he was. So many happy memories of this dear man. I’m sure he was so happy to be reunited with your mom and one day you will all meet again.
Thank you.
HI Ellen, Sending my love and sympathy for your loss! I love this post with all the memories, especially the one with him and all his grandchildren and him praying on his knees. Your pop looks like he was a special guy. God Bless him and may he rest in peace. Hugs dear friend xoxo
Thank you.
Thank you for sharing your precious father with your readers. I learned so much from him and feel somehow as if I had known him. I rejoice with you that he is safely home with all those who went before. His heart was already there with your mom and, most especially, with The Lord. I am praying for your family and for his sister who remains alone for this between time. Sending my love…
Thank you so much Vee.
…you lost a treasure of your life, favor all those memories.
Thank you Tom.
Thinking of you and all your family at this time. So many lovely memories of your lovely father. B x
Thank you Barbara.
Dear Helen, Your lovely Pops has left this world, but what a beautiful legacy he and your mom have left behind in you and your siblings and your whole family. I am sorry for your loss, but I know it’s a joyful sorrow and there is the radiant hope and expectation of being reunited on the other side one day. Blessings and comfort to you and yours.
Thank you, Sara.
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your dear Father. ((HUGS)) My prayers are with you and your family. I was in Florida this weekend celebrating my dad’s 95th on June 25th. We have been very blessed to have them in our lives for this long. Take care and may God Bless you with His love.
Dear Ellen … I have come to love your dad even though I’ve never met him. The love he had for his family has shaped your lives in so many ways and you will continue to be blessed by the memories you hold dear now. May the Lord comfort you with the eternal hope He has given us.
PS I didn’t know that he called you Lyenah … so sweet. I have a Russian born cousin whose name is Lena. How did you end up being Ellen?
Ellen – more than a few tears are coursing down my face – some are tears of joy for your Pop – gone to be with his Savior and his beloved wife. And many are tears of admiration for the love that shines through your post – it is more clear than ever what a close, blessed and loving family you have. I am sure you will miss your Pop, but I sense that there is peace and joy knowing that his earthly pain is over and his eternal happiness has begun. I pray that the family can find a satisfactory solution to the ceremony celebrating his life.
I’m so sorry for your loss, Ellen. My dad died five years ago today. I miss him. Prayers are with you.
Oh Ellen, I’m so sorry for your loss. We all know your Pop is in a much better place, but you will still miss him. I remember reading your previous posts about him and always enjoyed them. What an amazing person he was! I think a parent praying for their children every day shows the greatest love of all. It looks to me like he and your mom taught their children to follow the Lord, and they will be at peace now. Thank you for sharing this with us, and I’ll be thinking of you.
Hugs,
Denise
I’m so glad you’ve corralled all the posts and comments about your dear father here in this post. And thank you for letting me know that he has entered heaven. God’s blessing to you and your family as your grieve his loss from your daily lives, but rejoice in his vibrant life and even more alive with his Savior.