Alex Kowbel passed away peacefully on Jan 20/2024 at the age of 101 at the Perley Health Centre, Ottawa, Ontario.
Alex was born October 6, 1922 and grew up in Melville, Saskatchewan, the fourth of seven children of Eastern European immigrants, Nick and Julia (Szaroz) Kowbel.
He is predeceased by his parents, his brothers Joseph, John, George and Edward, and his sister Victoria. He is survived by his sister Mary Dimen of Calgary, Alberta.
In 1948, Alex married Frances Emily Matthews of Barrie Ontario.
They had four children, James (Wendy), Thomas (Rosemary), David (Nelline) and Susan Andrew (Geoffrey). Tragically, Frances passed away in 1960 at the young age of 36, as a result of a brain tumor. She remained in his heart and thoughts for the rest of his life as he raised his young children as a single parent.
Alex is survived by his 4 children, 4 grandchildren, Nicholas Kowbel (Celine), Kevin Kowbel, Alexandra McAlister (Kevin) and Krystin Vienneau (Joe), 3 great grandchildren, Kaylee Kowbel, Corey Kowbel and Corbyn McAlister and many nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews and great grand nieces and nephews.
Alex enlisted in the Canadian Army in 1939 at age 17. He went overseas in 1942 and served in England and Europe, primarily with the 2nd Canadian Army Group Royal Artillery (2AGRA) where he became the Administrative Staff Sergeant. He landed in Normandy a few weeks after D Day in June 1944, and moved across Europe for the duration of the war before participating in the liberation of Holland in 1945.
Alex returned to Saskatchewan after the war to finish his high school education, obtaining his grade 11 and grade 12 diploma. He then attended the University of Saskatchewan and obtained both a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1948 and a Bachelor of Commerce degree in 1949. In Alex's second year of university, he continued his military career and was accepted in the Canadian Officers Training Corps (COTC).
In 1949, he suffered a broken back as a result of a glider crash during a military training exercise while posted at CFB Rivers. He was hospitalized for several months and had a lower back bone fusion. Despite this, he pursued sports including tennis, curling and golf for many years.
Following completion of COTC and his university degrees, Alex was posted to Camp (CFB) Borden. He served in Korea and Japan during the Korean War as a personnel transport Staff Captain.
While in the military, Alex served primarily in the Royal Canadian Army Service Corp. (RCASC) at various Canadian Forces bases and Canadian Forces Headquarters in Ottawa in various senior administrative and logistics capacities. He retired in 1971 with the rank of Major.
In 2015, in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II, he was awarded the Legion of Honour by the Government of France, at the level of Chevalier, in recognition of his service in France during World War II.
After retirement from the military in 1971, Alex joined the Federal Public Service and was part of the early growth of the Environmental Protection Service within the new Department of Environment. He retired in 1978.
Following retirement, Alex moved to Foymount Ontario where he enjoyed country living, gardening, golf, bridge, and visits from his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was an active member of the Eganville branch of The Royal Canadian Legion.
He spent many winters in Hawaii and continued to live in his condo on Oahu during the winter months until well into his 90s. He had many friends in Hawaii and enjoyed golf and playing bridge.
Following a fall in Foymount at the age of 96, Alex moved to long term care at the Perley Rideau Veterans Centre (Perley Health) in Ottawa, in 2019 . His family is very grateful for the care he received, with particular appreciation of the staff in Ottawa 2 East and Rideau 1 North, the Occupational Therapy and Recreational Therapy units, as well as the staff in the interprofessional clinic. The support provided by Veterans Affairs Canada is also acknowledged and appreciated.
Visitation will be held at the Beechwood National Memorial Centre, 280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa, on Friday, February 16th, 2024 at 12noon. A Funeral Service will be held in the Sacred Space at 1:00PM. Followed by an interment in the National Military Cemetery at Beechwood Cemetery and a reception.
Donations to the Perley Health Foundation (perleyhealthfoundation.ca) would be appreciated in lieu of flowers.
Digital Guestbook
John Gould sr.
Nola Mary Shanley
Uncle Alex will always be remembered for his quick wit, his intelligence, and his warm and genuine smile. Uncle Alex taught me funny songs (which I still remember), spoke to me about my education, and he always took a sincere interest in my life when we visited Canada. The last time that I visited with him in person was when he attended my wedding in California. Uncle Alex most definitely added to the festivities. I am extremely grateful that I was able to know him. Rest in Peace.
Dianne McLeod
So sorry for your loss. I remember your family from Rockliffe we didn’t live on base but that was our haunt, we lived across from Sir Wilfred Laurier HS.
My dad was also born in Melville Sask. in 1925 and grew up there. He also joined RCAF. Maybe they knew each other. Your family have so many memories to hold close to your heart as does mine.
Our condolences to all your family
Dianne & Helen McLeod
Kerri (Kowbel) Deller
We are so sorry for your lose, as Heaven now has another angel. I have so many fond memories of Uncle Alex and I will be forever grateful to have known him and to be able to listen to all of his wonderful stories. Over a good glass of scotch, we will always have wonderful memories of Hawaii that we have all shared.
Our hearts are with you all.
Kerri,Erin, Erik
Lori (Kowbel) LUHOWY
Uncle Alex will be remembered for his wonderful smile , kindness and his words of wisdom when raising a glass while making a toast. When he came to Winnipeg to visit he always stayed with family because that was the most important to him. As children I recall he would take us out for Chinese food when he came for a visit and shared many stories and jokes. He will be so very truly missed.
The party that heaven must be having right now ! Hugs and condolences to James, Tom, David and Susan and family.
Rob McGregor
My condolences to Dave and family. I never met Alex but I attended university with Dave in Ottawa in the 1970's and we have been in touch as friends in the years since and after he moved to California long ago. Have lost touch since then. In any event, all my best to the family during this difficult time of loss. Best wishes from Vancouver.
Hubert j Vienneau
I had the honour of meeting and speaking with Alexander . He was a great person.
My condolences to all the family.
Hubert and FrancesVienneau
Gerry Ottinger
He was such a great person may he RIP. We knew Al for a very long time. He was such a joy to listen to his stories and a funny man he was. We sure missed him when he no longer could travel. Love you Al
My family and I pass along our condolences to the families of Alex. Alex was a great man and when you live so far apart we didn't get together that often good times were had when we did. RIP