Alexander Stewart McTavish

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved son and brother, Alexander (Alex) Stewart McTavish, on May 12, 2024, at the age of 22 years. Alex was born in Winnipeg on February 17, 2002, to parents, Barbara Cahoon and Scott McTavish.

Alex had the luxury of being an only child until August 2004, when his twin brothers, Brendan and Myles, arrived. Alex was thrilled to take on the role of big brother, which included often protecting, sometimes antagonizing, and always loving.

Alex lived on the same street in Fort Garry for his entire life, and neighbours often commented on how helpful, kind, and friendly he was, always willing to lend a hand. Alex attended French Immersion school from kindergarten to Grade 12 and graduated cum laude from Vincent Massey Collegiate in 2020 with a COVID-19 sidewalk/drive-through graduation ceremony.

Family was very important to Alex. He loved spending time with Grandma Pat and Grandpa Jack, playing cards, going to the park, and having sleepovers at their house. He also spent many summer days at the family cabin at Oak Lake Beach with Grandpa Bill, Grandma Donna, Uncle Brad, and the rest of the family. Alex loved hanging out with his brothers at the lake, and they had lots of fun riding on the Sea-Doo, cruising on the pontoon boat, going to the beach, and roasting hot dogs and marshmallows over the campfire.

Winnipeg was the family meeting place for the Cahoon cousins. Uncle Mike, Auntie Catherine, John, and Kate came from St. Albert, Alberta, and Auntie Jo, Aunt Connie, Jack, and Drew came from Riverview, Florida. Adventure ensued with trips to the Children's Museum, local splash parks and swimming pools, the Winnipeg Zoo, high-flying bounce tricks at the Morden Water Park, and countless hours playing cards and running through the sprinklers at Grandma Pat and Grandpa Jack’s place. Alex also enjoyed his spring break trips to Florida where he spent the week with Auntie Jo and her family.

Alex loved playing sports and participated on many teams. He played hockey, ball hockey, baseball, volleyball, basketball, badminton, ultimate frisbee, and football. He also participated in track and field and represented Team Manitoba at the Canadian Francophone Games in Moncton, New Brunswick. Of all the sports Alex played, badminton was his favourite. He competed in numerous badminton tournaments, winning a variety of medals. His greatest badminton accomplishment was winning a bronze medal with his lifelong friend and doubles partner at the Manitoba Winter Games.

Alex was a certified National Lifeguard and enjoyed working as a lifeguard for several years. After high school, he attended the University of Manitoba. Recently, while working alongside his dad, Alex became interested in a career in plumbing, following in his proud father’s footsteps.

Alex was a very caring and compassionate young man. He and his mom volunteered at a care home every Saturday morning for several years, playing cribbage with the elderly residents. Alex was patient and thoughtful, and the residents looked forward to his weekly visits.

Alex will be eternally loved by his parents, Barbara Cahoon and Scott McTavish; brothers, Brendan and Myles McTavish; grandmothers, Pat Cahoon and Donna McTavish; uncles and aunts, Mike and Catherine Cahoon, Joanne and Connie Rube-Cahoon, and Brad McTavish and Matt Howitt; cousins, John and Kate Cahoon, and Jack and Drew Rube-Cahoon. Alex was predeceased by his grandfathers, Jack Cahoon and Bill McTavish. Alex will also be fondly remembered by his friends, classmates, teammates, and neighbours.

Although it was not nearly long enough, we are very thankful for the 22 years we had with Alex. We genuinely appreciate the outpouring of love and support we have received from family and friends, near and far.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, May 25, at 2:00 p.m. at Trinity United Church (933 Summerside Ave., Winnipeg, MB). A recording of the service will be posted on the Trinity United Church website at https://trinityunitedwinnipeg.com/

If so desired, donations in Alex’s memory may be made to KidSport Winnipeg (https://kidsportcanada.ca/manitoba/winnipeg/donate/) to allow more kids the opportunity to participate in sports and enjoy them as much as Alex did.