Obituary of Alexander Montbriand

Alexander H.E Montbriand (Monty/Axel) C.M.A. April 20, 1940 - April 18, 2017 On April 18, 2017 loving husband of Deanne passed away peacefully with his family by his side, after 13 months of fighting lung and bone cancer, the heavens welcomed him. Alex was predeceased by his mother (Hilda) his father (Bernard), two bothers Richard (Dickie), Thomas and sister Margaret Kalwajtys; Gail and Millie Hume; Alice and Honore Ferraton (parents-in-law). Alex will be missed by his loving wife Deanne; daughters Debra (Debbie) Ann Montbriand (Don Hincks) and Krista Montbriand-Robertson (Scott Robertson); Grandchildren Kennan McConnell, Brogan McConnell (Gavin Mallette) and Alexander Robertson; Great-granddaughter Maci Mallette; three brothers, Fred (Muriel) Ted (Doris), Mike (Gayle); sister, Evelyn (Kent) Johnson; brothers-in-law John Kalwajtys, Jeff Ferraton; sister-in-law Judy Thompson and numerous nieces, nephews, friends and their family dog Moonty. Alex always said he lived two ways of life. His younger days were very rambunctious and rebellious. Then Alex with Deanne’s help went back to school to achieve his C.M.A. After University Alex worked for a couple trucking firms for 6 years as an accounting administrator travelling across Canada to all their plants. Alex then worked for another firm as a Controller Accountant for 6 years. He then tried his hand as director of Finance and Administration and Assistant General Manager for one of Saskatchewan’s Crown Corporations. At the same time, he worked for the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) as a Financial Consultant, and travelled approximately four times a year all over Africa and Western Europe. This lasted 6 years until Alex decided to start his own Accounting firm. One of Alex’s joys in life was helping young groups startup businesses that manufactured bird products. The group produced financial and bank statements, followed by closing statements at the end of the year. Alex’s team won first place for Saskatchewan the first year, and third place the second year. Alex’s philosophy on life was to work hard during the week using your mind, than using hands and body on the weekend. He always said it balanced out the mind and body together. Dee and Alex just celebrated their 50th Anniversary on October 1, 2016 with close friends and family while renewing their vows to one another. It was a great night. Dee and Alex loved to travel to many different countries throughout their marriage. In the last 15 years, they made annual trips to Mazatlan, Mexico (their second home) for a few months each year. In summer, they would drive to Slave Lake to fish for Walleye with Kent and Evelyn. Alex also spent many years going to Jan Lake to fish with close friends (Norm, Cheno and Brian). He loved to make bird food and bird feeders for the outside birds year-round. He enjoyed spending hours watching them from their sunroom. Dee and Alex loved living at the lake. They would watch the sunset most evenings together soaking in all the beauty the valley has to offer. Besides his love for his wife of 53 years and their two daughters, Alex’s next love was the use of his hands. When they were first married, Dee and Alex hand dug their own basement in their first home. Later in years with the help of close friends on most evenings and weekends, they built their second home on Hastings Crescent in Regina. Dee and Alex later built their cottage home for weekends and holidays on Echo Lake, SK which they later retired in. Special thanks to the Allan Blair Cancer Centre, Canadian Blood Services, Dr.Tai, Dr. Dolata, Dr. Nourian, Dr. Conway, Home Care, and Fort Qu'Appelle Ambulance for all the compassionate care they gave over the many trips and conversations had. Our family would also like to extend special thanks to all of the amazing staff members at the Indian Head Hospital, Regina Pasqua Hospital and the All Nations Healing Hospital in Fort Qu'Appelle where he would state he had "the best damn nurse's you could ask for". They kept him on his toes while he joked with them daily. Thank you to Father Louis for his kind words and prayers. Lastly a very special thanks to Geri and Richard Redman. Alex lived fully and loved completely. He never took one moment for granted. Alex was taken from us much too soon and will be truly missed by family and friends. “In the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years.” Abraham Lincoln Alex has asked to be remembered by your generous contribution to the Canadian Cancer Society or Canadian Blood Services. To honor his request there will be no Funeral Service. A private family celebration will be held at a later date.