Alexander PROUDFOOT

PROUDFOOT, Alexander James
November 3, 1929 - July 2, 2012
Dr. Alexander James Proudfoot, beloved husband and lifelong companion of Eileen Proudfoot, father to Jeff, Jill and Reg, passed away on July 2, 2012 from injuries sustained in an accident. Alex was born November 3, 1929, in Craigmyle, Alberta. He grew up during the Depression, with loving parents who made sure they lived close to schools. Alex left the family farm after high school, earned a teaching certificate at the University of Alberta and took up teaching in a one-room schoolhouse at Red Rose, Alberta. In the late 1950's, he bundled his family into the car and journeyed to Eugene, Oregon to earn his Masters and Doctorate in Education. Degree in hand, he became a Superintendent of Schools in Peace River and then St. Albert. Alex's greatest joy however, was always teaching. In 1967, he and the family arrived in Calgary where he took up his position at the newly minted University of Calgary's Faculty of Education where his passion was mentoring students. During that time, he served as a Trustee and Chairman of the Calgary Public School Board. After raising three children, Alex and Eileen moved to Xi'an and later Beijing in the Peoples Republic of China where they taught English as a second language at a university level. After spending four years in China, they moved on to the Czech Republic for two years to teach English at a college. Through it all, Alex was an incurable optimist who believed in having a strong back up plan. Alex is survived by: son Jeff (Noreen) of Paris, France, grandchildren Scott and Sydney; daughter Jill (Bruce) of Toronto, ON; son Reg (Christine) of Lyalta, AB, grandchildren Jon, Jill, Zack; sister Jean Gingrich (Bob) of Calgary, and Jean's children Charlene, Heather, Stewart and Bonnie. Alex's family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff at Foothills Hospital, particularly the staff in the Intensive Care Unit Pod B and C, who cared for Alex with skill and compassion. Particular thanks to: Dr. Andreas Kramer, Dr. Sid Viner, and Dr. Tomas Godinez. A small Service will be held graveside at Craigmyle, Alberta on Friday, July 6, 2012 with a Memorial Service to take place at a later time. Photos, memories and condolences may be shared with Alex's family through www.evanjstrong.com. Memorial tributes can be made directly to Calgary Health Trust - Foothills Medical Centre Intensive Care Unit, Suite 800, 11012 Macleod Trail S.E. Calgary Alberta. T2J 6A5 (Phone 403-943-0615; www.thetrust.ca). Arrangements in care of EVAN J. STRONG FUNERAL SERVICES. Phone: 403-265-1199.