No job too big for Mr Fix-it
Published 10 January, 2008, 15:58
When you live in the middle of nowhwere, hundreds of kilometres from the nearest city, staying on top of house repairs can be a real chore. But people with homes in the remote village of Bekovo in Penza are in luck. Whether it's a broken door, or a hole in your roof, there’s one man that everyone needs to know – and that's ‘Wooden Victor’.
‘Wooden Victor’ is the affectionate nickname of Viktor Sitnikov – Bekovo’s Mr Fix-it.
Without any formal training, Viktor Sitnikov (affectionately known as 'wooden Victor')has turned himself into a master carpenter. He started with his own property, building his house, his workshop – even the machines inside. And now whenever there’s a domestic disaster, clients come from miles around for one of his hand-made replacements.
It’s a remarkable success story for a man who almost lost the use of his hand in an industrial accident 20 years ago. He was classified disabled for three years and had to give up his job. But Viktor has no regrets, saying that without the injury he might never have started up on his own.
“I’ve just got used to it now. But you know I’m not the only craftsman with a nickname here. I’m ‘Wooden Victor’ but there’s a guy in town who fixes up all the cars and they call him the ironman!” Viktor said.
He may not be seeking fame but his legacy seems set to continue. Victor’s son shares his passion and also his name. It means there should still be a ‘Wooden Victor’ helping the people of Bekovo for at least the next generation to come.
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