Alexander James Calder
Born In: Glace Bay
Born: September 8th, 1945
Passed in: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Passed on: March 1st, 2016
We the family regret to announce the passing of Alexander 'Alex' James Calder on March 1, 2016, at the Halifax Infirmary. He died peacefully with family by his side.
Alex was born on Sept. 8, 1945, in Glace Bay. The son of the late Alexander and Margaret (MacDonald) Calder, Alex leaves behind his loving wife and best friend of 43 years, Bonita (Wall). He is also survived by his three children, Stacey Galloway (Keith Hawco), Charles Calder (Amanda MacDonald) and John (Heather) Calder; brothers, Peter (Judy), Stewart (Janet) and Carl (Patricia); sisters, Catherine Ravanello, Jean Calder and Debbie Calder (John Haughn); as well as his grandchildren, Caitlyn, Jasmine, Nicholas, Carter, Dylan, Matthew, Evan and Dalton.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his younger brother, Bruce.
Alex loved spending time with his family and friends and was especially close with his grandchildren. He enjoyed the small pleasures with them — helping to make sure their latest toys “worked properly”, sneaking an extra scoop of ice cream after dessert was over, and anything else that would create smiles and leave a mess behind.
He managed to have a positive outlook on everything and was a great support to all who knew him well. His sense of humour and enthusiasm were contagious. He also loved nothing more than to stir the pot and start a lively debate over just about anything. Especially politics, he loved his politics. No matter the subject matter he had an uncanny ability to switch sides midway through conversation, ensuring he always finished on the winning side of the discussion.
Alex worked many jobs in his lifetime, including with the Bank of Nova Scotia, from where he retired. A man of strong work ethic, he couldn’t sit still in retirement and quickly went to work with his lifelong best friend, Pat Maglario, at Olympic Pools and Spas.
He was also fortunate to enjoy travel in retirement, having visited Scotland, Hawaii and other locations throughout North America.
He lived his life well and always to the fullest. If there’s a legacy he most wanted to leave behind it was his constant reminders not to take life too seriously and enjoy each of the moments we have with one another. Our special moments with him will never be forgotten.
Visitation will be held on Friday, March 4 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at T.W. Curry’s Parkview Chapel. A funeral mass will be held at St. Theresa’s Church (Whitney Avenue) on Saturday at 10 a.m. with Fr. Dennis Lamey and Fr. Albert Maroun officiating. Interment at a later date.
A reception for family and friends will follow at St. Theresa’s Hall, St. Peter’s Road.
Donations can be made to the Renal Dialysis Unit at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital.
