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Alan Kaye

Image by Nick Andréka

ALAN WILSON KAYE

May 11, 1938 - July 12, 2023

We regret to announce the passing of Alan Wilson Kaye. He bravely faced several illnesses in the past few years, maintaining his cheerful spirit and quick wit until the very end.

 

Alan was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and son. His memory will be cherished by his wife, Melinda Kaye (nee Woodley), his son Douglas (Deb), his daughter Christine (Ed), his sister Barbara, and his grandchildren Sacha (Doug), Dani, and Mason (Chris).

 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ivy and Wilson Kaye, his sister Carolyn, his daughter Heather, and other extended family members.

 

Alan was an outgoing and sociable person, known for his unwavering loyalty and caring nature. He dedicated himself to the care of his mother and sister, Carolyn, throughout their lives. He possessed a generous spirit and an impeccable memory, both for personal events and historical knowledge.

 

Born and raised in Winnipeg, Alan remained a lifelong resident of the city. He spent his formative years in Riverview, where he forged a lifelong friendship with Barry Mitchell. Alan attended Riverview School and then Gordon Bell High School before pursuing his education at United College, University of Manitoba. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in Arts (1962) and Education (1963). During his time at university, he joined the Delta Upsilon fraternity and formed a lasting bond with his close friend Bruce Cooper. Most importantly, it was at university where he met the love of his life, Melinda. They were married in 1964.

 

Alan dedicated over 30 years of his life to teaching at Windsor Park Collegiate from 1964 to 1996. He was actively involved in coaching girls' soccer, served as the head of the social studies department at one point, and represented the school in fundraising efforts for the United Way.

 

A passionate sports fan, Alan participated in various sports and activities throughout his life. He actively participated in the Britannia Soccer Club for over 20 years, contributing as a player, coach, and president. Additionally, he served as a referee for soccer matches. He also played football, and golf. Alan thoroughly enjoyed watching these sports as well as hockey, particularly as an avid Montreal Canadiens fan. Despite his limited knowledge of French, he would still watch Montreal Canadiens games, even if they were only broadcasted in French with the sound turned down. Alan was an avid collector, amassing an extensive collection of Montreal Canadiens memorabilia.

 

In addition to his love for sports, Alan had a knack for craftsmanship. He pursued various hobbies; including beer and winemaking and creating intricate wooden duck carvings, as well as building models of boats and planes. He approached each endeavor with meticulous attention to detail.

 

Alan was known for his quick wit and good sense of humor, brightening the lives of those around him. Alan also possessed an exceptional memory for past events, which he shared through engaging stories and anecdotes.

 

In his leisure time, Alan enjoyed delving into mystery and history books, engaging in golf and card games with former colleagues (to name a few Ralph McKay, Sam Scaletta, and John Penner), and embarking on trips. His favorite destinations included Hawaii, England and Vancouver Island. In particular he enjoyed Victoria, which reminded him of England. He took pride in a driving trip to Mexico to visit his daughter.

 

Though not an avid gardener, he ensured the garden was well-tended, even humanely trapping bunnies that frequented the garden and releasing them in the Assiniboine Forest. Fondly, he was jokingly referred to as "Elmer Fudd" for this practice. Alan also found pleasure in playing pool.

 

The family would like to thank the nurses, doctors, care aides and administrative staff at Actionmarguerite St. Boniface for their care and professionalism.

 

Alan Wilson Kaye will be remembered as a loving family man, a dedicated educator, a passionate sports enthusiast, and a meticulous craftsman. His memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who were fortunate to have known him. Plans to memorialize and celebrate Alan are still in the works.

ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

Memories, Stories and Condolences

 

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Richard Sloboda

August 24, 2023 at 10:33 AM

I found out about Al from a recent meeting of some of the old time Britannia soccer guys. I also had Al as a home room teacher at Windsor Park Collegiate from 1970-1972. Never had him as an actual class teacher, but it was always a bright, funny and great way to start the school days. Then having joined Britannia Soocer Club later on in years, he was always a fixture at games and beers after. Rest in Peace Al. 

David Tacium

August 19, 2023 at 12:26 PM

Unable to get enough of his larger than life style, I took history with Mr Kaye at WPC in grade 10 (1970-1) and again in grade 12 (1972-3). Some teachers stood, others sat. Mr Kaye was a sitter. He sat and riveted our attention. His way of informing us of world events turned the first ten or fifteen minutes of every class into a highlight of the day. He highlighted moments that remain etched in memory. One day in October 1970 he informed us that anyone of us could legally be arrested right in our homes. We looked at him in disbelief. The War Measures Act, he said.That sure made us think as never before! Mr Kaye brought the world alive so vividly that we could imagine ourselves in Uganda fleeing from Idi Amin.  Yet despite the horrors he related he had a warm sense of humor that encouraged us to be strong. There aren't many whose influence can be said to be so lasting, and few are those who inspire such love of learning at that young age. Mr Kaye was a gift from the gods. 

D. Benoit

August 15, 2023 at 7:45 PM

If you ask me to name an impactful teacher from my youth Mr Kaye is it. He was my history teacher at Windsor Park Collegiate in the mid 1970’s and for me he had a riveting manner of telling history and explaining the back story of historic events. He held a friendly control of his classroom because everyone liked him. I’ve thought of Mr. Kaye over the years, wondering how he was doing. I happened upon this notice due to the great photo of him. My condolences to the Kaye family and RIP Mr Kaye.

