ALEXANDER JOHN HOLOWKA (ALEC)

Condolences & Memories (18 entries)

• I'm very new to Alec's work and was deeply saddened to hear about his passing and my condolences go out to his friends and family, I recently finished Night in the Woods for the first time and its incredible the amount of heart, passion and care Alec put into his work, the impact it left is something that will last forever in my heart based on just how I was able to connect with it and his music is something that I'll be able to listen to every day, Alec will be missed but never forgotten by me and the many others who were impacted by his passion. - Posted by: Kobe Kichak (Fan of Night in the Woods from Winnipeg ) on: Oct 10, 2019

• His music was absolutely beautiful; helped me through tough times. Thank you so much, Alec. I wish so much that I met you. I send my dearest condolences. - Posted by: Cynthia (Fan from Canada) on: Oct 08, 2019

• Aquaria was my first experience with Alec's work and it was the first game that really spoke to me. I still count it among my favorites. His work inspired me and helped me through some difficult times in my life. Naija overcoming her struggles gave me the confidence and encouragement to get through my own. Even as recently as a few weeks ago, I was listening to his Night in the Woods soundtrack to cheer myself up in preparation for a big exam. I can't believe he's gone now. Alec will be sorely missed. Rest in peace, and my deepest condolences to his friends and family. - Posted by: Jessica Yu (Fan from California) on: Sep 16, 2019

• Greg and family. My deepest condolences on your loss. Greg, when we met for dinner last fall after not seeing each other for over 40 years, you described and talked about all your children, including Alec of course, with obvious deep love and pride. I know that mere words cannot provide adequate comfort, but my hope is that this terrible loss will bring your family even closer than before. - Posted by: DON LOFENDALE (CHILDHOOD FRIEND OF GREG'S) on: Sep 11, 2019

• I met Alec while attending the Game Developers' Conference in San Francisco when he and his team won the best Independent Game Award for Aquaria. I was so excited to have met a Winnipegger with such a sincere passion for not only creating video games but mentoring and sharing his knowledge with others. Alec was the first I heard refer to game development as "art", and it was this premise that inspired me to feature him in a local Winnipeg showcase: https://vimeo.com/7956342 I have always been struck by how intelligent and articulate Alec was, and by how he was always willing to participate in growing the Manitoba interactive digital media community in whatever capacity he was asked to participate in. The news of Alec's passing hit me hard and I have no words that can express how sorry I feel for the family and friends that he has left behind. I am so deeply saddened for I know of so many people he has generously donated his time to and the personal and professional impact this has had on our growth. He didn't shy away from people and would talk and be around those that came from all walks of life no matter their flaws. I am aware the Alec struggled with depression of which he was quite open about and which ultimately claimed his life. I feel so saddened for his years of suffering, and yet I am uplifted that someone who struggled so fiercely was still able to find it within him to connect and coach others even while he was dealing with his depression. Like others, I wish I understood this suffering, and knew how to help support him during his darkest time. Alec I miss you and wish that we could have crossed paths again recently. I wish I could have somehow sensed this most recent moment and how fragile you were. Perhaps that is the problem, depression is managed and not cured, and I forget that. Your generosity and kindness during our time together will not be forgotten. If I could give back even fraction of the support I have seen you give others then that will be a life well lived. For the family and friends that were closest with Alec my sincerest condolences. - Posted by: Kevin Hnatiuk (Friend / Business) on: Sep 08, 2019

• I am sad to hear the sweet boy I taught at Lord Wolseley School in grade 6 has passed away. I remember how kind he was and how he had a loving personality. He was talented in so many ways but especially in his art. I still have the comic strips that he gave me for Christmas many years ago. I want to send my prayers to his family and friends. Mme Jo-Anne - Posted by: Jo-Anne H. (Former teacher) on: Sep 08, 2019

• To Alec's parents Greg and Debbie: Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. 9For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. 11When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. 12For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. 13 So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 8 - 13. One thing that is certain is that Alec never suffered from a shortage of love from his parents! - Posted by: Douglas Bruce Adlard (Friend of Alec's father Greg and Alec's mother Debbie holowka) on: Sep 08, 2019

