OBITUARY
Alexander “Alex” Friedrich Roedger, passed away peacefully Sunday September 27, 2020 at Rest Haven Lodge, Sidney B.C. in his 86th year. Born September 11, 1935 in Dresden, Germany.
Beloved spouse of Joan (Horne) of Victoria B.C. and husband of the late Ursula (nee Eckert) Roedger (2002).
Loving Father of Roy and his wife Maggie (Kinmond), Peter and his wife Lydia (Alex), proud Opi to Marc and his wife Janna (Fryday), Philipp and his partner Sabrina Olinskie, Gordon, Tristan and Gil. Great-Opi to Eve and Aiden.
Remembered by his sister Gisela (Wingartz) and brother Klaus. Cherished by his many nieces and nephews.
Predeceased by his parents Rudolf and Lydia (nee Dechandt), son Kirby (1966) and daughter Rebecca (1972).
After completing his apprenticeship with Demag GmbH as a tool and die maker, Alex left Germany as a young man in 1955 to follow his dream of adventure and establish a new life in Canada. He worked his way from the East to the West coast and eventually found employment with Alcan Aluminum in Kitimat B.C. where he met his wife to be Ursula who was working as a nurse at the Alcan facility. They fell in love and would share 45 years of marriage prior to her passing. From Kitimat the newlyweds would continue the adventure to Toronto and started a family. Later they moved to Deep River where he completed his training for a position at Ontario Hydro’s Douglas Point facility which eventually brought the young family to Port Elgin. Alex would excel at his various supervisory positions in the fuel handling division of the plant until his retirement in 1992. It wasn’t only the complex and intricate work involved that intrigued Alex but perhaps more the camaraderie that he and all members of his crew would experience in committing to “getting the job done!” Those memories and experiences appear to be life lasting and it was his Leadership through Example that will carry on. After retirement the adventure continued to Kelowna B.C. where his life partner and wife Ursula passed in 2002. With a heavy heart he would return to Port Elgin to be closer to family and friends. Luckily Alex would meet and marry Joan who became his sweetheart and the couple would eventually move to and settle in Victoria B.C. After years of travelling together and enjoying the west coast lifestyle, the last phase of Life approached and Alex entered Rest Haven Lodge, Sidney B.C. until his departure.
His intestinal fortitude and enthusiasm for challenges led him to delve into new things. Be it sheep farming with his buddy Ellsworth Yuke, developing residential properties, the stock market or owning and operating 2 successful cottage parks while working full time he did it all with passion, diligence and a smile!
Alex was always falling into adventure, whether it was wearing a borrowed pair of football cleats from Gene Kiniski and kicking field goals at an Edmonton Eskimo’s practice (after watching players run through tires and tackling stuffed dummies he announced that wasn’t the sport for him) or auditioning for Stampede Wrestling after an invitation from the founder Stew Hart , leaving restaurant Chefs in disbelief on his beloved Mexico vacations by eating the hottest dish on the menu without breaking a sweat or being mistaken for Hulk Hogan at Pearson International airport there was never a dull moment with this incredible restless Spirit.
Alex was loved and respected. He made lasting memories with Family and friends that will forever bring warmth and happiness to all.
At Alex’s request he has been cremated. Due to current restrictions no visitation will be held. A private grave side service will take place at a later date.
Donations to the Saugeen Memorial Hospital Fund, Southampton Ontario would be appreciated.
I,m so sorry for your loss. I knew him. He was a friendly giant!
Alex and I were part of the first “Operations crews” to arrive at Douglas Point from NPD on April 6, 1964. He was friendly and good natured then and never changed. What a guy. My condolences to the family, he is fondly remembered by all. What a legacy.
I knew Alex at Bruce A in Fuel handling. What a great guy.
I met Alex at Bruce A when I needed a place to stay. He had a cottage available which I accepted on the spot and stayed for the next 5 years. I became friends with Ursula and Alex just before they left for Kelowna. When my son and I went on a camping trip out west in 1994, we were told that we should definitely stop in. We called ahead when we were close and ended up arriving at 2am. Ursula was waiting for us with a meal on the table! And this was only the beginning of experiencing their outstanding hospitality. The time spent with Alex and Ursula in Kelowna is one of my fondest memories. I loved Alex’ smirk and well founded confidence. I loved his friendly attitude while accomplishing so much. A beautiful human being that I am grateful to have known.
Our deepest sympathies to Roy, Peter and families.
I am deeply saddened to hear of Alex passing. It was my very great pleasure to work with Alex as a member of the reactor pressure tube replacement crew at Bruce A.
I can think of many things that happened back in those days, but the one that stands out the most in my mind was when Ursula, Alex’s wife, went out to BC to take care of her ailing mother. While there she purchased a house in Kelowna. She called Alex and told him to pack up the furniture and move out to Kelowna. Alex promptly retired and did as he was told. He rented a U-haul truck that I, along with some of his many friends, loaded it to the tailgate with everything that the truck could possibly hold. Alex and his best friend Ellsworth Yuke, left the following morning, two for the road in the much overloaded U-haul for the long and adventurous drive to Kelowna BC.
My wife Gerry and I had a very enjoyable visit with Alex and Ursula in Kelowna. I have thought many times about him since then. Alex casted a large shadow in his life and will be missed by many! RIP my friend.
It was a great shock to find out the passing of Alex.
