1950-2021
It is with profound sadness that we announce Alex’s unexpected passing at the Royal Victoria Hospital (MUHC Glen) Intensive Care Unit. His sister Diane was by his side throughout his final hours.
Alex was predeceased by his father, Leslie (1993), his mother, Mary (2018), and his sister Sheila (1958).
Alex attended Loyola High School (Class of ‘67’) which formulated how he would live his life.
Alex learned to give back, whether it was tutoring students, working with Amateur PGA, volunteering for Cystic Fibrosis or supporting the Lakeshore General Hospital Foundation.
In 1971, he obtained a B.Sc. (Math/Biology) from Loyola College (Concordia University). He went to University of Calgary for post graduate studies; returning to Montreal to obtain a Bachelor of Education (McGill).
Alex’s career, for all but 2 years, was as a mathematics teacher at St. Thomas High School in Pointe Claire where he taught until 2011. He was passionate about education, whether in the classroom or through his vast interests in sports, Canadian Military history or nature. He planned, organized and accompanied student trips to England and France. He was an avid reader of nonfiction who cherished Canadian military history. So strong was this passion that he visited Canadian War cemeteries in Holland, France and Belgium on many occasions.
Alex was particularly proud of and enjoyed his many years of involvement in the local and provincial golf community. He was introduced to golf early in life. During his 25+ years as a member of the Summerlea Golf Club, he was on the Board of Directors and Chair of the Grounds Committee. He also actively participated in many club events such as the BMO Women’s Canadian Open, Skin Games, etc. Since 2014, Alex has been a member of the Royal Montreal Golf Club.
His family would like to thank the staff at the Royal Victoria Hospital (The Glen) particularly the teams of the Emergency Room, Vascular Surgery and the Intensive Care Unit for their care and compassion. Thanks also to Urgence Santé and Héma Québec.
A celebration of Alex’s life will be held at a later date.
Donations can be made in memory of Alex to support the Cardiovascular Fund at the McGill University Health Centre. Contact MUHC Foundation at 514-843-1543.
Alex will be remembered for his dedication and caring to friends and family. To everyone who knew him … GO HABS GO!
Jack Gillis
June 15, 2021 at 3:13 pmHeartfelt condolences to Alex’s family and friends. I have fond memories of working with Alex for 11 years at St. Thomas, and playing a few rounds with a great golfer!
CHRISTINE LENGVARI
June 15, 2021 at 4:24 pmI am very sad to loose Alex as a golfing partner. he played a beautiful game.
Hélène Vanasse
June 15, 2021 at 5:22 pmMy deepest sympathies to Alex’s family and friends. We were colleagues at St-Thomas HS and I cherish the many moments we shared .
Helen Stepancic
June 15, 2021 at 6:20 pmMy deepest sympaties to Alex’s family and all who knew him. We were colleagues at St. Thomas. May he rest in peace .
Tony Blair
June 15, 2021 at 5:44 pmI am sorry to hear of Alex. I enjoyed the time I spent at St Thomas teaching math with him.
Tina Garnham
June 15, 2021 at 6:18 pmI’m so sorry to hear of Alex’s passing. We were colleagues for 20 years. My deepest condolences to his family.
THOMAS BARRY MONTGOMERY SKELTON
June 15, 2021 at 6:21 pmDearest Diane I’m so very sorry.
Alexander was my hero and we grew up together on BAYVIEW and LANDSDOWNE PARK. Alex being almost exactly 2 years older we did everything boys of the 50’s and early 60’s together. Swimming , baseball , hockey everything together. We had the best of times of course when we celebrated every family event together.
Alexander was true to himself throughout his life and so thoughtful and caring to my AUNT MARY and was super close to his loving sister
Diane. Alex never rocked the boat and was a true gentleman. I will miss him forever.
Thank you to all staff at the ROYAL VICTORIA HOSPITAL.
