Alexis Karl Angelomatis

August 16, 1948 – April 18, 2022.

Alex was born in Vancouver, attended Queen Elizabeth Elementary School, Lord Byng High School and obtained his BEd and MA degrees at UBC. What you saw was what you got with Alex, free from artifice or filters – the result both endearing and exasperating. To their delight, his elementary school students were treated by him bringing his dog to work, teaching with a pencil sticking out of each ear, no-hands food eating contests and many other unconventional behaviours. Alex was a nationally accomplished amateur boxer, winning many titles and championships. In his 40’s he switched over to refereeing, while continuing to spar, train and coach. Summers usually saw Alex in Greece visiting relatives and working out with a single-mindedness and intensity that mystified those lounging in the local kafenio.

Alex was predeceased by his parents Stylianos (1998) & Vera (2002) his brother George (2013), and his beloved dogs Sascha, Fat Taka, Thea, Seymour, Missy and Kaida. He is survived and sorely missed by his sister Wanda Angelomatis, brother-in-law Fred Wallace, and nephew Hugh Wallace. He is also survived by three paternal cousins in Greece and many maternal cousins throughout the world.

We would like to acknowledge a debt of the deepest gratitude to the Tiefenbacher family, especially John, for their steadfast loyalty to and support of Alex, and indeed all of our family, through thick and thin since 1951. We also thank a few of the many people who were also there for Alex over his lifetime and during his long voyage with Dementia and Parkinson’s Disease – Jim Jackson, Paul Rogers and Diane Loutit. Thank you to Normie Rogers who was instrumental in helping Alex remain in his home for as long as possible. Last, but not least, we are profoundly thankful for and touched by the staff at Braddan Private Hospital – Rose Savic & Mindy Soriano in particular – who provided such compassionate care from Alex’s first day there 4 1/2 years ago until the last moment of his life.

Prayers, followed by coffee, will be held at 1:00 p.m. on April 28 at Mt. Pleasant Funeral Home in Vancouver. Masks and vaccination are required. A wake will be held this summer, refer to funeral home for more information.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Alex’s name to BC & Alberta Guide Dog Association. One of their puppies will be named in Alex’s memory and hopefully it will be better behaved than some of his dogs.

Alex’s colleagues at Tecumseh School roasted him at the retirement luncheon they held in his honour. The speeches were delivered without malice and knowing Alex would enjoy the humour and underlying affection. His friend and school principal, Jim Ion, held up Alex’s School Graduation Photo and then delivered the following speech.

Here is a picture of Alex when he graduated 38 years ago (1966). While much has changed... some things have not…

Clothing – I don’t think that Alex has bought any new clothes in the last 38 years. His fashion style is best described as eclectic. He does, however, have some very nice Hawaiian shirts that are, actually, clean!

Dog – When you think of Alex, you think of Missy… they are inseparable companions and it is a great testament to Alex’s dedication to fitness that he is now fitter than Missy – she no longer wants to run with him.

House – If you have never been to Alex’s house, you haven’t missed anything. It is basically decorated in dog hair – which is everywhere! Do NOT mention the CAR!

Vocabulary/Letter Writing – Alex has an amazing vocabulary. He can literally whip off crosswords in a matter of minutes. Alex writes the best letters, especially ones of complaint, but he does use many words that I need a dictionary to understand. His letters to tend to be ‘contentious’ in nature. However, speaking of writing…

Report cards – This was not Alex’s favourite time of year and his honesty in describing his students’ aptitude (while no doubt accurate in some cases) could sometimes be problematic. I have ‘saved’ some of these…. “Timmy has been a behaviour problem each and every day. If he cannot learn to control his impulses, I foresee a future of criminal activity and eventual incarceration.”

My favourite without a doubt, is the comment “Johnny does very little work in class. In fact, it is a distinct shame that he is allowed to consume oxygen in the classroom that might best be used by his classmates.”

All ‘Roasting’ aside…

Alex is a great staff member and he truly loves working with children. He always had a ready smile and a great sense of humour.

Alex has always displayed great loyalty, dedication and compassion for his professional colleagues and especially his friends.

A few weeks ago, at our weekly breakfast, Alex, in a moment of introspection/self-reflection, wondered aloud whether – as he nears retirement – he has made a contribution or a difference.

Alex, you are slightly eccentric, but full of life, intelligence, great stories and fun. From all of us who know you well, we love you. I consider your friendship a priceless commodity. Enjoy your retirement and…

Cut your darn hair!!

Remember Me by Margaret Mead

To the living, I am gone,

To the sorrowful, I will never return,

To the angry, I was cheated,

But to the happy, I am at peace,

And to the faithful, I have never left.

I cannot speak, but I can listen.

I cannot be seen, but I can be heard.

So as you stand upon a shore gazing at a beautiful sea,

As you look upon a flower and admire its simplicity,

Remember me.

Remember me in your heart:

Your thoughts, and your memories,

Of the times we loved,

The times we cried,

The times we fought,

The times we laughed.

For if you always think of me, I will never have gone.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MountPleasantFuneral.com for the ANGELOMATIS family.