Alex Sinclaire

The evening Alex was born, she entered our world greeted with song. Mom's rendition of "Fly Me To The Moon" would be Alex's anthem until the day she ascended to her beloved stars,stars we'd share gazing upon nightly signalling successful glorious days.

Alex, being confined by the limitations of a wheelchair was not a problem for her as much as sitting idle too long at any given time. With a preference for forever moving, Mom and Dad endeavoured to keep the glide on. From just brief outings to the market, or the weekend morning swims with Mom, or afternoons cruising the brewery scene with Dad to extended trips to the cottage on Gambier Island.

In her 30 years, Alex enjoyed extensive travelling. She was always packing a smile for anyone who came her way, and with her infectious laugh just like that, the trajectory of your day could change. As a youngster, one of her biggest joys on flights was acting as hostess and greeting passengers with a resounding "Hi" or 'Bye'. Early years were short trips to Las Vegas for sunshine and the magic shows, Cirque du Soleil, buffets, and the strolls rolling up and down the strip. Later on visiting Jamaica's Negril cliffs, Cuba's music-laden Havana nights, Hawaii, Mesa Verde and the Grand Canyon, and many of Mexico's beaches all interspersed with innumerable concerts and theatre performances all over North America.

Alex gained her sense of generosity and kindness from all of her family and those that made a connection with her.

Pat and Gemma, Alex's Grandparents in Vancouver, lovingly conversed in French and aided in her ability to be bilingual.

Auntie 'D' ushered Alex into her artistic endeavors with hand-over-hand painting. Debbie's ability to foster a creative inclination to unfold in Alex resulted in a burst of colourful paintings that now grace our home and friends alike.

The camaraderie Alex shared with Uncle 'P' was heartwarming and could be seen in how content she was to hang on Phil's every word.

Love for her extended family, aunts, and uncles, Heather, Jan, Vicky, and Ric, may have had a geographical distance, but that only added to the memories of heart-filled visits with them and her many cousins and doting grandparents Ted and Jean in Calgary.

People would give her things just to give her joy: An exquisite custom-made quilt from our friend Bev, stuffed toys from friends or when we went to the PNE, or chocolate bars at thegrocery store, a Planet Earth DVD from a fellow ferry traveller, a beautiful handmade wooden tongue drum from Michael Thiele at the Bellevue Craft Fair. When going to concerts Alex received a harmonica from Lee Oscar, John Prine's concert pick, a set of drumsticks from Ray Cooper, and The Barenaked Ladies treating her to be their guest at Malkin Bowl on her 21st Birthday. Sometimes it was just money - with people insisting, "Buy yourself something nice." People's generosity and kindness always amazed and moved us.

Alex was a foodie and her favourite was sushi. Aunty 'D' and grandma generously took Alex out to a different restaurant every week creating wonderful memories together. Our family friend Therese "T' would sometimes join in. Sheraton's Cloud 9 revolving restaurant or The Spaghetti Factory were amongst her favourites and punctuated many of her Birthdays. Gathering fresh oysters from the beach and catching crabs from West Bay were special treats at the cottage.

She cherished her old-time friends and neighbours in Vancouver and on Gambier Island and new found friends in Mexico. She sought them out daily and loved catching their attention from afar with a boisterous 'Hi' to make sure they stopped to have a chat with her.

Alex loved bugs, snakes, and animals. From keeping the feeders topped up for some birding, to visits from furry friends like deer, it was all our friend's dogs that filled a special place in her heart. No summer would be complete without attending The Super Dogs at the PNE.

Alex loved school and never wanted to miss a day. Upon graduating Alex attended the VRS Day Program. This was no question the favourite part of her day. We are forever grateful to the staff who created such fun filled days and loved, cared and enjoyed time with their 'Sister Pants'. It is where she shined all on her own, no Mom, no Dad, just her and her exceptional friends.

We are also very grateful to all the health professionals, the school aids, the volunteers at Easter Seal Camp, everyone that contributed in maximizing her potential and giving her pleasure, comfort and creating joy in her life.

Our Little Girl has gone from us oh much too soon. We wish for Alex a beautiful next journey as she gave to us pure joy and love. She was all about getting out and doing fun things and enjoying being with people rain, sleet or snow. She never once pondered her disabilities and just wanted to get on with the day. She never had grudges of the past nor worries for the future. She was always in the present moment. She taught us the lessons of selflessness and finding more energy when we thought we had none left to give. We are forever grateful to have had her for thirty wonderful years.

May you be guided Alex by loving family and friends that have gone on before you. Be free Alex, travel, explore, be fully you.

We love you and miss you, Mom and Dad. XOXO

There will be no formal memorial.

We ask that you reach out by more personal means.

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