Alex was born on September 19, 1944, in Nunthorpe, Yorkshire, England to Al(bert) “Woody” and Margaret Wood (née Kirkbright), both of whom predeceased him in 1993 and 2001 respectively. The family moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba when Alex was six years old.
All of Alex’s schooling was in Winnipeg, from Grade One to Twelve, on to University (Bachelor of Arts and Teaching Certificate). After applying to numerous B.C. school districts, Alex accepted an offer to teach French in School District 23 (Kelowna), starting in the 1965-1966 school year at George Pringle Senior Secondary in what was Westbank at the time, later West Kelowna. After thirteen years at GPSS, Alex moved to KLO for the last twenty years of his teaching career.
Alex had a number of interests, some lifelong, most notably chess. He was the third-strongest junior player in Winnipeg. In Kelowna, he became a driving force in the re-establishment of the Kelowna Chess Club 1969-1980, in which he was frequently club champion. In addition, Alex ran chess clubs for his students at GPSS and KLO.
From 1980 to his passing, Alex was an avid amateur radio operator with the call sign VE7EIS. He also loved to travel, and combined both interests as he toured the U.S.A. and parts of Canada. He travelled in camperized Ford vans (from 1977 to 2015) in the summer while he was a teacher; once retired, he travelled in the winter also – only interrupted for a few years during his divorce from Marilynn Diane Wood (née Jones).
During these trips, Alex became quite skilled at nature photography, capturing scenes from all American states and all Canadian provinces, except Newfoundland and Labrador.
Alex remained independent in his condo until signs of forthcoming health problems convinced him to move to Lakeshore Place Senior Residence in April 2020.
There will be a celebration of his life held at a later date. Details to be announced.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one or more of the following organizations: Heart and Stroke Foundation, Parkinson Society, or S.D. #23 Bursary Fund.
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