I remember that later, Čepānis admitted that he had been offered to write a memoir about “those times”. Those times included both the pre-Revival period, the Revival itself, and everything that happened after that – the backwaters. Čepanis smiled his ironic smile and answered: “Old men, I can’t write the truth, I don’t want nonsense.” But he would have something to say: he worked his way up from the secretary of the Komsomol microorganization of the kolkhoz, later – from the first secretary of the Ventspils district committee of the Communist Party to the position of Speaker of the Saeima. It would be a sneer, but reasoned view of what is happening. And maybe even a warning to all those who haven’t understood something yet.
But well… Alfred Čepānis waved goodbye to everyone, leaving for heaven. He was only 80 years old. Almost 34 years ago, Čepānis, having understood the great changes and the importance of Latvia’s independence, voted for the Declaration of Independence, after which he was elected to the 5th and 6th Saeima. Was a People’s Deputy of the USSR and Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Latvian USSR.
After working in the Saeima, Alfred Čepānis managed a consulting firm for cooperation with CIS countries, worked in the banking sector. Čepānis was awarded with the Order of Three Stars III class and the commemorative sign of the participant of the barricades of 1991, as well as the Order of St. Olaf II class.
Ten years ago, when answering the question about whether he would like to return to politics, Čepānis strictly stated that he would not want to do so under any circumstances, because he is now a “consumer of politics” and likes to watch what happens to people who have been immersed in politics for a long time. “I am a former communist, and such people are cursed now,” he said with a laugh. On the other hand, in 2017, in an interview with Viktor Avotiņš, Čepānis said: “Three years ago I was given a car number: BK – 3. The third ex-communist. Rubik – the first, Anatoly – the second, I – the third. At one place in Jurmala, they recognized me and asked: “How, you’re only the third?””
Alfred will now be able to discuss “things” Up There with Viktor. Evaluate, analyze, look to the future. Warn and predict. They will be able to do this with others who are also There. With his past mistakes and revelations. With his heavy but valuable baggage of life. May it be light and bright for you, Alfred. I’ll see you soon.
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