Alexander Olivian Michalewski

Alexander Olivian Michalewski - Born October 4, 1922, passed away peacefully with family by his side in the early morning hour of February 23, 2019 at the age of 96. He is survived by daughter Kathryn Lynett (John), son Michael, granddaughter Shannon (Todd), great-granddaughter D’Anna, great grandson Jacob.  Predeceased by his wife Velma (nee Joyce) 1992, and Virginia (2000), son James Alexander (1957), daughter Karen (1998) and parents Emilia (nee Genga) and Leon. In November 1927, Alex and his mother joined his father in Kirkland Lake where he attended primary and secondary schools.  He was a veteran of WWII.  After the war ended, he visited his parents who had relocated to Sarnia, loved it and stayed, meeting Velma and marrying in 1953.  He worked at Sarnia Bridge and then the Sarnia Public Library from which he retired after 27 years of service.  He was a long time member of Central United Church from 1953 – 2009 when he joined Paterson Memorial Church. He took up shuffleboard at the age of 95 at the Strangway Centre and was enjoying that weekly activity and the company of the most welcoming friends he had made there.  He was also a member of several Tim Horton’s coffee groups over the years, who would gather most afternoons.  He loved attending Sunday night dances at the Bridge Tavern and following that, the Navy Club and Bluewater Hall where he and his dance partner Solange would kick up their heels.  His love of walking, music, dancing, reading, photography, conversation and people in general were what attributed to his longevity we’re sure. The family would like to thank all of those who supported him in his final years – Paterson Church members who made sure he always had a ride home from church, with a special mention to Don and Grace for in addition to that, often took him along to the Open Grill for Sunday brunches, Halina for always keeping him company in the pew when she accompanied Paul (Director of Music) who Dad looked forward to conversing with each week, about music no doubt, Pastor Allan for his support to both Alex and his family especially during times of his recent illnesses and hospital stays, Bob and Wendy who picked him up almost every single day to take him for coffee at Tim Horton’s on Colborne Road,  his VON friendly visitor Nirav for his weekly visits and friendship, neighbour Marc who so generously took care of his grass cutting and yardwork  for many years, the Telecheck members for their nightly calls, the Red Cross Homeward Bound program and Meals On Wheels team, Care Partners staff, the kind and caring staff in Palliative Care at Bluewater Health, and so many other friends, and friends of family who supported him over the years. Visitation will be held Friday, March 1, 2019 from 3:30 pm – 7:30 pm. at the D. J. Robb Funeral Home & Cremation Centre Ltd. (102 Victoria St. N., Sarnia). Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, March 2, 2019 at 11:00 am. Interment will follow at Lakeview Cemetery. Sympathy may be expressed through donations to Paterson Memorial Church, Cat Chance, or a charity of your choice (cheques only at the funeral home please). Messages and memories of condolence may be sent through www.djrobb.on.ca