Alex Elrand

Alex ELRAND Born July 10, 1919 in Archangel, Russia, passed away suddenly in his home on September 14, 2005. Even though his family was living in Russia at the time of his birth, Alex was an Estonian through and through. He was raised on the family farm in Paide, Estonia. As a young man he had many life changing experiences. Alex was drafted to the Estonian Army during WWII and was captured by the Russian Army. He became a German POW, and from there escaped to Finland. After several years in Sweden, Alex moved to Toronto. During visits to his sister in Finland he met his future wife, Toini Tuulikki Saastamoinen. In 1960 they moved from Toronto to Seattle to raise their family. Alex worked as a Carpenter in the Facilities Department at the University of Washington. During his free time Alex was busy, taking his family camping, going fishing or working. He built two homes and helped with many others. He was also a talented gardener and landscaper. His gardens were the envy of friends and neighbors. Alex's wife, Toini, for whom he was both caregiver and companion after an accident, preceded him in death. He is survived by his three daughters and their husbands; Teri Elrand (Thom), Tina Elrand-Wert (Kevin) and Lisa Elrand (Doug). His eight grandchildren; James, Erika, Tuuli, Joey, Tommi, Aleksandra, Nicole and Makena will miss their Papa and his Sunday morning pancakes. His sister, Erika Tihemets and her family in Paide, Estonia also survive him. It will not be possible to forget Alex Elrand. He was very active in the Estonian and Finnish communities in Seattle. He visited his family home in Paide many times after Estonia received its freedom and helped them with items from the West. He also shared stories of his past with his children. Alex exhibited determination and energy that was hard to comprehend at times, but it allowed him to surmount the impossible. He was an example of what hard work and the belief if you want to just do it can do. He had a passion for fishing and we hope he has the opportunity to catch the big one that always got away. Memorial Services will be held Tuesday September 27, 12 noon at the Latvian Lutheran Church, 11710 3rd Ave NE, Seattle 98125. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Estonian Lutheran Church, Finnish Lutheran Church or your favorite charity.