September 19, 1930 - August 31, 2022
In loving memory ~
Passes away at 91 years of age • Creston, B.C.
It is with profound sadness in our hearts, that we announce the passing of our family and community member Alex.
After living a long good life (just 19 days away from his 92nd birthday), he passed away quickly while going about his usual day.
Alex was born in Shouldice, Alberta, of Alex P. and Anna L. (nee Verigin) Wishlow. The family moved to the Creston Valley in September 1939 to begin clearing land for their 20 acre orchard farm.
He attended the University of British Columbia and in 1963 received a Bachelor of Education Degree, the first university degree in his family.
Alex taught school in Fruitvale for 9 years and Creston for 27 years for a total of 36 years. He was awarded as an outstanding business education instructor, and was one of the first teachers to bring computers into the school curriculum.
As an entrepreneur, he enjoyed selling fruit from his orchard, and was the co-founder of the local business EDAL Computer Centre.
In his younger days he was very physically active. His fun spare time activities included jogging, golf, family camping, dancing, and in later years nature walks at the Creston Valley Wildlife Centre. As an avid traveller, he was often enjoying tropical locations.
As a musician, Alex loved singing with his family and has been in several choirs, and often volunteered to entertain with his guitar at social events. With his daughter Judi, he recorded a CD, "Fathers and Daughters" (2007).
He dedicated his time and energy as a leader to his family, the Doukhobor community (served as President of the Canadian Doukhobor Society), and as a proud Lions Club member for over 43 years. He also served on the BC Multiculturalism Advisory Council (2000) to promote anti-racism.
Alex treasured visits with family and others, sharing smiles and laughter, and was well known for his welcoming hospitality while making many new friends along the way.
Alex is predeceased by his loving wife Mary in 1997 (nee Konken, married August 22, 1953 for 44 years), and daughter Judi Thomas in 2012. He was the last survivor of his earlier generation of family including parents, brother Peter Wishlow, and sisters Betty Soukoreff, Mary Robinson, Anne Verigin, and Dolly Nichwolodoff. We invite their spirits to lovingly welcome Alex.
Alex is survived by three sons Frank (Creston), Kevin (Vancouver), and Don (Vancouver); son-in-law Kelly Thomas (Christina Lake) and two grandchildren Ryan and Sean; many nieces and nephews; cousin Elsie W. Morris (Lethbridge); and very close friend and confidant Beth Terriff (Creston).
Alex often shared the following saying, "Where there is love there is God. Where there is God there is peace."
Love is the foundation of everything. We love you Alex very much.
Our deepest appreciation to the staff at Crestview Village Care Home, Dr. Chang and Dr. Griffioen, all the healthcare workers, and all of our friends and relatives, for their kindness and caring for our Alex.
A funeral service was held September 10, 2022.
Friends and family wishing to make a memorial contribution may do so to:
The Creston Lions Club,
Box 905, Creston BC V0B 1G0
-or- Doukhobor Discovery Centre, 112 Heritage Way, Castlegar, B.C. V1N 4M5
-or- ISKRA Publications, 1867 Brilliant Rd, Castlegar, B.C. V1N 4K2