Alexander Joseph Greencorn

March 21, 1924 – October 5, 2016

Port Hawkesbury

Alex passed away quietly on October 5 at Camp Hill (Veteran’s Memorial) Hospital holding Myrtle’s hand and surrounded by his family after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. Born in Antigonish, Alex was the son of the late Theodore (Ted) Greencorn and Margaret May (Maggie) (MacEachern).

As a boy, Alex moved with his family to various places in Nova Scotia and spent most of his formative years in Glace Bay. He enlisted in the Canadian Army in 1943 and served in Europe. Alex was wounded in 1944 and returned to action following a brief hospitalization in Ghent. In 1945 Alex was honourably discharged with the rank of sergeant and returned to Glace Bay.

In 1948, as a manager for Cadegan’s Fisheries, he met the love of his life in Louisbourg and, after pursuing Myrtle (Fleet) to Hamilton, they were married in 1951. Alex and Myrtle lived in Hamilton for several years where he worked at City Chevrolet.

In 1960 Alex returned to Nova Scotia, first as the owner of a fish plant in Canso and in 1961 he joined Nova Scotia Pulp (Stora Forest Industries). Alex retired from Stora in 1987.

Alex built the family home on Pleasant Hill in 1964 where many memories of love and laughter were created. Alex enjoyed camping with the family in the Cape Breton Highlands and was an avid gardener and handyman. He was always willing to try a new gardening or woodworking technique. He crafted many pieces of furniture for the family home, his children, and his grandchildren.

While in Port Hawkesbury, Alex was a member of Saint Joseph Parish and actively involved in Branch 43 of the Royal Canadian Legion Where he served as President and, for many years, as the Liaison Officer for the local Air Cadet Squadron.

Alex developed an interest in golf and spent many early mornings on the golf courses in Dundee and Guysborough. Stories abound about Alex and “Red” Jim teeing off with fluorescent golf balls so they could see them in the pre-dawn. During a tournament at the Antigonish Golf Course and at age 70, Alex scored a hole-in-one and was featured on the local television news.

In 2005 Alex had the opportunity to travel with some of his family back to Holland to participate in the 60th Anniversary of the Liberation of Europe. A trip that was memorable for both him and his family for the appreciation shown by the people of Holland.

Alex was predeceased by his son Scott (Diane) of Fredericton, brothers John and Ted (Annette), both of Port Hawkesbury, sisters Mary Brown of Toronto and Florence Cain of Hamilton. Alex is survived by his wife of 65 years Myrtle (Fleet), sons Ian (Patty) of Port Hawkesbury, Glen (Brenda) of Middle Sackville, and daughter Gwen (John) Stewart of Cole Harbour. Alex is “grampie”, “poppa” or “papa” to eleven grandchildren and three step-grandchildren. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and grand nieces and nephews.

The family is very appreciative of the care Alex received from the angels of 6 West at Veteran’s Memorial Hospital. Their love and care know no bounds.

Donations in Alex’ memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 PM on Thursday October 13 at St. Vincent de Paul Church, Cole Harbour. Funeral mass will be held at the same location at 11:00 AM on Friday October 14. A reception will follow the funeral in the Church Stewardship Centre.

Interment will be at Saint Joseph’s Parish Cemetery, Port Hawkesbury.

Family flowers only. On-line condolences may be viewed or sent to: www.mattatallfuneralhome.com