December 5, 1946 – January 30, 2026
With love, gratitude, and countless cherished memories, we celebrate the life of Alexander “Alex” Robert Mowat, who passed away on January 30, 2026.
Surrounded by his daughters and with the Scott Tournament of Hearts playing in the background, Alex passed away peacefully. While our hearts were broken, we take comfort in knowing he was finally reunited with his beautiful wife Charlene, the love of his life, whom he missed every day since her passing in 2005. It was a fitting farewell for a man whose life was so deeply intertwined with the sport he loved and the family he cherished most.
Alex was the eldest of six children born to the late Donald and Joan Mowat on December 5, 1946. He grew up in Winnipeg’s North End, where he formed lifelong friendships and developed the strong values that would guide him.
He met the love of his life, Charlene, in Grade 7, the story goes that she pointed him out to her mother and said “Mom, that is the boy I’m going to marry some day”. From that moment on, they were inseparable. On June 6, 1970, they exchanged vows at Knox United Church, beginning a partnership built on love, friendship, laughter, and unwavering devotion. Together, they built a beautiful life and family, sharing a love that was rare and enduring. Few men loved and cared for their wives with the devotion Alex showed Charlene throughout her illness and until her passing. The love they shared set the standard by which his daughters would measure all others.
An accomplished athlete, Alex was quarterback for the Hawkeyes football team and enjoyed many sports throughout his life. However, it was curling—introduced to him by his father—that became his greatest passion.
For more than 60 years, curling was not just a sport to Alex; it was a community, a purpose, and a way of life. He taught at curling camps in Gimli, travelled across Canada to Briers, Scott Tournament of Hearts, and Junior Championships, and dedicated countless hours to growing the sport he loved. He served as an official, worked with Curling Canada as a National Course Conductor, and was respected throughout the curling community for his knowledge, leadership, and commitment.
Many summers were spent travelling across Canada with Charlene and their daughters to National Curling Conferences, creating lifelong memories and friendships that would last a lifetime.
Together, Alex and Charlene founded and operated Elmwood Curling School for many years. Alex believed curling was for everyone and was passionate about helping others learn the game. Coaching became one of the greatest joys. He loved working with young athletes and helping them reach their potential. There was never any sugar-coating with Alex—he told the truth—but he was always willing to invest his time, energy, and heart into helping others succeed.
Among his proudest accomplishments were coaching teams to National and World Championships. In 2017, Alex was inducted into the Manitoba Curling Hall of Fame as a coach. Earlier this year, the family learned he would once again be inducted, this time alongside the 2008 World Junior team that brought home a bronze medal for Canada. On May 2, his granddaughter proudly accepted the honour on his behalf.
Outside of curling, Alex was known as the kind of man who would do anything for anyone. He would give you the shirt off his back or his last dime if it meant helping someone in need. His generosity, loyalty, and friendships meant everything to him. His commitment to helping others extended far beyond family and friends. In the early 2000s, Alex was honoured with the Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba Award in recognition of his bravery and life-saving actions. While he never sought recognition, the award reflected the kind of person he was—someone who instinctively stepped forward when others needed help.
Alex began his career with Manitoba Hydro and spent time living in Point du Bois, where he formed a special bond with Vilma and Hugo, whom he lovingly referred to as his second parents. His family shared many wonderful years visiting them and creating lasting memories together.
Later in his career, Alex joined the City of Winnipeg, where he eventually retired in 2003 as Head of Health and Safety. He loved his work and the people he worked alongside. Through his kindness, leadership, and strong work ethic, he developed countless friendships and professional relationships that remained important to him throughout his life.
Summers were always a special time for Alex and his family. As a young man, he enjoyed spending time at the lake with his parents. Later, he and Charlene spent many summers at Red Rock Lake alongside dear friends. In 1986, Alex and Charlene, together with Charlene’s parents, made the decision to purchase a cottage at Jessica Lake in the Whiteshell.
From that moment on, weekends and summers were spent at the lake. Days were filled with projects around the property and cottage, followed by afternoons on the water swimming, boating, and waterskiing. Alex took great pride in maintaining and improving the cottage, and he was especially pleased when his son-in-law, Jared, joined the family and shared his strong work ethic.
The cottage became one of Alex’s favourite places to be. He spent nearly every weekend there, enjoying good food, catching fish, and creating cherished memories swimming and spending time with his beloved granddaughter, Izzy. The lake was more than a cottage—it was a place where family gathered, friendships flourished, and some of life’s happiest moments were shared.
Alex also loved spending his summers on the golf course. He became a member at Elmhurst Golf & Country Club, where he enjoyed many rounds of golf and formed wonderful friendships with a great group of men who shared his love of the game.
After Charlene’s passing, Alex spent several winters in Mesa, Arizona. The sunshine, golf, friendships, and slower pace brought him comfort during a difficult chapter of his life. One of his favourite winters was spent sharing the experience with a close friend, creating memories and adventures that he often spoke about afterward.
No matter where he travelled, Alex always returned home with special treasures for his favourite girl, Izzy. Whether it was a small gift, a souvenir, or a sweet treat, he loved seeing the excitement on her face and finding ways to make her feel loved.
