January 6, 1929 - January 20, 2019
It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of David Alexander on Sunday, January 20, 2019 in Nanaimo. He is survived by daughters Norene (Brian), Jody (Jerry), and daughter-in-law Sue, 8 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and his best friend Norah Creelman; predeceased by wife Nonie (1999) and son Dan (2012).
Dave was born in Vancouver on January 6, 1929 and raised in Ladysmith. He attended UBC where he earned his teaching certificate and later in his career, he obtained his master's degree from UVic. He became a well-respected, dedicated and no-nonsense teacher/counsellor/Vice-Principal at Chemainus Secondary School where he spent all his teaching career except for two years when he was Principal of Cedar Junior High School, guiding the inception/startup of that school. After 35 years, he retired from teaching in 1985.
He married Nonie in August 1951 and they settled in Saltair to raise their family. They built a family home where he resided for 52 years. He instilled in his family a good work ethic, high moral standards, a love for learning and love for each other. He and Nonie enjoyed an active lifestyle by playing badminton, travelling the world, camping in their motorhome to Scottish country dancing and square dancing. Dave nursed Nonie at home when she became ill and passed away in 1999. After a hiatus he returned to square dancing with his friend Norah until 2016. He was also well known for "Addressing the Haggis" at Robbie Burns functions. He moved to the Nanaimo Seniors Village in January 2017.
On January 1st of this year a large family gathering was held to celebrate his 90th birthday. It is a day we will all cherish!!
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 9, 2019 at the Eagles Hall, 921 First Ave., Ladysmith, BC at 2 pm. It was Dave's wish that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to a charity of your choice.