Obituary of Alexander Gabry

Mr. Alex Gabry of Bashaw , formerly of Camrose, passed away on Thursday January 29, 2015 at the age of 93 years. Alex was born in the Franklin Municipality of Manitoba on August 26th, 1921. He was the youngest of nine children born to Tom and Pearl Gabry. In 1923 the family moved to southern Saskatchewan where Alex attend school and helped on the farm. In 1937 the family came to the Lake DeMay district in Alberta, and in 1939 they moved to a farm in the Bawlf district. Alex joined the Canadian Armed forces in 1944 and in 1946 escorted German prisoners back to England by ship. When he was discharged he took an electrical training course and also operated a TV repair store in Donalda, Alberta before embarking on a lifelong career as an electrician. Alex was actively involved in the Bawlf Legion as a member and also served as president. For many years Alex was also a member of the Masons-Camrose Chapter. He had an adventurous nature engaging in trapping, mink farming, and working in the North (Yukon, N.W.T. and AB) and drove the Pam American highway from Alaska to Central America. He also found time to take a lengthy cruise around the world to such faraway places such as the Far East. Through the Edmonton Flying Club Alex obtained his pilot's license in 1960 and became involved in various aviation related activities. Attendance at various Fly-In-Breakfasts was greatly enjoyed for many years. It was at the Single's Club that Alex met Bernice Starcheski and after a courtship of 10 years they married (July 28th, 1984) and spent almost another 30 years together in Camrose. They enjoyed travelling, dancing (ballroom and square dancing), playing cards (crib anyone?), camping, fishing and visiting with family and friends. Fondly remembered were the approximately 10 years that they lived in the Park Place North Condos. Playing the violin became a keen interest for Alex and he travelled to many fiddle contents and jamborees collecting trophies and ribbons along the way. The weekly Jam session with other musicians at Park Place North was considered a highlight. Alex was predeceased by his parents; eight siblings; and his wife, Bernice. He will be fondly remembered by his stepchildren, Linda and (Chuck) Descheneaux of Edmonton, Jim (Ann) Starcheski of St. Albert, and Anthony Starcheski of Edmonton; eleven grandchildren; and numerous great grandchildren. Also left to cherish Alex's memory are nieces and nephews, cousins and other family and friends. A funeral service was held on Friday February 6, 2015 at 1:00 pm from the Burgar Memorial Chapel with Rev. Brian Hunter officiating. Inurnment has taken place in the Camrose Cemetery. Memorial contributions are gratefully accepted to the Brett Starcheski Memorial Fund, or to the Royal Canadian Legion Bawlf , Alberta Branch, or to the charity of one's choice.