Our first introduction to Vladik was when he followed Kathy to our home after seeing her at IHOP and had  a huge bouquet of flowers delivered with a note...To the most beautiful blonde .......call me. Needless to say I had brown hair so we knew they were for Kathy. It was love at first site!!! We shared his love of fishing and still use his expression, Russian accent and all, when asking for a live shrimp ..."give me another shark please".  He had quite a sense of salty humor, countless stories that made us laugh and was extremely hospitable, often letting us stay at their cottage in Holiday Beach.  I still have amber and opal jewelry he and Kathy gave me. He is at peace and will be missed until we see him again, young, strong and healthy in the resurrection. John 5:28,29

Vladislav Komissarov, a former Olympic pentathlete and esteemed educator, passed away on March 24, 2025, at the age of 85. Born in the Soviet Union, he achieved national recognition as a modern pentathlete, competing in the 1960 Rome Olympics. His exceptional talents in swimming, horseback riding, fencing, shooting, and running earned him the Russian Master Sports Award at just 18 years old.

     However, Vladislav’s greatest triumph was his courageous escape from the Soviet Union in 1965. As a lieutenant in the Red Army and a member of the national pentathlon team, he had seen firsthand the realities of the Communist regime. Determined to seek freedom, he made a daring journey on foot to the Black Sea, where he swam to Turkey under cover of darkness. With the help of the CIA, he was brought to the United States, where he began a new life under the name Carl Miller until he obtained citizenship.

     After settling in the U.S., Vladislav became a coach and mentor, sharing his passion for sport with young athletes. He later became a respected professor, teaching Russian language at Willamette University. Though he embraced American life, he never lost his affection for his Russian heritage.

     Vladislav’s story is one of resilience, courage, and the pursuit of freedom. He is survived by his loving family and friends who will forever cherish his memory.

He always wanted to pose and have silly pictures.

Aug 15, 2011 - We celebrated Papas birthday with my boys in Royse City TX - They were so excited since they made his cake.

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Vladislav Komissarov

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OBITUARY

Vladislav Alexander Komissarov

August 13, 1939 – March 24, 2025

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