Lori Vondyck (nee Mercer)

August 14, 2023 at 8:35 AM

Mr Kaye was my teacher at WPC and he encouraged a love of history that endures in me to this day.  In the hands of a less skilled educator, facts and dates are just obtuse items to memorize, but Mr Kaye had a way of telling the story with a clever wit that always kept me engaged. May the family find some degree of peace in their grief, knowing that Mr Kaye had such a positive influence on many young minds. Best.  Teacher.  Ever.

Harry Haywood-Monk

August 3, 2023 at 1:33 PM

It has been a privilege to have known Al for fifty years, basically through Britannia Soccer Club,  Condolences to Mindy and the family.  Al will be greatly missed.

Ted Higham

August 2, 2023 at 7:49 PM

So many memories of Mr Kaye, first as my Social Studies/History teacher at WPC.  His class was fun and his use of humour made the class fly. There was always lots of laughing and soccer talk. Many intense indoor soccer games between the student team I played on and the Staff team he played on. Joined Britannia as a sixteen year old, became a teammate, but still called him Mr Kaye.  Later, even after I graduated, and for years it was still Mr Kaye.  Later still playing with Britannia, he "made me" call him Al. Many years of learning both on and off the field from Mr Kaye - Al. Lots of respect for what he did for his students and athletes, a great man.

Monique Wichenko

August 1, 2023 at 7:36 PM

Sincere condolences to the Kaye family. Mr. Kaye was a fantastic History teacher. He brought life to learning and I often think of him when reading the news of the day.  I am also grateful for his willingness to take on the coaching job for the girl’s soccer team at WPC back in 1979, “The Killer Bees”. His love for soccer and enthusiasm for our team was infectious and we had a wonderful time. His efforts were greatly appreciated. RIP Mr. Kaye 

Olivia Stadnyk

July 31, 2023 at 1:41 PM

 Al was a colleague of mine at WPC from 1985 till his retirement.  Needless to say he kept me on my toes as a member of the “Old Boys Club”.  Sincere condolences to you Mindy and your family.  Olivia Stadnyk

Brian Thompson

July 30, 2023 at 12:16 PM

I was fortunate enough to teach with Al at WPC for over 30 years as we were next (classroom door) neighbours.  He was a great colleague and always very friendly and accommodating.  I know his students were always excited about his classes as their laughter easily penetrated the classroom wall between us.  I will certainly miss Al and our monthly gatherings will be much sadder without his presence.  Condolences to the Kaye family.

Doug Toews

July 29, 2023 at 4:05 PM

Condolences to the Kaye family.  Mr. Kaye was my history teacher way back in 1969 - 1971 and he always made history interesting. No doubt he was a positve influence in the lives of many. A life well lived.

Martin Ingham.

July 29, 2023 at 3:58 PM

So glad that I met Al in 1968. I will miss him.

Patti O’Neill

July 29, 2023 at 2:28 PM

I lived next door to the Kaye’s, and although we didn’t see each other much through the winter, always appreciated and looked forward to our random visits over the fence in the spring. Saddened by the loss.

Ann R. (McGregor)

July 29, 2023 at 12:40 PM

My sincere condolences to the Kaye family on your loss. I was lucky enough to have had Mr. Kaye as my history teacher at WOC from 1974-1976. He had the most amazing sense of humour, a twinkle in his eyes  and always made classes super interesting. He was also head of our intramural’s house group, the Saracens and I remember he very much enjoyed playing floor hockey with our team. He had a wicked shot and showed no mercy. My all time favourite High School teacher! RIP Mr. Kaye. 

Audrey Holleron

July 29, 2023 at 12:38 PM

My sincere condolences to Mindy and family - remember all the Britannia soccer games as my Late Husband Peter played along with AL and always enjoyed the great times we shared over a "Few"  beers!  RIP, AL ❤ Audrey Holleron

Ralph McKay

July 29, 2023 at 11:17 AM

I first met Al in my initial week of teaching at Windsor Park Collegiate. He helped a rookie teacher, recently arrived from Scotland and a friendship evolved which lasted 50 years. He will be missed. Ralph McKay

Marji Tanner

July 29, 2023 at 10:49 AM

Mr. Kaye made history "pop" for me. As I listen to the news today, I still recall his discussions in our American History class. His class was the highlight of the day for many of his students.

Jeff Gill

July 29, 2023 at 10:43 AM

Very sad news and our sincere condolences to Mindy and family. Played and involved with Al for many years with Britannia Soccer Club and enjoyed beers over the years with him too. Jeff & Nancy

Barry H.

July 29, 2023 at 10:35 AM

Condolences to you Mindy and all the family.

Barry H.

July 29, 2023 at 10:33 AM

Al will be missed by all the Britannia soccer club friends. We've missed him on our midweek gatherings.

Glen Torgerson

July 29, 2023 at 9:47 AM

I knew Alan while we were both in the Delta Upsilon Fraternity at the U of M. Always a happy, outgoing brother. Sad to hear that he has passed.

Merle MacAulay

July 29, 2023 at 7:25 AM

My condolences Mindy to you and your family. Remember the excitement in our youth as we were married the same day.
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Ethical Death Care (Death Care Services Inc.) is privately, independently, and locally owned. Shane Neufeld and the original team of Integrity Death Care own and manage this organisation.

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