Alex worked tirelessly to provide for and support his family. In 1976, he and Charlene welcomed their first daughter, Heather, followed 13 months later by their second daughter, Tammy. Their family was complete, and there was nothing Alex would not do for the people he loved. Above all else, all Alex ever wanted was to have his girls by his side. His greatest pride was not found in his accomplishments, but in his family. He treasured every phone call, visit, family gathering, and moment spent together.
On November 27, 2012, his life was forever changed once again when his granddaughter, Isabelle Blair “Izzy,” arrived. Becoming Grandpa was one of the greatest joys of his life. Izzy quickly became his pride and joy, and he was determined to stay healthy and active so he could be part of every milestone. There wasn’t a day that went by without a phone call, FaceTime, or visit from Izzy. He loved sharing stories about her and proudly telling anyone who would listen about her accomplishments. Whether it was soccer games, school events, concerts, dance recitals, or dance competitions, Grandpa was always there cheering her on. Christmases were especially memorable. Every year he would stay over, eagerly waiting for Christmas morning and struggling to contain his excitement as he waited for Izzy to wake up and open her presents.
When Alex was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, he faced the challenges ahead with determination, courage, and the unwavering support of his daughters. Together, they worked tirelessly to seek out the best doctors, treatments, and care possible, always focused on helping Dad live the fullest and most meaningful life he could. Despite many obstacles along the way, Alex continued to enjoy the things he loved most—his family, watching curling, the lake, golf, and especially time with his granddaughter, Izzy. Through perseverance, exceptional medical care, and his own positive spirit, he far exceeded the expectations of many and created countless memories that his family will cherish forever.
Over the years, Parkinson’s may have changed how Alex lived, but it never changed who he was. His sense of humour, determination, love for family, and passion for life remained with him until the very end.
After a challenging hospital stay, and thanks to the advocacy and support of his daughters, Alex was transferred to Pinawa Hospital, where he made a remarkable recovery while awaiting placement at East Gate Lodge in Beausejour in April 2021.
Although life changed significantly, Alex found comfort, happiness, and a sense of home at East Gate Lodge. The staff quickly became like extended family, treating him with kindness, dignity, and compassion. While his daughters visited almost every day, it brought them great peace knowing he was surrounded by people who genuinely cared for him and loved him as their own.
We would like to extend a very special thank you to Robyn, Nicole, Jeanette, Sharon, Jade, and Edith, whose care, friendship, and compassion meant so much to Alex and our family.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the many healthcare professionals who supported Alex throughout his Parkinson’s journey over the past 20 years. When many believed he only had a few good years left, Alex proved them wrong time and time again.
A special thank you to the late Dr. Sherif Basali, whose expertise and dedication helped establish the foundation of care that allowed Alex to continue living life to the fullest.
To Dr. Sean Udow and the team at the Movement Disorder Clinic, thank you for always looking outside the box, taking our calls, and providing unwavering support. Much of Dad’s mobility, independence, and longevity can be credited to your care and dedication.
We would also like to thank Dr. Nick Van little. Whenever you walked into a room, you brought light, positivity, and reassurance. You always listened, cared, and guided our family with compassion and wisdom.
To the doctors, nurses, and staff at Selkirk Regional Health Centre, thank you for the exceptional care and kindness you showed Dad and our family.
A very special thank you to Dr. Chidinma Ota. We will be forever grateful for the compassion, dignity, and peace you provided during the final 14 days of Dad’s life. Your care not only comforted Alex but also supported his daughters through an incredibly difficult journey. Because of you, Dad’s final days were peaceful, comfortable, and filled with love.
Alex was predeceased by his beloved wife, Charlene; his parents, Donald and Joan Mowat; his parents-in-law, Mavis and Stanley Parker; his brother, Dave and his sister-in-law, Vicky.
He leaves behind his loving daughters, Heather (Frank) and Tammy; his devoted son-in-law, Jared; his cherished granddaughter, Isabelle “Izzy”; his beloved fur grandbabies, Pinky, Bear, and Marley; his siblings, Margaret (Dan), Don (Marilyn), Bill (Norma), and Barb (Dan); many nieces and nephews; extended family; dear friends, co-workers; and the many members of the curling community whose lives he touched throughout the years.
To honour Alex’s remarkable life and the incredible love story he shared with Charlene, family and friends are invited to celebrate his life on June 6, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Knox United Church, 400 Edmonton Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba—the very church where they exchanged their vows 56 years earlier on that same day.
A reception will follow, with a private interment for his immediate family.
On this special day, we celebrate not only Alex’s remarkable life, but also a love story that never faded, never weakened, and never truly ended.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honour Alex’s memory may make a donation to the Curling Canada Foundation or the Parkinson Association of Manitoba, two organizations that held a special place in his heart and reflected both his lifelong passion for curling and his courageous journey with Parkinson’s disease.
He will be forever loved, deeply missed, and lovingly remembered by all whose lives he touched.
Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences on Alex’s memorial page using the comment field below.