• I've looked up to Alec in his work, I loved Night in the Woods, It's just jarring to know that he's gone now. My condolences to everyone who was affected by this. - Posted by: Anonymous (Fan) on: Sep 08, 2019

• Alec was a huge inspiration for me. He was always excited on whatever it was we were working on. When I told him I felt I wasn't contributing enough, he told me otherwise and that kept me going. I had so many good memories with Alec, that it is hard to share just one. I will say that some of the best times were when we were working on things together. You will be missed dude. - Posted by: Tom Rab (Friend) on: Sep 08, 2019

• 2016 was a tremendously rough year for me. I had lost my dog due to a severe form of cancer, my school’s website had wiped out all my progress, and to top it off, I became extremely depressed. It was later that same year that I had come across NITW and its supplementary games while browsing the Internet late at night. I was absolutely hooked. I followed every update for the game, listened to the songs that were released at the time, and drew the characters to my heart’s content. When the game eventually released, I played it and found myself loving it even more than I did before. It kept me going, both pre-release and post-release. I’m sure a lot of people can say the same. So, thank you, Alec. Thank you for your work on a game that helped many and for your effort in providing a lovely soundtrack that everyone can enjoy regardless of their stance on NITW. You were a very talented man. Without you, I’m positive that NITW wouldn’t be what it is now. My strongest condolences to the Holowka family and I hope that wherever you are now is a much better place, Alec. - Posted by: Greggory Nava (Fan of Night in the Woods) on: Sep 07, 2019

• Greg and Debbie, I was so saddened to see this obituary.... but reading about Alec was so inspirational. Sounds like he was an amazing young man, whose gifts and character had a huge impact on many! Sending you and your family love and prayers as you grieve the loss of your beautiful son. - Posted by: Karin Kasdorf (Former teaching colleague of Greg’s (Sherwood School)) on: Sep 07, 2019

• Jan and I are so very sorry for your loss. There is no greater tragedy than losing a child. - Posted by: Brent Willows (Family friend) on: Sep 07, 2019

• We were deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Alec. May your memories give you peace and comfort. - Posted by: Randy and Terry Steffan (Friends) on: Sep 07, 2019

• My sincere condolences to Holowka family. I recall Alec's great talent in contributions to the Dinner Theatre, and church music. My Prayers are with you. - Posted by: Diane Turner (Member at Grey Street United Church - Winnipeg) on: Sep 07, 2019

• Rest in peace, Alec Holowka. Thank you for your amazing work. It has meant so much to so many, including myself and my boyfriend. Your time was all too short, but you leave behind a meaningful legacy. Condolences to family and friends. - Posted by: Eivind Kirkeby (Fan from Norway) on: Sep 07, 2019

• When I first heard Alec's music, it was during a youtube marathon of Towerfall and I knew that the man had both talent and passion. That's why when Night in the Woods was announced, I preordered it and I don't regret my decision. Throughout the whole game, I could see Alec's caring personality bleeding into the world of Possum Springs. In every song, in every fictional character, and in every message of mental health awareness, I saw Alec there telling me it was okay to be sad. It was okay that my mind is unhealthy and most importantly, it was okay to ask for help and understanding that anyone can become better. Mental disorders or things like autism should not be barriers, but building blocks. This message that Alec put out in everything that he did, that we can all overcome our issues and become better people made him one of my heroes that I admired. And now that he's gone, I feel like I've regressed in my mental health. Everything that Night in the Woods made me feel was gone and replaced with a very deep pit of misery. Because I'll never see another project of Alec's again. I won't hear new music from him again. It was in my plans to visit Alec sometime in the future to tell him how he inspired me. Now it seems that I'll only see his gravestone. I'll miss you Alec. I will see you soon. - Posted by: Jacob Dylan Harold (Fan of Night in the Woods) on: Sep 06, 2019

• We will remember Alec for his many accomplishments and the love he shared with his family. - Posted by: Stephen and Dee Gillies (Friend) on: Sep 06, 2019

• Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. - Posted by: Elaine & Brian Hoover (Sister of your Brother-in-law) on: Sep 06, 2019