ALVIN N. WIRE

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ALVIN N. WIRE

Alvin passed away on June 15, 2022, at the age of 93. He was born and raised in Winnipeg and predeceased by the love of his life, Theodora (Teddy).
Alvin leaves behind his son Mark (Bev), daughter Shelley (Jeff) of Richmond, BC and grandchildren, Melanie, Matthew, Aliah and Michael. When Alvin met Teddy he was warmly welcomed into the family by her parents, Sarah and Lew Polsky. They became pseudo parents to him and Alvin absolutely idolized his father-in-law.
Alvin loved the music of Frank Sinatra and the words "I did it my way" capsulize his life. He was truly his own man. Headstrong and fiercely independent, Alvin was the essence of integrity, assuming responsibility and industrious. He was a true straight shooter with strong beliefs and ethics.
Alvin struck out on his own at an early age with determination and a strong work ethic. He was particularly proud of running his own business, Norwood Department Store on Marion Street. Following its closing in 1969, Alvin worked for Eatons for a number of years selling men's clothing. He was a successful salesman with high standards. He wouldn't let a customer buy a suit until he satisfied himself it fit properly.
Despite modest means, Alvin was driven to provide for his family. He had a heart of gold and was utterly selfless. From swimming and piano lessons, summer camps and family vacations to the Westward Ho in Grand Forks, it was always family first. Alvin loved to bbq and he loved watching Mark and his friends gobble down his cheeseburgers and world class prime rib.
When Bev returned to work after giving birth to Melanie in 1993, Teddy and Alvin eagerly jumped in to provide daycare you could only dream of. Those were very special years for Melanie and her grandparents as they formed an amazing bond of love. A typical day might entail hours at the zoo, or lunch at Applebees followed by a shopping session at Gymboree. That daycare continued with Matthew's birth in 1998 until Teddy became too ill to continue.
When Alvin lost his soulmate and beloved Teddy in 2005, a big part of him went along with her. He chose a private lifestyle but enjoyed getting together with "the gang" at Grant Park Shopping Centre and solving the world's problems. Matthew and his grandpa developed a special connection they mutually cherished after Teddy's death. The outings for lunch and shopping for Lego sets provided priceless memories. In more recent years Matthew was only too happy to go to grandpas and help him any way he could. That helped Alvin to remain in his house for 64 years, something he took great pride in.
Special thanks to the amazing staff at Victoria General Hospital, 5N. Alvin received extraordinary care and attention during his stay there. In particular nurse Matt S. and Dr. Penner, your kindness and professionalism will never be forgotten.
Respecting Alvin's wishes, a private family burial took place June 17.
Donations can be made to a charity of your choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 25, 2022