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ALEXANDER NICHOLAS SYZEK
Born: May 16, 1943
Date of Passing: Sep 24, 2019
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ALEXANDER NICHOLAS SYZEK
May 16, 1943 - September 24, 2019
Alexander is survived by his brother Nicholas (Kathy); and five nephews and nieces, Nicholas in BC, Jacqueline ( Richard), Daniel (Haley), Caroline (Daniel), and David; and four great-nephews and great-nieces, Olivia, Isaac, Estelle and Harrison.
Alexander was born to parents, Nicholas and Mary. who started Winnipeg Modern Brush Co. Our father became ill and died early in our lives. Our mother continued to operate the business with the help of both brothers. Alexander worked at the T. Eaton Company and Assiniboia Downs race track for many years while selling brushes and brooms with our mother at 422 Notre Dame Avenue.
He was an alter boy for years at St. Marys Church and attended elementary school graduating to St. Paul's College High School. After graduating he attended the University of Manitoba and obtained an arts degree with honours. He was always an A student. He then entered law school where he spent two years . Alexander became ill and did not graduate. He had a mental breakdown which was the start of schizophrenia and a change in family life.
For 40 plus years he and the family dealt with the highs and lows of his illness. Alexander could always be seen with our mother selling brushes at the business. He would carry brooms with him on the bus and everywhere he went. He usually sold all of them if you were lucky enough to meet him and buy one. Although he was ill, Alex was a kind and very gentle soul. If you met Alexander at 422 Notre Dame Avenue or on the bus, or downtown, he would wish you a good day or tell you "you look beautiful" with a "God bless you" to end the conversation.
He would then give you some business brush advertising or a five year calender along with a handful of Domo gas coupons, or even a broom or mop which he propped up on the front fence. He stood outside 365 days of the year whether it was +30C or -30C. He never missed a day for years. He could always be seen with our mother. They were inseparable. He was always happy.
He never complained even when he was hurting, which made it difficult to know and understand how he really felt. Alexander was independent in all aspects of his life.
I miss you my brother.
Cremation has already taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date as well as interment into the Holy Ghost Cemetery. He will be put to rest with our mother.
I would like to thank the doctors and staff of the Mental Health Unit of the Health Sciences Centre for the years of care and help my brother received. I would also like to thank the staff at the Middlechurch Nursing Home for the care and compassion they gave to Alexander allowing him to be who he was which was not always easy.
Memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 05, 2019
Condolences & Memories (17 entries)
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My condolences to the Syzek family. May Alexander's soul rest in peace, which only Jesus can give. - Posted by: Tim Syzek (Cousin) on: Apr 06, 2020
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I learned the story of ALEXANDER and the family from my Wife Bev. Her knowledge came from the contact with the family through her parents who owned and operated P.T. Riggs General Contracting. Every time we saw Alexander on the street we always stopped for a brief chat. We always enjoyed our brief visits and I know Bev always had a place in her heart for him and the family. Rest in Peace Alexander. - Posted by: Derek Black (acquaintance) on: Feb 08, 2020
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I'm very sorry to hear about Alexander's passing. He was always so positive and so kind whenever he came in to do his banking. In the past few years when he stopped coming in, I missed chatting with him and hearing him tell me to have a beautiful day. - Posted by: Leah Fraser (Bank) on: Oct 22, 2019
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Very sorry for your loss Nick. - Posted by: R Pucci (Friend) on: Oct 18, 2019
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To the Syzek family, Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss of Alexander. I was fortunate to have been a volunteer at Middlechurch with students from the West Kildonan Collegiate work experience program. Alexander was always very welcoming and shared his positive inspirations in the time we knew him. Wherever we were in our travels, Alexander had a kind word and a smile for us. Thank you for all that you were Alexander. You made a difference in our day. 😊 Cheryl Norberg Retired/Educational Asst. West Kildonan Collegiate Seven Oaks School Division - Posted by: Cheryl (Volunteer/Middlechurch) on: Oct 17, 2019