Marc Faubert
June 15, 2021 at 6:48 pmMy condolences to Alex’s family and friends. I came to know Alex first as my grade 9 Math teacher, then later as a colleague at St.Thomas High School. As a grade 9 student, he was a positive influence for me, I still remember his quick wit and appreciate the interest he took in my academic and athletic endeavours. Later, as a teaching colleague, our many conversations on various sports and my coaching at his alma matter (Concordia Football) will always be fondly remembered.
Mellie De Guzman
June 15, 2021 at 7:06 pmDear Diane, Alex is like a brother to me helping and giving advices whenever It’s needed. His untimely passing shocked and keeps us
Speechless. He will be sadly missed. My deepest sympathies and prayers.
Robert Bauman
June 16, 2021 at 10:40 amAs a member of Alex’s graduating class at Loyola I remember him as a good sportsman and fine man. I extend my sincere condolences to Alex’s family at this time.
Brian Doyle
June 16, 2021 at 11:14 amAlex’s life and career are a proud testimony to our 1967 Loyola graduating class. RIP Alex.
John Scott
June 16, 2021 at 12:05 pmMy condolences to Alex’s family. I had the privilege of working closely with Alex. He was on the greens committee at Summerlea for a long time and he also chaired for many years., as Superitendent we worked closely. It was a pleasure to work with him over the years.
Richard Orawiec
June 16, 2021 at 12:46 pmI knew Alex both at Loyola High School and Loyola College. He had a sarcastic sense of humor and loved doing crossword puzzles. He was kind and a friend to all. I was not aware of his love for the game of golf. I am sure he will play an eternal 18 holes. May he Rest In Peace.
JIM POWER
June 16, 2021 at 12:48 pmAs a member of Alex’s graduating class(1967) at Loyola HS I remember him as a quiet, good sportsman and gentleman. My sympathies & prayers to Alex’s
family at this time of loss.
Don Del Vecchio
June 16, 2021 at 1:20 pmMy sincere condolences to Alex’s sister, Diane, and their family and close friends. I was a classmate of Alex at Loyola, in 1st and 2nd year high, and we were “LHS67s”, together. I knew Alex as a teammate in intramural football, and as a member of opposing teams in intramural football and hockey over those Loyola years. I knew him as a serious-minded student, and a ‘dependable guy’. The Loyola ‘mission’ is to develop “men for others”; in reading Alex’s obituary, it occurred to me that, through his career in teaching, and his volunteer work within the West Island community, he demonstrated / personified that ‘spirit’. Well done, Alex; RIP, my friend.
Brenda, Malcolm, Alison and Andrea Dewar
June 16, 2021 at 2:32 pmOur deepest sympathy and prayers, Diane, on Alex’s sudden passing.
We will always remember him as a kind and thoughtful neighbour
of over 45 years. His passing has created a sad void in our lives.
Ian Gergovich
June 16, 2021 at 4:25 pmI worked with Alex as board member at Summerlea. Very classy guy and a truly avid golfer. I have fond memories of chatting with him over a beer about our golf games, and how “if only I hadn’t missed that putt on 18” came up over and over again! Sadly, Alex passed away far too early, but I know that wherever he is now, he’s already scoped out the course and has arranged his tee times! Rest In Peace Alex.
Louis Stevens
June 16, 2021 at 9:13 pmAlex was a dedicated teacher and a stand-up guy. He will be missed by all who knew him. Rest in peace, Alex.
john Rowell
June 17, 2021 at 8:44 amMy sincere condolences to Alex’s sister Diane. on his sudden passing. I am one of his Loyola High School co-grads of ’67, and lost touch with Alex after I moved to the Toronto area. It is good to read about his teaching life , volunteer activities and love of his country through Canadian Military history. Alex loved golf in his teens and it looks like it was a life-long passion. Keep well, Diane.
Sue Bleho
June 17, 2021 at 11:51 amSo sad to hear of Alex’s sudden passing. He was a kind man, a caring son and brother, a quiet neighbour with a dry wit. He will be missed.
