ALEX H. MACGILLIVRAY C.D.

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ALEX H. MACGILLIVRAY C.D. It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we, the family, of Alex H. MacGillivray (Mac) announce his sudden and tragic passing on Monday, October 22, 2007, at his home at the age of 81 years. He will be sadly missed by his wife of 51 years, Patricia; his daughters, Roslyn C. (Alex) Moskalewski of Calgary, their children, Euphoria (George) Hansen and MacKenzie-Alexandra. His daughter, Monica P. Yeryk, (Michael) of Winnipeg, MB, and their children; Meighan Burton (Rob); Courtney Yeryk-Wilde (Jeremy), Ashley Yeryk-Dang (Quang), Michael Stephen and Matthew Alexander Yeryk. His daughter, Shari A. Szeremley (Les) and their son, Garrett Joseph Alexander. His great-grandchildren, True Alexander Hansen, Keelin Yeryk-Wilde, Blair Yeryk-Dang, and Grace Louise Burton and his wonderful dog, Lady. He also leaves to mourn his three sisters, Ann MacGillivray of Sydney, NS, Claire Crory of Halifax, NS, and Rita Callaghan of Toronto. He will also be remembered by his sisters and brothers-in-law, William and Veronica Kowalchuk and their families in Toronto, ON, and Barbara and Owen Rance of Prince Albert, SK, and their families. He was predeceased by his parents, Andrew and Catherine MacGillivray, his brother Steve, and his brothers-in-law, Ron Crory and Michael Callaghan. Born in Sydney, NS, in 1925, as a young boy he longed for adventure. He tried to join the Air Force in 1942, as his older brother, Steve, had already been drafted, but his parents refused to let him go, telling him he was too young, and they wanted him to remain in school. Always having a mind of his own, he ran away from home and joined the Army where he soon found himself on his way to Holland and in the midst of the Second World War. He remained in the Army until 1948 when he took his release and went home to Sydney, NS, and took a trade, but found civilian life was not for him. He once again joined the service, this time joining the RCASC, volunteering as a proud Canadian soldier lending his expertise and skills as a Sr. NCO to the American Army fighting in Korea. Upon his return home in 1954, he was posted to Rivers, Manitoba, where he would soon find his life would make a complete 360 degree turn when through a friend of his, and a chance meeting, he met a pretty young teenager, Pat Moran, who was attending university. His buddies teased him, forget her, she's from a very old professional family in Winnipeg. She's a girl who can have her pick when the time comes and we doubt it will be an old hound dog like you! He was determined to stay the course and continue his pursuit, which paid off in January of 1956 when Pat married him at St. George's Roman Catholic Chapel in Winnipeg. At this time he had also earned his Partrooper Wings and found he would soon be posted with NATO as a Peace Keeper in Germany. Upon his return from Germany, he was posted to Regina, SK, and then to Dundurn Camp in Saskatoon where he remained for a period of three years at which time he was posted to Winnipeg as they were expecting their third child, and they felt it was time to lay down some roots, purchase their first home and have real family life. He remained in Winnipeg for the balance of his service years, retiring in 1975 as a Sr. NCO with the RCASC, having spent 33 years with the Canadian Army. After his retirement, he tried his hand at a few things but once again felt he was like a Loose cannon when he was out of uniform so in September of 1984 donned the uniform of the Corps of Commissionaires, where he so dutifully served with Revenue Canada in Winnipeg until the time of his sudden passing. He made many good friends, at Revenue Canada, some who had grown up in Transcona with his own children and grandchildren. He was a loving family man, who was extremely proud of both his children and his grandchildren and their families, their many accomplishments, and their caring giving natures to both Pat and himself. The family would like to thank the Ambulance Paramedic Services on their quick response, 911, Concordia Hospital Emergency Department, Diane Stewart, Chief Warrant Officer, Corps of Commissionaires, and our many friends and neighbours who came to our assistance. According to his wishes, a military funeral has been planned for 2:00 p.m., Friday, October 26 at Wheeler Funeral Chapel Reception Centre, 211 Regent Ave. W., with Rev. Deacon Paul Martin officiating. Reception to follow. Flowers gratefully declined. Donations may be made to Pet Rescue Shelter, 3062 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3K 0Y1, or donations to the charity of your choice. Funeral arrangements in care of: WHEELER FUNERAL CHAPEL 211 REGENT AVENUE (AT BOND) 224-1525

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 25, 2007