Passed away peacefully on June 5, 2020 at the age of 81. Beloved husband of Irene (nee Jaremus) for 56 years. Alex adored his daughters, Adrianne (Adrian Hewryk) and Lily (John Jakubowsky). He doted on and lived for his grandchildren Oresta, Renata, Luke and Mark.

Born in Dnipro, Ukraine, Alex immigrated to Canada in 1951 with his mother and brother (Edward) via Landek, Austria.

Alex’s warm, caring and devoted personality earned him friends everywhere he went. Actively involved in the Ukrainian Canadian community, he believed in the importance of empowering youth and was an active member of Plast Ukrainian Youth Association. He planned and ran both summer and winter camps in addition to serving on the Executive of Plast Toronto Branch as well as the National Branch.

Additionally Alex was actively involved with the Chair of Ukrainian Studies at the University of Toronto (Canada-Ukraine Parliamentary Program), the Executive of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, and the Ukrainian Canadian Social Services in Toronto. He was one of the founders of the Czopa Palijiw Ukrainian School as well as the school’s first principal and also taught at UNO West Toronto Ukrainian School. In addition he worked with the Association of Ukrainian Language teachers towards recognition of credit status for Ukrainian language courses in Ontario. With an interest in culture, Alex served on the Executive of the Canadian Ukrainian Opera Association in its early years and was involved in fundraising for the first production of the Ukrainian Opera “Kupalo”.

As an educator, Alex taught Geography at Earl Haig Secondary School in North York for over 30 years. He touched so many lives that his former students often kept in touch with him for years after graduating. A passionate traveller, Alex organized many student trips to Europe and Ukraine over the years.

Alex will always be remembered for his contagious smile and helping everyone. He loved life to the fullest and was always up for an adventure and challenge. He touched so many lives and will never be forgotten.

Private family interment at Park Lawn Cemetery. A celebration of Alex’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Plast Toronto https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/plast-ukrainian-youth-association-of-ontario-toronto-branch/
OR Canada-Ukraine Parliamentary Program, the internship program in the Canadian Parliament for Ukrainian university students (www.katedra.org). Donations can be made to the Chair of Ukrainian Studies Foundation, 620 Spadina Avenue Toronto, ON M5S 2H4. Email contact: lhicks@mbzlaw.com.