Alexander Christensen of Buffalo Lakes passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 20, 2020, at the age of 97 years.

Alex was born in the original house his parents homesteaded on January 9, 1923 to Axel and Olga Christensen. He attended Canor School until Grade 9 in 1938 and was very proud that he completed his Grade 9 education. Alex lost his father in 1936, leaving him to be the man of the house at age 13, and completely taking over the farm by age 15. He looked after his mother and two younger sisters, Gertrude and Betty. They were faced with many difficult years and circumstances were tough. Although their home may not have had much, they were close to each other and God was their rock and salvation.

Over time, Alex learned to master farming, starting with a team of horses at 13, eventually graduating to his first tractor. He had the talent of converting swampy “gumbo” land into bountiful harvests. He endured wood heating and gas lanterns prior to the introduction of power and telephones. Alex was a man of many talents, one of which was carpentry. He won many awards throughout his life with creations such as fireplace mantles, lathe work bowls, box planters and picnic tables. His work is fondly displayed by all who knew him. As an 80^th birthday gift to himself, he bought a sawmill and cut lumber for neighbors and friends. He enjoyed many sports including cross country skiing, skating on the lake and playing ball. Curling was a favorite for many years.

Alex was a bachelor until his early forties. He was very devoted to caring for his mother and sisters, therefore dating was not something he had much time for. But eventually, as time would have it, he overcame his shyness and courted Isabel Johnson whom he married on December 27, 1963. They adopted two children; James in 1967 and Catherine “Cathy” in 1969, who they raised on the family farm. Life was good until September 1996, when Isabel passed away following a battle with cancer. Marriage was well suited to Alex and so he remarried on August 2, 1997 to Esther Bartsch. They lived in Sexsmith until his passing. Alex loved his family very much; he enjoyed all the birthdays and holidays and every visit was special to him, especially in his later years.

He enjoyed travelling with family and made many trips to California, Norway, Hawaii, and even Australia. Alex had a love of gospel and country music. He learned to play guitar in his early years but when he hurt the fingers on his left hand, he could no longer play the guitar. After his mother’s passing, he bought himself an organ and taught himself how to play. Alex and Esther established the music group “Christensen’s and Friends” where, for 18 years, he played keyboard for the senior’s homes throughout the area. He loved many things in his life: his family, friends, and neighbors, farming and all the challenges and rewards it provided, and above all, he loved the Lord and his faith made him patient, understanding, and compassionate.

Alex is survived by his wife Esther; children James (Bonnie) and Cathy; stepsons: Garry (Atsuko), Raymond (Holly), and Donald; grandchildren: Taylor, Nolan, Sean, Jenna, Leah, Brandon, Monica, Maika, Jonathan, and Daniel (Angela); as well as three step-great-grandchildren: Isaac, Deklyn, and Evelyn.

He was predeceased by his first wife Isabel; brothers in-law: Raymond Anderson, Oluf Gamberg, and Gerald Loberg; brother Leo Rutledge, and sister in-law Ethel.

A Viewing will be held on Thursday, February 27, 2020, at 6:00pm, at Oliver’s Funeral Home in Grande Prairie (10005 107 Ave.).

A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, February 28, 2020, at 2:00pm, at Grace Bible Fellowship in Sexsmith (9515 93 St.). Private interment will be held at Norden Cemetery.

Memorial donations can be made to Christ Lutheran Church (Box 28, Sexsmith, AB, T0H 3C0).

Condolences may be sent by visiting www.oliversfuneralhome.com

• Date : 2020-02-20
• Location : Grande Prairie, Alberta

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