We are saddened to announce that Alex Connell passed away on September 3, 2017 at the age of 94. He was born in Trail, BC on August 3, 1923. He grew up in East Trail with his 3 brothers and his sister. He spent lots of time at Sandy Island where he became a very good swimmer. At the age of 19 he joined the Army and on New Year’s Eve, 1944, he was deployed to Belgium. In April of 1945 he was wounded in action. He spent many months recovering from the shrapnel wound to his leg. After finally returning home to Trail, he resumed his job at Cominco where he was a Control Operator in the Phosphate Plant until he retired in 1982 after 41 years. He enjoyed retirement for 35 years.
Alex and Betty were married on June 17, 1958. They lived in Trail for a few years where Larry was born in 1951 and Sharon was born in 1954. They moved to Montrose in the fall of 1954 after their new home had been built. They loved Montrose where they would meet wonderful neighbours who would become lifelong friends. At the age of 88, when health problems made it impossible for Alex to live independently he moved into Rosewood Village where he lived happily for 5 years. He loved the music, bingo games and playing a game of 31 in the evenings there with his new friends. He could often be found sitting outside enjoying the sun.
In April of this year he fell and broke his hip and also sustained a head injury. After his injury he moved into Poplar Ridge, where he received excellent and compassionate care until he passed away on September 3.
Alex was predeceased by his wife of 53 years, Betty, his sister Janet (Swedburg) and his oldest brother Will. He was also predeceased by his little dog Jody, who passed away on April 18 of this year. Alex survived by his son Larry (Dorothy) of Fruitvale, his daughter Sharon Parker (Gerald) of Montrose, and grandchildren Chris and Robin Parker, Amy (Lloyd) Sabas and Adam Connell. Also survived by great-grandchildren Dylan and Kaia Sabas and Trystan and Aislynn Connell. He is survived by his brothers Len Connell (Mary) of Montrose, Harry Connell (Sylvia) of Trail and many nieces and nephews.
We would like to extend a sincere thank you to Rosewood Village for the 5 years of care and friendship he received there. Also a very special thank you to Poplar Ridge who cared for Dad with respect and dignity during the last months of his life. We also want to thank Dr. Behrens who was his doctor for decades as well as Dr. Edge and Dr. McCoid.
A Legion Service will be held on Friday, September 8, 2017 at 11:00 am at the Trail Royal Canadian Legion Branch #11, with Rev. Ken Siemens Officiating. Legion members and Ladies Auxiliary please attend. Jordan Wren of Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Services™ has been entrusted with arrangements. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the Trail Royal Canadian Legion Branch #11 at 2141 Columbia Avenue, Trail, BC, V1R 1K8. You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence at the family’s online register at www.myalternatives.ca
“Don’t worry. If it is meant to be, it will find its way.”