RadioBanter - Boris Belitzky RIP

I missed this one a few weeks ago:

OBITUARY

Boris Belitzky died on September 3rd. He was 82. A man of high integrity,
outgoing heart and sparkling sense of humour, he never complained of ill
health despite his advanced age. His death came as a shock to all of us.

Boris Belitzky stayed with the English Service for 57 years and from the
very beginning until the very end his brilliancy in the profession was
beyond doubt. A remarkable translator, radio announcer and observer, he
never approached his work with anything but a creative urge.

For many years Boris Belitzky was the author and host of "Science and
Engineering" - one of the most popular programs on the Voice of Russia. His
enticingly intriguing voice, immaculate command of English and profound
knowledge in the subject he covered earned him the respect of millions of
listeners.

Right after graduation from Moscow University in 1942, Boris Belitzky was
called up to fight the Nazis. He fought the Nazis in Rumania, Hungary and
Austria and for his heroism was awarded numerous orders and medals. In
post-war years his achievements were repeatedly marked with government
awards. As a high-class interpreter he also worked beyond the confines of
the radio. In 1960 he translated at the trial of the spy pilot Francis Gary
Powers and in 1961 translated for Yuri Gagarin at a reception given by the
Queen of Britain.

Boris Belitzky has brought up several generations of translators, announcers
and journalists. Everyone who knew him remembers him as a hard-working and
well-wishing man of wisdom who could but evoke undisguised love and respect.
All of us at the English Service are mourning for him, and the bright memory
of our much-loved colleague, Boris Belitzky, will live in our hearts
forever.

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