It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother-in-law, friend, and co-worker, Alex Tooes, on Thursday, December 28, 2023, after a brief (40 days) and difficult battle with stage IV 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 but was often surrounded by many other children thanks to his parents' involvement with a youth club in the '60s. He was an excellent soccer/football player throughout his school years, but he developed a passion for automobiles in his early years and competed in cross-country rallying along with his father for several years. He went on to train and received his credentials as an auto technician from the London and Guilds Technical College.

In 1974, he moved to Montreal on a one-year work visa, returned to England briefly, and then came back to Montreal in 1975, where he met the love of his life, Lisa, in 1978. In 1980, they married in England but returned to Montreal. In 1984, they welcomed their son, Andrew. Alex eventually sought Canadian citizenship in 1994.

During the Montreal years, Alex revisited his passion for car racing and joined the Quebec Ice Racing community where he competed in racing on frozen tracks on the St. Lawrence Seaway surrounding the Island of Montreal.

In 1997, the family moved to Calgary seeking better opportunities and they remain there still.

During their time in Calgary, he saw his niece/daughter Tiffany marry Brent Grisdale in 2001, and his son Andrew marry Megan Christie in 2008. Between them, they have seven children all of whom are Alex's grandchildren in all ways, Brigette, Stella, Lucas, Abigayle, Hilary, Addysen, and Carter already miss his loving presence. He was an avid cheerleader at all the grandkids' events, be it hockey, lacrosse, cheer, or graduations - he made sure they knew he was there for them.

Alex's battle with a sudden, unexpected 40-day battle with this cruel, devastating disease was very difficult. He fought it with all his strength, but it was not to be. On Christmas Day morning, after a champagne and OJ toast with Lisa, Andrew, Tiffany, and Brent, he was taken back to the hospital where he passed away without pain or suffering in the early hours of Thursday, December 28, 2023 (coincidentally his late father, Reg's birthday).

He leaves to mourn his wife of 43 years (companion for 45), Lisa; his son Andrew; daughter-in-law Megan Tooes; grandchildren Lucas, Addysen, and Carter Tooes, and Tiffany, and Brent Grisdale, and grandchildren Brigette, Stella, Abigayle, and Hilary Grisdale; mother Rosina (Zina) Tooes; adopted brother and sister-in-law Ron Smith and Barbara Smith; Donna Norton, Karl and James Norton, Jayne and Richard Fairless and their daughters Susanna, Alexandra, Amanda, and Cassie; dear friends Richard and Jennifer Pimm and many more. Sister-in-law Jane Grant of Newfoundland, as well as dear friends Mickie and Stirling Blackwood, Valerie Kelloway, and Christopher Walsh.

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 his son Andrew. He developed a newfound passion for cooking and became a consummate "chef" when attending his annual fishing guys 4-day weekend. Fishing was his solace, the place he could relax, breathe, and commune with his true soul and nature. Andrew shares that passion and it is our hope and trust that he is at peace along some river above.

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 easy along the shores above and find that special catch my loved one. I will love you forever and always. – Lisa ❤