FC «Dynamo» (Kyiv) mourns the news that at the age of 77, the founder and longtime director of the Dynamo museum, Doctor of Historical Sciences, great enthusiast Valeriy Andriyovych Starkov has passed away. He was a Ukrainian historian, ethnographer, archeographer, and author of the Institute of Ukrainian Archeography and Source Studies named after M. S. Hrushevsky of the NAS of Ukraine.
Any self-respecting football club treats its history with care. It is the historical achievements that give a special aura to Kyiv’s «Dynamo». Valeriy Starkov was the one who for many years, starting from the 70s, carefully, lovingly collected, faithfully preserved, and systematized a vast archive of historical evidence, all trophies, valuable items, and football relics related to the history of our club. Every day, despite various difficulties, he tried to bring something new, of true value, to the funds of the Dynamo museum.
He was not only a qualified and competent specialist in his field but also simply a good person – compassionate, attentive, and caring. Colleagues and friends knew him as a person who always put his heart into his work, lived for the interests of the club, and was a model of integrity and an example for those around him. Moreover, he was valued and loved for his kindness, understanding, willingness to listen, give advice, and help when needed.
FC «Dynamo» (Kyiv) expresses its deep and sincere condolences to the family of Valeriy Andriyovych: his daughter Maria, son Andriy, who defends Ukraine at the front in the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and all his relatives and loved ones. May the earth be soft upon him, and may the memory of him live in the hearts of those who knew, valued, and loved him. The good memory of Valeriy Starkov will forever remain with us.
