DR. ALEKSEJ N. VUKOLOV was born May 24, 1917 in Novocherkassk, Russia.

His father was an officer in the Russian Army, WW1. Germany was defeated but the homeland was lost to communists in the Russian revolution. His father fought in the White Army and retreated to Yugoslavia. Aleksej's mother was Polish and left Russia with her son during an amnesty period. They settled in Yugoslavia with his father. One year later, his parents divorced. His mother worked and re-married in 2 years.

He graduated from a Russian Cadet Military Academy as a cavalry officer in his new country's army. He fought Germans on horseback in the mountains at the beginning of World War 2. His King surrendered to Hitler and signed the Geneva Convention. Hitler honored it. Aleksej was a prisoner of war for four years. After the war, he returned to a much changed country under communist Tito's absolute control. He became a dentist.

He emigrated to U.S.A. in 1956, settling in Louisville Kentucky with only $10. He entered dental school at the University of Louisville, graduating in 1959, second in his class (one year earlier than required).He came to Connecticut and practised dentistry in West Haven until he retired. He was Captain in the Connecticut Horse Guard, Second Company, for 25 years. He studied with Karl Mikolka, Classical Dressage, for 6 years learning technique. He taught dressage and trained 2 horses to Grand Prix level.

Aleksej loved history and was always reading. He lost everything three times in his life. Rebuilding was a constant effort. He believed in God. His horseman's definition was "unconditional love which all spirits can access, not just king's". He was never afraid. Life was a beginning, a middle and an end, full of challenges. He cherished the gift of free will. He died peacefully at home from leukemia on August 3rd, 2006.

He is survived by his wife, Kathleen Ross.

The memorial service will be held September 2nd, 2006 at 11a.m. at Christ Episcopal Church on Amity Road in Bethany, CT. The Second Company of the Connecticut Governor's Horse Guard will present a mounted color/honor salute. Burial will be at Carrington Cemetery, Rainbow Road, Bethany. A reception will be held from

130 p.m. to 530 p.m. Teddy B's Restaurant, 136 Amity Road, Bethany, Ct.