SERGEI N. TELEGIN

SERGEI N. TELEGIN, (January 16, 1947 – January 24, 2004) was the son of Soviet World War II veterans. His father, Nikolay Ivanovich, a respected Lt. General was not only a strong presence on the German front but, when victory was achieved, was sent to fight in the East. His mother, Ksenia Mikhailovna Telegina was a war medic and captain of medical services. Sergei was a brilliant student with highest marks in both school and music conservatory. He graduated from the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT) with Honors, won an Olympiad in Mathematics and continued his studies toward a Ph.D. Sergei worked for decades as an associated professor of mathematics in one of the Moscow Universities – and was a tutor to many.

During the economic crisis in Russia in 1998, Susan Mesinai rented a room from Sergei and his wife Nina and, over time, acquainted Sergei with the concerns of the investigation into Wallenberg’s fate. When Susan received a grant to pursue the transport study in the Military Archives, she asked Sergei to be her deputy not only because of his brilliant and organized mind but because of his family history.

Sergei was tough. Before going to the archivists to place a request, we would give Susan the third degree about her goals in each individual inquiry. Only when he was convinced of the solidity of her argument would he place a request, and persist until the materials were forthcoming. He kept meticulous records of his research in the Military Archives, even as he welcomed the opportunity to re-experience the honor once afforded his parents as trustworthy nomenklatura in Soviet society.

The Independent Investigation owes much to Sergei for his initiative and perseverance. He was a man of great honor who would not leave his post, but persisted to the end – a true Soviet who struggled to meet the challenges of a drastically changing world.

Sergei is survived by his wife, Nina, a generous soul who also was helpful to the Investigation.