Our deepest sympathies, dear Dianne, from The Bleho family.
Norman Pearl
June 18, 2021 at 8:37 amClaire and I were deeply saddened to learn of Alex’s passing particularly since we had seen him just a few days earlier. Alex and I worked together for several years on the Greens Committee at Summerlea. Our friendship continued when we both joined Royal Montreal. Alex was a man of intellect and character. He had earned and deserved a much longer retirement. May his memory be a blessing. RIP Alex.
Stef Arrizza
June 18, 2021 at 9:59 amMy deepest sympathies to the family and all those who knew Alex. Mr. Memess as I used to call Alex, was the best math teacher I ever had. When explaining Math he’d always referred to sports … baseball was a favourite. Loved his class, he made Math easy and fun. Over the years I was blessed to have known the Memess family. Diane you are in my thoughts and sending you lots of love your way. RIP Mr. Memess ❤️
Peter Skelton
June 18, 2021 at 11:17 amDear Diane, I was so sorry to hear of Alex’s passing. It appears he had a good life and career. I am sure he will be missed by many. I send my sincerest condolences to you at this time.
Art Doran
June 19, 2021 at 12:57 pmOn behalf of my brother Bill and I, sincerest condolences are sent to you in memory of Alex as well as to your mom Mary and dad Lesley. We and our departed family members Sally, George, John andMargaret have been friends and neighbors for the past 60 tp 70 years and yours truly has many fond memories of our friendship including a few times I personally babysitting you and Alex as little folks. I have trouble at times like this other than to say I’m very sorry for your loss and remind you that you also have many fond memories of times with Alex and they live on eternally. God bless you
Claire T. Vines
June 19, 2021 at 10:20 pmDear Diane, I am so sorry about Alex’s passing. I was blessed to be introduced to your family through your mother, Mary, who ran the “Wrapping Project ” at Fairview for years which raised thousands of dollars for the Lakeshore General Hospital Foundation. Alex was such a strong presence in your life. He will be missed by all who knew him. Diane, he’s with your mother now.
Beth Montpetit
June 20, 2021 at 1:48 pmI was so sorry to hear about the passing of Mr Memess. I was a student of his during his time at PCHS and thought he was a wonderful teacher who always treated his students like they were his equals – he was truly well-liked by an entire class of 15-year olds, which was not an easy feat for a math teacher. I was always pleased to run into him later in life around Royal Montreal Golf Club, where he played many rounds of golf with my father (Derek). Sending my deepest sympathies to his sister Diane.
Bill McMurray
June 22, 2021 at 11:03 amVery sad news. Alex passed away far too young. After a long career as a teacher, he was busy enjoying his retirement pursuing two of his long time interests: golf and travel. Like so many of his friends, I will miss his company on the golf course. I will also miss those cups of coffee in Pointe Claire village hearing about his train trips all across Canada. Rest in Peace, my friend.
Ken Chevrier
November 16, 2021 at 5:48 pmI was so saddened to hear of Alex’s passing. I taught at St. Thomas with Alex. He was a great teacher and became a great colleague and friend. We only really met when our school had a pot luck supper. We were standing in the food line when I remarked that he must taste this delicious pâté dish. He was so glad I liked it, because it was his dish. I loved chatting with him. His reflective manner of speaking always gave me the impression that what we were discussing was of the upmost importance. I would like to express my sincerest condolences to his family and friends. He was involved in so many endeavours. He will be deeply missed. God bless.
Victor Smyk
January 25, 2022 at 8:57 amMr. Memess was a great math teacher and lover of sports, he had a knack for understanding athletes and used his analytical skills to reach us. He was also a bit sarcastic and could be dramatic at times; he was entertaining, and so for me his lessons were memorable. I still recall lessons on statistics and standard deviation which I use ‘till this day
Rest In Peace Alex
Victor Smyk