Peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family, Alex passed away at the Holy Family Nursing Home. He is lovingly remembered and sadly missed by his wife Elsie, son Ivan and former daughter-in-law Cathy, daughter Alana and husband Byron and special granddaughter Rebecca. Also mourning his loss are his sisters Helen (Patrick), Lily (Wally, deceased), Natalie (Jerry) and only brother Tony (Linda). Sisters-in-law Sonya (John) and Joan (Frank) also share in our grief, as do many nieces and nephews.
Alex was predeceased by his parents John and Elizabeth (Paskaryk), his baby sister Olga, his in-laws John and Agnes (Mandziuk) Kohut, sister-in-law Nancy and her husband Stanley and brother-in-law Allan.
As the eldest, he spent much of his childhood helping his parents on the family homestead in Gardenton. Alex’s need for higher education took him to the Universities of Winnipeg and Manitoba where he earned three degrees. A dedicated educator, he loved his 34 year long career as teacher and principal, working at Stuartburn, Elma and Whitemouth Schools. Alex showed an interest in every student that walked the halls of his schools. His staff held him in high regard. As a respected member of the community of Whitemouth, he was a member of Lions, the local museum and cadets. Alex had an uncanny ability to repair anything. He was a skilled mechanic, electrician, welder, plumber, carpenter, and you could count him to change your oil, finish a basement or put in a bathroom. He was never idle. He had a collection of old cars and lovingly restored his favourites, the Studebakers. He loved all old things, collecting antiques and stories of the past. It was this love of history that motivated him to pioneer the writing of the Shewchuk Family History Book, beginning with the arrival of his grandparents to Canada from Bukovina in 1897.
Alex cared deeply for his family, his parents, his in-laws, always concerned for their welfare. He romped, teased and played pranks on his nieces and nephews and they adored him.
We extend our sincere gratitude to all of the staff on 5A of Holy Family Nursing Home for the compassionate care extended to Alex, keeping him safe and comfortable these past four years.
A private memorial of Alex’s life has been held.
Those who wish to honour his memory may make a donation to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, 10-120 Donald Street, Winnipeg MB, R3C 9Z9 or to Holy Family Nursing Home, 165 Aberdeen Avenue, Winnipeg MB, R2W 1T9.
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