JOSEF ALFRED LEX

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JOSEF ALFRED LEX July 19, 1928 - March 8, 2016 Josef was born and raised on his family farm in Germany. He often told us about how he spent his early childhood having good old fashion fun adventures with his brother and school buddies. In the midst of the Second World War, in his early teens, he was taken from his family and put in a labour camp. Surviving the war, Dad dreamed of a better life in a new country and decided to sail to Canada. As a new immigrant to Winnipeg in 1953, Dad found life challenging with learning a new language and adapting to a new culture. His strong belief of work ethics and his skills soon landed him a job as a farm hand. Later on, Dad made his trade as a "stucco" man and would often take us for rides around the North End and Garden City proudly showing us the many houses and garages he stuccoed in his prime years. He had also worked as a "coal" man, "beer" man and then was hired on at Canadian Pacific Railway. He worked at CPR for 25 years and was fortunate to retire at the age of 62. Shortly after arriving in Winnipeg, he met our mom, Inge (nee Chevalier), married and had four children. Throughout our childhood, Dad would make a point of having a family day on Sundays. He would take us tobogganing, play soccer, and have picnics at the beach and City Park. Summer vacations were special, spending family time at many Manitoba lakes and beaches. A favourite weekend site was Camp Neustadt, where we became more aware of our heritage, enjoyed numerous festivities and made new friends. In our adult years, Dad loved our family get-togethers, enjoying the backyard barb-b-ques, playing bocce and lawn darts. Dad and Mom took every opportunity they could to spend time with their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. There was always something fun to do at Oma and Opa's, whether it was water play, building snowmen or forts. He left us all with many fond memories. Dad and Mom enjoyed travelling. They had the opportunity to fly to Germany twice, Switzerland and Poland, visiting family and childhood friends. He and Mom visited Florida and also travelled to Mexico, bringing back stories of tours to their favourite movie stars' homes. Their most favourite place to vacation was Hawaii. Dad often talked about the beautiful landscape of flowers and palm trees. One of his last wishes was to visit Hawaii once more. He is predeceased by his wife Inge, of over 50 years, several brothers and sisters. Left to cherish his memory are his children, Brigitte (Patrick) Mulvihill, George Lex, Vera (Rob) McKay, Nancy (Bruce) Delorme; grandchildren, Jamie (Curt), Leah (Kris), Craig (Charlene), Tyler (Melissa), Shane, Brittney (Mitch) and Brandon; great-grandchildren, Kadence, Brooke, Ally, Rylee, Makayla, Emma and Asher. As per Dad's wishes, we have already held a private family service. In Joe's memory, donations may be made to a charity of one's choice. Rest peacefully Dad, Opa we love you.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 26, 2016