Alexander Artem SOKALSKI

Alexander Artem SOKALSKI September 17, 1937 - April 22, 2016 Celebration of Alex's life will be held on Saturday, May 14th at 11:00am at St. George's Anglican Church, Saskatoon, SK. Presentation of his ashes will take place at The Columbarium at St. John's Anglican Cathedral following the service.

Alex was born at home in The Pas, Manitoba September 17, 1937 and passed away unexpectedly April 22, 2016 in Regina, Saskatchewan. He is survived by his husband Kenneth Bos Regina, his sister Jessie Young (Bob) Kelowna, BC, his nephew Bill Penhallurick Vancouver, BC, his niece Donna Young and his great nephew Brendan DeWolfe Victoria, BC. Alex is predeceased by his parents Artem and Maria Sokalski.

The family moved from The Pas, MB to Kississing, MB when Alex and his sister were very young, and lived there until June 1952 at which time they packed up and travelled by train to Victoria, BC. Alex had 3 very close friends while attending high school in Victoria, Father John Lancaster, Alvin Ford (deceased) and Terry Robinson (deceased).

After graduating high school he entered College in Victoria, then UBC in Vancouver, where he received his Bachelor's Degree. Alex received a scholarship to do graduate studies at Yale University, New Haven, CT, where he obtained a PhD in French in 1970. His love for French language and culture and 18th Century Studies led him naturally to become a professor. He was a fastidious researcher leading to several publications, and interacted with colleagues across North America and in Europe. A Full Professor, he taught French at the University of Saskatchewan for more than 25 years until his retirement in 2007. During retirement, he still enjoyed doing research and teaching courses at the U of S and most recently, in Regina.

While living in Saskatoon, Alex was involved in many associations. He was instrumental in starting the Saskatoon Opera Association in 1978 and served on their board for several years. He served multiple terms as a vestry member and warden in his church. As soon as he retired, he sought active involvement in the community and was a board trustee for the Mendel Art Gallery for 8 years and a valuable board member for CPF Saskatchewan (Canadians Parents for French) for almost as long.

Alex loved to travel and while his nephew was young he took him to France, England and New York giving him a taste of the Fine Arts. Although he travelled throughout Europe, his passion was France where he returned many, many times and leaves behind some very close friends there.

Alex will be sadly missed by those he leaves behind but he is now in the arms of his parents.