ALEXANDER WILLIAM PRESSEY

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ALEXANDER WILLIAM PRESSEY February 8, 1939 - April 18, 2014 It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our much loved husband, father and grandfather, Alexander Pressey on April 18, 2014 at the age of 75 years. Left to cherish his memory is his beloved wife Joyce, daughter Cindy Gordon (Neil), daughter Heather Tessier (Guy), son Christopher Pressey (Diana), and grandchildren Jenna Fraser (Derek), Sarah Tessier, Alexander and Lachlan Gordon. He is also survived by his sisters Mary and Olia, and brother-in-law Norman, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Alexander was predeceased by his parents, William and Anne Prysiazniuk along with three brothers and one sister. Alexander was born at Ethelbert, Manitoba and raised in the school district of Vimy Ridge where he attended Vimy Ridge Country School and Pine River High School. He then moved to Winnipeg where he met and later married his soul mate Joyce Hedison on May 16, 1959. Alexander attended the University of Manitoba receiving his Bachelor of Arts in 1959 and his Masters of Arts in 1961. After graduating he accepted a position at the Saskatchewan Training School in Moose Jaw where he worked until 1963. At this time he was accepted for a PhD program in Psychology at the University of Alberta in Edmonton. In addition to his studies Alexander served in the military in places such as Borden, Calgary, Moose Jaw, Edmonton and Vancouver. In the summer of 1965 Alexander accepted an Assistant Professorship in the Psychology Department of the University of Manitoba. He received full tenure and was recognized as an International Scholar. He published numerous articles beginning in 1963 and his final publication, jokingly referred to as "His Mount Everest," was published in December 2013. Thinking they had too much time on their hands, in 1973 Alexander and Joyce purchased a hobby farm in Starbuck, Manitoba. "The Red Bandana Farm" was a time of hard work but much pleasure. Eventually the farm was sold and in 1994 with his retirement Alexander and Joyce began their next adventure. In his retirement he enjoyed fishing, golfing and traveling. Alexander and Joyce saw a lot of Canada and Southern United States by camper and in 1998 found their winter haven in Gulf Shores, Alabama. They experienced the sea, the sand, the shrimp and the sun. Life was good! In the last five years they discovered the high life on the high seas by way of cruising. In his retirement PD, as his grandchildren affectionately called him, took the time to write and record his stories and memories often with his touch of humour. Alexander was laid to rest at a private family service at Thomson "In the Park" Cemetery. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Alexander lived a full and rich life and will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered. THOMSON "IN THE PARK" 204-925-1120 Condolences may be sent to www.thomsoninthepark.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 26, 2014