Alexander Moore

It is with profound heartbreak and sadness we announce the sudden passing of Alex Moore, who suffered a tragic accident while preparing his floatplane for flight, working his dream job in Port Hardy, BC. Deeply cherished son of Terry and Lyn Moore, sweetest “baby brother” to Gabrielle (Scott Rutherford) and very proud “Uncle Alex” to Blake, Owen and Maya. He will be terribly missed by a large extended family including Godmother, Janice Hardy, many aunts, uncles, and close cousins (that he considered friends), and hundreds of friends and colleagues (that he considered family) all across the country.

Born and raised in Bracebridge, Alex then attended Confederation College in Thunder Bay, ON where he became a licensed Commercial Pilot and Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME). He spent many years living and working throughout Northwestern Ontario, primarily Sioux Lookout, and more recently moved to Port Hardy, BC - a place that quickly captured his heart.

Alex will be remembered as a passionate, experienced bush pilot and gifted AME. He was a talented mechanic, problem solver and fixer of anything, which complemented well his signature passion for all things old: The 75-year-old airplanes he flew and fixed, his handmade boat, the Belefonte, and especially his old black truck boasting 512,000km. Like the machines he personified by bringing them to life, Alex was one-of-a-kind.

Alex loved his music and the lyrics and stories behind it. Old and alternative country music and the Drive-by Truckers, most notably. His vinyl record collection is unique, eclectic, and immense. But his favourite song, by far, was the deep roar of the radial engine on a mighty deHavilland Beaver.

His laugh was goofy. His sense of humour off-beat, frequently off-colour, and way too smart for the rest of us. He could debate politics and history, explain thermodynamics or just converse at length in a continuous string of witty quotes from The Simpsons and Coen Brothers films.

Alex was a kind, patient counsellor, confidante and extraordinary nurturer of friendships. He didn’t just call or visit when he found the time, he made the time. Whether it was playing for his softball team in Sioux Lookout (clad in “double denim”), driving hours off course on a cross-country trip to catch up with a friend and meet their family, or enjoying beers by a bonfire on a beach, be it Northwestern Ontario or Vancouver Island - he just loved meaningful time spent with his people.

Alex’s open and friendly personality made you feel like you’d always known him, and left you looking forward to seeing him again. He was genuine and unpretentious - we all got the same Alex. And he gave the most wonderful hugs.

Alex had a lot of fun. He was always up for an adventure, and tried anything new with enthusiasm. He truly lived and loved life on his own terms, pursued his passions and achieved his dreams in ways most can only envy. We are so very proud of him, and will be forever thankful we had him. We will miss him deeply and always, and we will never, ever forget him. Alex was awesome, and most of all, Alex was loved.

In honour of his generous soul, (and his belief in putting spare parts to good use) Alex’s organs have been donated. Once we catch our breath and when we are allowed to gather, we will properly celebrate Alex’s beautiful life.

As a lifelong student and enthusiast of Canadian aviation history, donations could be made in Alex’s name to the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre Additionally, one could mail a cheque to the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/canadian-bushplane-heritage-centre/, 50 Pim St., Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario  P6A 3G4 or call by phone (705) 945-6242 to donate or you may donate to a charity of your choice

If you are not in a position to do so, then with Alex in mind, reach out to an old friend. Make a new friend. Drink some beers by a bonfire. Hug your family. Fix something that’s broken. And crank up the Drive-By Truckers!

Gone way too soon. I’d say “fly high,” but what fun is that?!

Godspeed, sweet LX.