Alexandre Joseph Rene Flamand

Obituary

With profound sadness we announce the passing of Alex after a 2 1/2 year battle with lung cancer. He is now pain free from his ailments, passing at Bethesda Hospital, June 21, 2019, just after midnight. Being a proud Metis person, he aptly departed on Indigenous People’s Day.

Alex is survived by his daughter Jasmine, son-in-law Rick, and cherished Grandchildren Colton and Katrice. As well he will be greatly missed by his siblings: Stella, Armand, Marcien, Laurie, Arlene, Clarence (Lynn), Alvin (Leslie), Ila (Joe) and Gary.

Alex is predeceased by his parents, Lawrence and Emily, his infant sister Beverly, Brothers Lawrence and Frank.

Alex was born January 31, 1941, in Woodridge, MB where he lived most of his life. Growing up in Southern Manitoba he knew the woods very well and loved nature. He attended school up till Grade 9 but quit to go to work to help earn money for the family by cutting wood with his brothers and Dad. As kids they also picked blueberries and sold them for extra money. Alex was close to his mom and helped her often in the garden and to look after his younger siblings.

Alex met his first wife Helga through his sister Arlene, and they married in 1969, then had their daughter Jasmine. He worked many trades and industries. A few positions he held were McCurdy’s concrete, Red Patch taxi, Granny’s Poultry and Marion Trucking. In between he always went back to wood cutting and would work long cold hours in the winter and often lived in logging camps far from home. For a time, he also helped build houses with his brother Alvin, and found work on erecting the hydro towers that still stand in Hadashville / Eastern Manitoba. He worked well with his hands and had the natural ability to work on any vehicle, machinery or structure.

But his real love was woodworking. Having built 4 of his own homes during his lifetime (2 in Marchand and 2 in Woodridge) he poured his love into the woodwork and design of his homes making sure everything was ‘just right’. This also showed in his hobby of finding just the right ‘stick’ which he would turn into beautiful canes polished with linseed oil. He loved collecting glass, jewels and rocks and would fill his days searching for unique and rare looking gems. He had a ‘green’ thumb and grew everything, to produce organic healthy food. Then there was always the annual 2 weeks a year Alex dedicated to blueberry season, finding just the right picking spot, then preserving his harvest.

Alex was social but preferred staying home in later years. He had magic behind his smiling eyes and to gain your trust would always give his signature wink. He had many, many friends and would literally give you the shirt off his back to help. He loved having coffee visits with friends, and weekly visits with his brother Keenie and Lynn. Especially he treasured his visits with his nephew Kirk, prior to his recent passing. Alex was kind and his sense of humour was beyond compare. He was close to his Mother and was her caregiver for several years before she passed – they had many similar traits in that they were very compassionate towards others and held a love of family.

There was a soft spot in his heart for his Grandchildren Colton and Katrice. Grandpa made the best bannock in the world. He loved spending time with them showing his collections, gardens and sharing his knowledge of the forest and nature. As well Alex kept in touch with his daughter Jasmine weekly as often conversations would be an hour or so long. So many good memories and stories created.

In Alex’s honour there will be a private family gathering to celebrate his life at a later date; no public service will take place.

The family would like to thank the care and attention of the staff at Bethesda Regional Health Centre in Alex’s final hours, especially Dr. Hoff and RN. Colleen in Emergency.

A final message please quit smoking for the love of yourself and your family & friends.

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