ALEXANDER JACOB WORSTER

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ALEXANDER JACOB WORSTER Alex passed away peacefully at Deer Lodge Centre on Thursday June 24, 2010 at the age of 91 years. He will be lovingly remembered by Agnes, his wife of 56 years; his daughter Louise and son-in-law Geoff Foster; son Paul and grandchildren Katie and Simon; grandson William Fines; his sister Irene and brother-in-law Rev. Fred Roberts; sister-in-law Eleanor; and by many more surviving family members and friends. Alex was predeceased by his daughter Sylvia; parents Jacob and Katherina; sister Lila and brother-in-law Harry Gullidge; brother Bill and sister-in-law Marguerite; and brother Paul. In September 1918 Alex was born in Winnipeg's North End to parents who had made the long journey from central Russia with the dream to raise a family in peace and with opportunities for a better life. He grew up in a community made rich by close family, good neighbours and the church. He quit school during the depression and went to work to help the family make ends meet. As a teenager he was very athletic and got into weightlifting, bodybuilding and eventually went on to become an accomplished gymnast, staying active and involved through the 1940's, 50's and 60's. During the war his army service included gymnastic and acrobat performances as part of variety programs to entertain the troops . After being discharged from the army Alex worked for Manitoba Hydro before beginning his career with the City of Winnipeg in 1950. He worked for the city health department for ten years then settled into the zoning department from where he retired in 1982 as a zoning administrator. He had a reputation for being an easy man to work for and to work with. In 1953 Alex persuaded Agnes Renkewitz to be his bride and the happy couple remained devoted to each other for five and a half decades. He was a wonderful father to the three children they raised in the family home they built in Garden City. After Alex retired he was able to spend many healthy years with Agnes, working around the house, going on frequent trips, enjoying their grandchildren, and the fellowship of family and community. Alex will be remembered as a true gentleman who treated everyone with kindness and respect, for his generosity, and for the unwavering support he gave to those he loved. No one will forget his keen sense of humour, his laughter and the smile in his eyes qualities which he used to make life easier for those fortunate enough to have been around him. Alex lived a good, long life. A life consistent with the dream of his parents. A funeral service will be held on Friday, July 2, at Neil Bardal Inc., 3030 Notre Dame Avenue (across from Brookside Cemetery) at 1:30 p.m., with viewing at 1:00 p.m. Pastor Randy Wengel will officiate. In lieu of flowers, donations in Alex's memory may be made to the Salvation Army Haiti Earthquake Disaster Relief Fund: 1-800-725-2769. NEIL BARDAL INC. 949-2200 nbardal.mb.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 29, 2010