June 16, 1933 - December 30, 2021
In Loving Memory ~
We are sad to announce the passing of Alex on Dec 30, 2021.He was born in Port Alberni on June 16th, 1933.
Alex was predeceased by Athalie, his wife of 58 years,his parents Geoff and Bea,his sister Mary, daughter in law Donna Spencer, granddaughter Tiana Spencer, sisters in law Myrtle Spencer, Anne Skjelbred, Susan Stech, brother in law John Campbell.
Alex is survived by his older brother Edward, chidren Larry, Ralph[Maria], Jenny [Don],John, Tom{Jennifer] Beloved grandchildren, CJ[Carleen], Randi, Andrew[Kim], Alyssa, Kevin, Kodie, Chase, Alex. Great Grandchildren Jayden, Hunter, Sage, Sophia and Spencer. Sister in law Lorraine Patrick. Alex has many nieces, nephews and cousins throughout Vancouver Island and British Columbia. He is also survived by many relatives in the rest of Canada, the U.S. and England.
Alex attended school until Grade 10 in Port Alberni and then went into the work force starting by packing water onto ships in the harbour. He then went through various gyppo logging and trucking jobs until taking a steady job at MB Sproat Lake Division in January of 1955.
He worked on the rigging for 2 years and then took an off highway logging truck driving job for the next 41 years that he stayed at until retirement. During layoffs, he also worked on the boom and the grade crews.He absolutely loved his trucking logs job and probably loved even more the stories that he could tell about his days in the woods!!
In his senior years of driving, he was responsible for training and breaking in many new drivers.
Alex married Athalie in 1958. She had been working as a teacher at Tofino Airforce base and would come to the family home in Port Alberni on weekends to see Alex and help in the care of his mother. They had a long marriage together and when Athalie's health was not good and she ended up in Fir Park---Alex visited faithfully every day until her passing in 2016.
Alex loved sports of all kinds and in his younger days he excelled at basketball, baseball and later on at softball and badminton. From a very young age he was always around the Alberni Athletic halls and volunteered for over 60 years in many capacities as board member through to president.
Alex enjoyed hunting throughout the valley and many moose hunting trips throughout BC.
Alex enjoyed being at his family home on Sproat Lake where he lived since 1958 and the house was always full of extended family of cousins and friends with neighbourhood kids and anyone else that happened by. There was always summertime fun with games and fires and food for everyone and Alex supported it all with his hard work ethic.
Alex was a very social man who loved to sit with friends or acquaintances and tell stories of his youth, or the history of Alberni or his family or ---especially --his logging/trucking stories. He excelled at storytelling and many friends and family have commented that they will miss his storytelling.
The family would like to express special thanks to Westhaven staff who provided excellent care to Alex the past couple of years and to Dr White for his care and compassion to Alex.
Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held at a future date later on this year.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Alberni Athletic Association, 3727 Roger St, Port Alberni, B.C. V9Y 7L9.