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Your brother was one of the first people I met when I moved downtown. Kind. Positive. Someone I always noted. I'm so sorry for the trials he faced and thankful you shared his story. - Posted by: Matt TenBruggencate (Stranger) on: Oct 14, 2019
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We had a business supplier located across the street from your brush company and on one occasion purchased a good old straw broom from Alex. We always wondered “what was his story”. Now we know from your loving tribute. May he Rest In Peace and may you live in peace for being his supporter and advocate. Hugh and Audry Letain - Posted by: Audry Letain ( Former customer) on: Oct 10, 2019
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I remember chatting with him about his brooms and it would brighten my day. He had more than his fair share of challenges in life, yet he nonetheless left a positive mark on our city. I imagine he’s passionately handing out brooms in heaven now! - Posted by: John (Customer) on: Oct 10, 2019
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There are no words to express my sorrow for your loss, may you find comfort in the loving memories you shared while he was alive. Accept my condolences. Lorena and Ray Reimer Kelowna, BC - Posted by: Lorena Reimer (Former collegue CGC) on: Oct 09, 2019
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We have known the Syzek family - Mary, Alex and Nicky from the late 1940s. Alex and Nicky were at our home many times. We all went to St. Mary's school together. Alex and Joel went to St. Paul's College. Alex and our mother spoke on the phone so many many times and she certainly enjoyed his conversations over the years. Nick, we are sadden for the loss of your brother Alex! - Posted by: Simpson Family Claudette, Joel and Denise (Friends) on: Oct 09, 2019
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I met Alex at Middlechurch Home of Winnipeg, where my parents also reside. He was always happy and I looked forward to our chats together. I will miss you Alex, but I know you are in heaven and you are out of pain. Until we meet again! - Posted by: Denny Petrycky (Friends ) on: Oct 06, 2019
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Hello Nick, We read Alexander's obituary in the newspaper today and were saddened to hear of his passing. We are sending our sincere condolences to you and your family. Love, Joe and Karen - Posted by: Joe and Karen Lesjak (Friends of the family) on: Oct 05, 2019
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My sincere condolences to you Nick and your family, I remember seeing your brother alongside your mother for years at their Notre Dame location and had the greatest respect for their dedication to their business, and to one another - something that is so rare in this world. Together at rest now, God Bless Take care, Gina - Posted by: Gina Remillard (Friend of Nick Syzek) on: Oct 05, 2019
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Nick, I would like to send my condolences and a prayer to you and your entire family. You may not remember me but I was a school and class mate of yours at St. Paul's College high school from 1959 until 1962. Signed Jim Gregory - Posted by: Jim Gregory (high school friend from St Paul's College high school) on: Oct 05, 2019
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https://maryloudriedger2.wordpress.com/tag/winnipeg-modern-brush-company/ - Posted by: viviane boucher (acquaintance) on: Oct 05, 2019
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I met Alex several times on the street. Nick, I am sorry to hearing of Alex’s passing, however, now he is at peace and with God. May all the good memories of your brother and your parents help you through this sorrowful time in your life. Take care of yourself, Nick and stay healthy and happy. Kindest regards and sympathy, Kathy & Bill Fecio - Posted by: Kathy Fecio (Colleague of Nick’s) on: Oct 05, 2019
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I remember both Nicholas and Alex, as I went to school with Alex at St. Mary's School. Our Grade 5 teacher Sister George Bernard, snjm, (who is still alive), and I often wondered what happened to the two Syzek boys. I remember Alex as smart in school, usually smiling, fair with rosy cheeks. He tried to be a peacemaker if there was an argument. I had no idea he had been ill for so long. We lost track of everyone after Grade 8 and went different ways. Now he can rest in the arms of Our Lord. My prayers and deepest sympathy to you Nicholas (though you probably don't remember me) and all of the family! He is now at peace and you can cherish the memories of the good times. - Posted by: Chris (Keegan) Butterill (School mate.) on: Oct 05, 2019
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