Alex was a great guy and we meet each other in 1960 prior he started to work for Ont. Hydro. Alex was the sub foreman at Demag in Clarkson/Oakville as a sub foreman he left suddenly and moved to start working at Douglas point, we later meet again at Bruce “A” were he became a foreman at fuel handling. Alex was a great guy to know and work with during the day he did enjoyed to look at penny stock and later buying into the stock market. Alex tried to convince me also to get involved in buying stock. When he left HE moved to Bc. and they spend their vacations in Mexico. Alex was a great guy and a pleasure to work with. We did have our ups and downs but we always respected each other and always stayed friends. Alex was a great privilege to have known him I will remember always. I do wish mine sincere condolences to his family
My condolences to the family. I worked with Alex at Bruce “A” in Special Projects, always a pleasure to be on his crew.
Proud to say I knew Alex and greatly benefitted from his mentoring. The breadth of his knowledge and experiences was impressive. It was always uplifting to look into his smiling face and see the sparkle in his eyes. My sincere condolences to his family.
I was lucky enough to get to work with Alex at Bruce A. He will be missed. Deepest condolences to the Roedger family.
Jack and Stephanie Kelly
Very sad that my uncle Alex passed away. He is a great and fair mentor and always a family man. I keep him in my memories. My condolences to my Canadien family.
Please accept our condolences for the passing of your father.
Alex and I had many a good discussion on hockey and the stock market over the years I worked with him. Great guy. Sorry for your loss Peter, Roy and family…..
I always enjoyed talking with Alex. A life well lived. My condolences to all. Stew
People like Alex, are rarely, but gladly met on the path of life. They are remembered fondly from that point on. A truly good person who passed on knowledge freely, allowing others to learn and grow.
had a great time with Alex during my time with Bruce A fueling He always seemed to find a bright side to whatever was going on
My sympathies to the family
It was always great to talk with Alex, such a gentleman. Our condolences.
Whoever knew him ,liked him and never forgot him.Rest in peace .A silent greeting from Germany to the Family,from Alfred u. Bruni
HE WILL REALLY MISSED BY ME!
UNCLE ALEX! LOVE YOU FOREVER!
GOD BLESS OUR SWEET UNCLE ALEX!
My Dad and Uncle Alex visited via phone a few times a year. After my dad passed in 2016, I wasn’t sure how to make contact, and I wish I had tried harder. He was a lovely person. Peter and Roy, my heart goes out to you. Sending love. If you are California bound, please let me know. I would love to reconnect.
Alex got me started in investing way back when. I cant thank him enough. Always the gentleman.
Dear Roy, Peter and family, although it has been many years since we were neighbours on Market St. I have fond memories of your Dad, Mom, and you both. Wayne and I are praying that God will comfort you all. With sympathy, Renee Jane (Carter) and Wayne Willson
Alex was a fine gentleman. He was a pleasure to be around and share experiences. My prayers and condolences to Peter , Roy and family.
Only good memories.
Remember Alex as a great guy and working associate, when we were both in Fuel Handling at Bruce A, Alex as a mechanics supervisor and myself as an operator.
Rest in peace, Alex.
From hockey arenas to nuclear operations, it was always a pleasure to see Alex appear to provide his skills to get the job done. Rest in peace old friend. My condolences to Roy and Peter.
I was lucky to work with Alex at Bruce “A” 0. He was our leader in pressure tube changes. Thanks Alex for your guidance, you were a great leader.
I worked with Alex on the West Shift projects at Bruce A in the 80s. What a great guy and a pleasure to work with. My condolences to all his family.
My association with Alex was from afar!We both worked at BNPD at the same time,but for different departments.It was through son Peter who played many years of hockey with Wayne,my son,and Howie Wark.Wayne and Howie played the wings and Peter played Centre.Peter had his fathers size and was at least a foot taller.As parents we met and cheered together.Peter emulated Alex,very respectful,tolerant and always willing to help.We have lost another good one!
Condolences,
Bill & Shirley Martin
As crane operator ,did some lifts for you and the Turbine Maintenance Crew at Douglas Point. You were a Fun Guy, Alex. Rest In Peace.
I am truly sorry to learn of Alex’s passing away. He was a very friendly, nice guy.
I will always remember him by the Sombrero that he brought back from Mexico for me back, in the early 80’s.
I still have it!
My condolences to all the family.
RIP Alex. You made it easy to follow.
Dear OPG Fuel Handling Friends in Bruce Power Area,
Alex was one of those pioneering main stream Fuel Handling Operations group
personnel with whom
I, from India, worked for over three years [1966 -1970] in Douglas Point
G.S. as a trainee. I still remember the giant German figure Alex, always
cheerful and helpful.
My hearty condolences to Alex family members.
Jay Jayabarathan [86]
Greetings Jay, what a wonderful response from you and your clarification brought a tear to my eye. I am SO glad that such memories were able to be shared. Peter Roedger
I was very fortunate to know such a wonderful human being..Sending condolences to the family.
Always enjoyed lunch and talking with Alex, so sorry to hear of his passing.
Some many great memories of Alex, from hockey games at the Port Elgin Arena to road hockey at the Roedgers house with Peter and Roy. I now live across the street from Roy in Southampton right beside the house Alex lived at for several years with Joan. Alex was a great family friend and worked for my dad for many years. He was larger than life, always cheerful and would give the shirt off his back to help you. Rest In Peace and comfort Alex.
Our Deepest Condolences
Kerry &. Joanne Turcotte
We are so sorry for your loss.
Very sad to hear of Alex’s passing. Always a gentleman, always good to talk to, to work with, to be around. A privilege to have known him.
Again , my condolences to family.