Alexander Green

Alexander Green passed away in Victoria, B.C., on October 5 at the age of 96. He leaves his daughters Susan Green (Murray), Lyndsay Green (Michael) and Alison Gascoigne (Lance), his grandchildren Alwyn (Trev), Trevor and Hailey, and his sister Moira Green. Alex was predeceased by his beloved wife Dorothy in 2024.

Alex was born in Cardross, Scotland. As a child during WW2, he watched Allied aircraft come and go from Prestwick Airfield, sparking a lifelong interest in flight. He graduated from Glasgow University in mechanical engineering and worked at Bristol Aeroplane Company. On a motorbike trip to the Isle of Skye in 1952, Alex met a Yorkshire girl, Dorothy Fawcett, who became the love of his life. Alex and Dorothy emigrated to Canada in 1954, married in Toronto and raised three daughters there. They were together for more than 70 years.

Alex joined the Aeronautical Engineering department at De Havilland Aircraft, eventually becoming Manager of Ground Test Engineering. His department was responsible for testing all aircraft structural and mechanical systems. This was a 35-year career that he truly loved. Alex worked on the Twin Otter, Dash 7 and Dash 8, helping to make these aircraft safe to fly.

Alex was always involved in his community. While living in Toronto, Alex served on the West Rouge Ratepayers committee, working to improve municipal services. Later, he joined the Kiwanis Club of Victoria, raising money for community projects such as inner-city school breakfast programs and day camp registration funding for lower-income children.

A craftsman at heart, Alex built additions to the family homes and planted the beautiful gardens that Dorothy designed. He built furniture, model aircraft, model ships and two full-sized sailboats. After retiring to Victoria, Alex joined the Vancouver Island Model Engineers. He made clocks and precision parts on his metal lathe, helped restore a railroad speeder car, maintained the VIME library, and worked on railway repairs at Heritage Acres.

Alex’s daughters have good memories of camping, sailing and cross-country skiing with Dad. He was a kind, loving and generous father and grandfather, always happy to provide advice when asked, and always great fun to be around.

In later years Alex’s health declined but his optimistic outlook, friendly personality and sense of humour continued. He liked visiting the Kiwanis Tea Room at Willows Beach, the Ridge Golf Course café, and the Spitfire Grill. He enjoyed walks at Outerbridge Park and spending quiet time watching birds in the garden. He loved animals, especially family dogs Cooper and Ziggy, who provided the best possible pet therapy.

Alex set a great example for us to follow: caring for his family, contributing to his community, working hard, enjoying life, and treating other people kindly. We will miss him so much.

The family thanks Dr. Dwight Forster for excellent medical care, and the staff at Elk Lake Adult Day Program for making Alex’s last year brighter. No service by request, but donations to a charity that supports animal welfare or children’s education and well-being would be welcome. Alex is remembered at First Memorial Garden of Memories in Saanich.