Alex RobertTOOESIt is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, friend, co-worker Alex Tooes on December 28, 2023 after a brief (40 days) and difficult battle with cancer. He was full of life, joy and love and is missed by so many.
Alex was born in Guildford, England in 1951 to Reginald and Rosina (Zina) Tooes. He was an only child yet often surrounded by other children thanks to his parents’ involvement with a youth club in the 60’s. He developed a passion for automobiles in his early years and competed in cross country rallying along with his father for several years.
He earned his training as an auto technician from the London and Guilds Technical College, moved to Montreal, Canada in 1974 on a one year work permit, then returned in 1975 and received Canadian Landed Immigrant status.
In 1978, he met his soulmate and life long love, Lisa, in Montreal. They married in 1980 in England, returned to Montreal, where their son, Andrew, was born in 1984. In 1994, Alex became a Canadian citizen, holding dual citizenship. He was adamant about retaining his British status.
During the Montreal years, Alex revisited his passion for car racing and joined the Quebec Ice Racing community where he competed in racing cars round tracks over the St. Lawrence Seaway surrounding the island of Montreal.
In 1997, the family moved west to Calgary, Canada where they have resided since.
During these 26 years, Andrew married Megan Christie, who now have three children, Lucas, Addysen and Carter.
His niece, Tiffany Au Grisdale was enfolded with the Tooes family. Tiffany and her husband Brent Grisdale have four daughters, Brigette, Stella, Abigayle and Hilary rounding out Alex’s seven grandchildren in all ways.
Alex’s sudden and unexpected 40 day battle with a very aggressive metastatic colon cancer was difficult. But he fought very hard to best it. Unfortunately that was not to be.
He leaves to mourn wife of 43 years (companion for 45), Lisa, son Andrew, daughter-in-law Megan, niece daughter Tiffany, nephew son-in-law Brent, grandchildren Brigette, Stella, Lucas, Abigayle, Hilary, Addysen and Carter, mother Rosina (Zina) Tooes, adopted brother Ron Smith and wife Barbara Smith, their daughter Donna Smith Norton, Karl Norton, their son James, lifelong friends Richard and Jayne Fairless and their four daughters Susanna, Alexandra, Amanda and Cassie, Richard and Jennifer Pimm and so many others.
His Capital Chevrolet family of 26 years and the friends he made there including Darren Ellis and Pete Mitchell with whom he developed a passion for fly fishing along with son Andrew. Fishing was his solace, the place he could relax, breathe and commune with his true soul and nature. Andrew shares that passion.
No funeral arrangements have been made at this time. Per his wishes, his remains have been cremated to be dispersed at a later date over one of his favourite fishing spots.
Our hearts are broken. But because of his unwavering love for us all, we will endure and remember once touched, never lost. Rest along the shores above and find that special catch my loved one. With love ❤️
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