Oleksandr Saprykin

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Oleksandr Saprykin, a beloved father, grandfather, professor, and friend. Oleksandr passed away peacefully on Oct 20, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of intelligence, kindness, and dedication to his family and community.

Oleksandr is survived by his son Maksym Saprykin, his daughter Yuliana Artanova, his son-in-law Slava Artanov, his grandson Yasha Artanov, and his granddaughter Masha Artanova.

Born in Ukraine, Oleksandr earned a PhD in philology, specializing in French and English. He was a highly respected University Professor, who dedicated his life to teaching and mentoring hundreds of students throughout his career. He was also a great connoisseur of France and its culture, visited and worked there too. His passion for education and his unwavering commitment to his students left an indelible mark on everyone he encountered. Colleagues and students alike remember him as a brilliant mind and a compassionate guide.

Oleksandr was known for his intellect, class, and reliability. He was a strict but kind teacher and a father who always went above and beyond for his family, even during the most challenging times. He never complained, despite enduring incredible hardships throughout his life, including surviving the Chernobyl disaster in 1986, where he participated in the liquidation efforts. After the collapse of the USSR, he single-handedly raised his two children while facing severe economic challenges, yet he remained a constant source of strength and support for those around him.

In recent years, Oleksandr was forced to leave Ukraine due to the ongoing war, but he continued to demonstrate his resilience and care for his family, never letting life's difficulties weigh him down.

He will be remembered most for his empathy, fairness, and his unwavering willingness to help others. A true friend to many, Oleksandr had the rare gift of being able to listen deeply and provide wise counsel. Some of his happiest moments were spent visiting new places with his loved ones and sharing his vast knowledge through stories. He also had a love for reading and enjoyed shopping for his family and friends—always finding joy in giving to others.

Oleksandr’s proudest accomplishment was the gratitude and admiration of his students and colleagues, who often spoke of him as the best professor and guide they ever had.

His strength, humility, and selflessness will be forever cherished by his family and all those who were fortunate enough to know him.

May Oleksandr Saprykin rest in peace, knowing that his legacy of love, knowledge, and kindness lives on in the hearts of all who knew him.