ALEXANDER (ALEKSANDRS) VACIETIS

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ALEXANDER (ALEKSANDRS) VACIETIS Peacefully with his family by his side, Alexander Vacietis passed away on Sunday, October 17, 2010 at Beacon Hill Lodge at the age of 87 years. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Velta; daughters Laima (Tom) and Sandra (Rod); grandchildren: Jason (Lorraine), Ray (Trevor), Jennifer and D'Arcy; great-grandchildren: Elise and Alex; sister-in-law Ausma Kaktins and family. He was predeceased by his brother Voldemars and sister Marta in Latvia, brother Leonids in Germany and by brother-in-law Gunars Kaktins. Alexander was born in Riga, Latvia on January 9, 1923 to Alfreds and Maria. The war interrupted his education and while Latvia was occupied by Germany he was drafted into the army and served with a medical unit on the Eastern Front until early 1945. He was wounded in Poland and sent to Western Germany where he was taken prisoner of war by the U.S. Army. After his release 16 months later he went to a refugee camp in Hanau, Germany where he met and later married Velta Kaktins on March 16, 1947. In April of 1949, Alex, Velta and daughter Laima (born June 1948) immigrated to Canada landing in Halifax at Pier 21. They crossed Canada by train to the Homewood area of Manitoba to work in the sugar beet fields. Later they moved into Winnipeg to look for work and there they met the Bonnycastle family who provided employment and a life-long friendship. Alex worked for Stovel-Advocate Press (later Lawson Graphics) from March 1950 to April 1987 learning the language and a new trade until failing health forced an early retirement. Dad was always proud of a job done well and worked very hard to provide for his family. He wore many caps! As Mr. Fix-It he made sure that anything to do with everything was in perfect working order. He was an original recycler...he never threw anything away because sometime, somehow he would put it to good use. As a master craftsman he not only skippered the most beautiful wooden ski boat on Red Rock Lake...he built it. He was a hunter, a fisherman and he really liked his wrestling! As a musician he played the harmonica, the accordion and the organ - all by ear - he felt the music and he played the music. As a dancer he would hold his little girls in his strong arms twirling us around the room as we perched on his feet. As time stole his physical strength he still took great delight in family gatherings and special days and learned to give good hugs. In his quiet way he let us all know how much he loved us. Dad: Job well done! Now rest in peace. We will miss you and we love you. You are forever in our hearts. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 23 at 11:00 a.m. in Coutu Funeral Chapel, 680 Archibald Street. Flowers are gratefully declined. If you wish, please make a donation in Alex's memory to a charity of your choice. The Coutu family in care of arrangements: E. J. COUTU CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 680 Archibald St. 253-5086

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 22, 2010