ALEXANDER THOMAS MCCORMACK

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ALEXANDER THOMAS MCCORMACK

May 10, 1988 – January 6, 2024

It is with profound sadness that we announce Alexander Thomas McCormack – our much beloved son, brother, nephew, uncle, and friend – passed away unexpectedly at the age of 35 years on Saturday, January 6, 2024.



Alex came into this world much the way he lived it – larger than life! Weighing in at a whopping 10lbs 12oz, he was warmly welcomed by his proud parents Sharon and Darren on May 10, 1988. His two older sisters, Allison and Renata, were very excited about the prospect of a little brother and he quickly became the most fought over baby doll in the house! As the years passed, moreover as he grew quicker and wiser, Alex was able to dodge the dress up games and develop a wide array of his own interests, many of which he notoriously carried into adulthood. An active fellow from the get-go, he enjoyed building forts, climbing trees, renting movies (and getting candy), games of all kinds – video games, board games, made up games – practical jokes, endless bowls of cereal, basketball, trips to the cabin, lake life, running around the neighborhood, making the odd prank call from the payphone at the corner store (and getting more candy) and finally - you guessed it - the infamous ninja turtle obsession began to brew.



Alex’s kind and caring personality was evident from the beginning, and he made fast friends everywhere he went. Attending elementary school at Valleyview Centennial School, middle years at Earl Oxford, then completing high school classes at both Vincent Massey and Crocus Plains, graduating in 2006. Around this time, he put in his first shift at SportChek, a job he notably thrived in for several years and a place where he made loads of lifelong memories. Between school, work and sports Alex’s vivacious outlook on life lifted the spirits of all those around him. His ability to make lasting friendships was something we all admired, and his sociability would prove to be one of his superpowers. Afterall – it takes some real charisma to be able to make such an impression selling someone a pair of shoes that they would remember the interaction for years to come!!



But working the footwear wall wasn’t Alex’s only source of income as many people will recall his talent for baking thanks to the countless hours he put in, both on and off the payroll, at the family business Sweet Temptations Bakery. From the early days of toddling around the mixers and killing time playing hide-and-go-seek with his sisters to baking off several ovens full of cakes on his own, Alex always treasured his time at the bakery. Even once the bakeshop closed for good, he faithfully kept all the secret recipes on the down low but would never hesitate to whip up a batch of anyone’s favorite treat when they hinted at a craving.



Sports and the outdoors were always a focus for Alex. Canoe escapades with friends, family camping trips and growing up exploring every corner of Otter Lake, on and offshore, were on his highlight reel. Basketball and racquetball were particularly important to him in his early years, and he later added a great passion for running to the list. Over the years he spent hours upon hours training for long runs, completing 9 full marathons and too many shorter races to count. Are you a Brandonite that can recall seeing a full-grown man incessantly jogging around town decked out in a ninja turtle get up? A mustache onesie? Bathed in neon pink from head to toe including a radiant beard to match? Yeah, we think we know who that was, but we won’t say for sure…



One of the greatest roles Alex took on was that of the fun-uncle. Whether he was juggling a baby or two with ease, throwing a toddler up on his shoulders or taking one of his treasured nieces and nephews out for a grand adventure – Alex simply relished in being a doting uncle. His love for children, any and all, was one of his most endearing qualities.



In 2014, one of Alex’s ultimate dreams came true as he graduated from the Manitoba Emergency Services College (MESC), obtaining training as both a firefighter and paramedic. He received outstanding reviews regarding his attitude, work ethic, and his sensitive character that brought much comfort to those he served. Alex was ecstatic to be hired on as a proud member of the Brandon Fire & Emergency Services in 2016. He went above and beyond for those in the community and was well known for bringing emergency room staff treats and cheerful smiles in his off time.



Finally, we would be remiss not to mention Alex’s innate enthusiasm for collecting which easily would have crept into hoarding territory had he only had more time. Alex housed a massive display of comic books, ninja turtle paraphernalia and knick-knacks of all sorts and enjoyed boasting about them regularly. Yet as the love has poured in over the past few days in honour of Alex, it is evident that what he was really busy collecting over his lifetime was a vast number of cherished friendships and stacks upon stacks of unforgettable memories and good times.



Alex was a force and a friend to all. He had a soft spot for those in need or anyone who was feeling down and lonely. He was community minded, genuine and a team player. He did almost everything with that big, beautiful smile on his face. He was nothing short of a gem in human form and whatever pie in the sky creator that bakes each of us up absolutely broke the mold when they gave us Alex. Our lives will surely never be the same without his loud voice overpowering our conversations at family gatherings and his unique sense of humor that never failed to draw a laugh. Most of all we will miss his heart - he was intensely compassionate and generous, combined with the perfect amount of wild and wacky. But we are comforted knowing he was able to connect with so many people in such a short time, and in this way, we are convinced he will be one of those people that will truly live on forever within us all. He was and will always be that unforgettable one-of-a-kind guy so many know and love.



Alex maintained very special relationships with each person in his family and his absence will be so keenly felt. He will be lovingly remembered by his mother Sharon Alexander (Ed), father Darren McCormack (Keith), sisters Allison Noto (Mike) and Renata Truelove (Jeremy), Granny Patricia (Pat) McCormack (whom he continuously checked in on after the passing of Grandpa Tom), nieces Alicia and Hailey Noto, nephews Rylan and Gradey Truelove, along with Alex’s special four-legged family member Luna who brought him so much solace and joy over the past few years. He will also be sorely missed and fondly remembered by many extended relatives, community members and all his friends he so dearly held close. Alex was predeceased by his loving Gramma Eleanor Kadash whom he adored greatly. We can rest easy knowing they are happily reunited sitting by the water somewhere playing an intense game of Rummoli!



As many are familiar, Alex loved to have fun with his fashion choices (I guess those early years made an impact after all)! We invite anyone who is so inclined to pay tribute to his fun-loving, goofy spirit by adding some flare to their outfit at his celebration of life. Whether that be a fun pair of socks, funky tie, flashy shirt, colourful converse shoes – ninja turtle anything and everything - we would love to see what you got! Also, please come armed with any favorite personal stories about Alex as we will have a memory box set up and encourage anyone in attendance to take a few moments to write down anything they would like to share about their experience with him with the family as a keepsake.



A Celebration of Alex’s Life will be held on Friday, January 26, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at the Victoria Inn, Grand Salon, 3550 Victoria Avenue, Brandon, Manitoba.



In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Alex can be made to Funds for Furry Friends, Brandon Humane Society, or any other animal rescue of your choosing.

Condolences: www.memorieschapel.com

ALEXANDER THOMAS MCCORMACK

May 10, 1988 – January 6, 2024

It is with profound sadness we announce Alexander Thomas McCormack – our much beloved son, brother, nephew, uncle, and friend – passed away unexpectedly at the age of 35 years on January 6, 2024.



Alex will be lovingly remembered by his mother Sharon Alexander (Ed), father Darren McCormack (Keith), sisters Allison Noto (Michael) and Renata Truelove (Jeremy), granny Patricia (Pat) McCormack, nieces Alicia and Hailey Noto, nephews Rylan and Gradey Truelove, and Alex’s special four-legged family member Luna.



In honour of Alex, a Celebration of his Life will be held in Brandon on Friday, January 26th.



A complete obituary to follow.

Condolences: www.memorieschapel.com

As published in Brandon Sun on Jan 13, 2024, Jan 13, 2024, Jan 20, 2024