Wednesday, February 25, 2026
My heart aches for the Dick family with this news of Alex's passing. I had the good fortunte to have Alex as my welding teacher at the end of my high school career. He was a patient and gracious teacher, although he would always call me out for being late to class.
I had the good fortune to have our paths cross from time to time as I pursued my career running an automotive repair shop. I entered the teaching profession in the fall of 1989 and our pathes crossed again on a regular basis. I took a Welding ABQ course in the early 1990's one summer and Alex again was my teacher.
He was quick to remind me that I was coming in late for class and he expected better of me. You can't argue with the truth and I respected Alex for calling me out, again.
Our paths crossed again after he retired and he encouraged me to keep loving on my students and holding them to the high standard of being the best version of themselves.
Thank you Alex, you helped me be the best version of myself as both a student and fellow teacher. May the words of Psalm 46 bring a sense of hope and peace to Alex's family in this season of grief and loss.
Jeff Ste. Marie
Transportation Technology teacher (ret'd)
Laurier Secondary School
London, Ontario
