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Obituary of Alex Champoux
Alexandre (Alex) Champoux passed away peacefully on May 28, 2025, in Saint Martha's Regional Hospital, Antigonish.
Born September 21, 1932 in Campbellton, New Brunswick, he was the only son of the late Beatrice Richard and Charles Eduard Champoux.
After winning piano performances in the New Brunswick music festival, Alex was awarded a scholarship to Mount Allison University, where he studied Music, attaining his degree and Licentiateship in Piano. He next ventured further from home when he pursued and received his artist diploma for the University of Toronto. After time at the Conservatory of Toronto and Music Fair Theatre, he returned to his beloved Maritimes where his path turned to education and 30 plus years of Music Education and School Administration in New Brunswick and ultimately, the Eastern Townships of Quebec.
He was a passionate advocate for children, through education, and in their lives, directing choirs, coaching hockey and providing mentorship. He also found great joy in the pursuits of his own children, whether athletic or musical, seldom missing a game. This practice continued with the same vigor as his grandchildren found their path.
His passion for golf was well known; specifically practicing. He could be found daily, hitting bucket after bucket, even as he approached age 90, in pursuit of the perfect trajectory. His commitment to the game was outweighed only by that for the love of his life, Shirley. He never missed an opportunity to tell anyone who would listen, how special she was to him and how he adored “his boss”. Truth told; it was we who were fortunate to feel the joy of his wake.
The last part of his life was spent in his new Antigonish community, which so kindly adopted him and where he would become a fixture at hockey rinks around the community, the golf course, with his R.O.M.E.O. pals and of course, keeping up with the community news at the local Tim Horton’s.
He is survived by his wife of almost 63 years, Shirley (Wallace), sons, Marc (Clare), Antigonish; David (Pam), Cayman Islands; Robbie (Margo), Bowen Island. He leaves his seven grandchildren: Luc & Josee, Gabe & Daniel, and Ryan, Gavin & Emily, who he loved dearly. He is also survived by his cherished sister Yvette (Glen Loffree) and many nieces and nephews with whom he shared so many stories and laughs over the decades.
He was predeceased by his older sisters, Jacqueline (Leo Phelan) and Germaine (Bill Phelan) .
A special thank you to the wonderful staff at St Martha's. To a person, the kindness and compassion you showed a man and his family in his final days is appreciated in more ways than we could ever express and will always be treasured. A special expression of gratitude to the nurses and staff of ICU, PCU , to Dr McNeil and, of course, to Dr. Dave Cudmore for the almost 20 years of special attention in his adopted community.
Visitation will be held from 2-4 and 7-9 pm on Monday June 2nd in MacIsaac Funeral Home, 61 Pleasant Street, Antigonish. Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 am on June 3rd, 2025, in Saint Ninian Cathedral, 121 St. Ninian Street, Antigonish, Reverend Donald MacGillivray presiding. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to Antigonish Culture Alive (Concert Series) or St. Martha’s Regional Hospital Auxiliary.
