With fond memories of a life well-lived, we announce the passing of Alexander Albert Recsky on May 8, 2025 . He passed away peacefully after a years-long diagnosis of dementia and a recent battle with cancer at the age of 94.

Alex and his wife, Ruth, moved from Calgary to Kelowna in 1986. Soon after arriving in Kelowna, a chance encounter led to Okanagan College hiring him to coordinate their recreation and intramural programs for all of their various campuses in the Okanagan Valley. He eventually migrated to similar roles with Okanagan University College and UBC Okanagan, from which he retired in 1996.

After retiring from his day job, Alex continued to be involved with the Kelowna Rockets, Okanagan Sun and UBC Okanagan athletic programs for another twenty years. He enjoyed providing guest lectures to high school students, amateur team trainers and medical personnel on the prevention and taping of athletic injuries, and volunteered at many marathons, triathlons and other local competitive events.

Alex also actively volunteered in local community organizations including as President of the Kiwanis High Noon Club and the Kiwanis Housing Society, as a volunteer at the Kelowna General Hospital and as a member of several organizing committees, including the development of the Mission Recreation Complex and the hosting of the Memorial Cup, World Junior Hockey Championships and the BC Senior Games. In recognition of his contributions to the community, Alex was honoured to receive the Queen’s Jubilee Gold Medal for volunteerism and the Bob Giordano Civic Award in the builder category for amateur sport. He was a two-time finalist for the Fred Macklin Civic Award for his community spirit and an inductee of the Central Okanagan Sports Hall of Fame.

Alex’s smile and optimism were infectious. His willingness to help others was noticed and admired by all, as was his desire to volunteer for so many causes in his community.

Alex will be greatly missed by his devoted wife of 73 years, Ruth; son Keith (Deb); grandsons Kyle (Magda) and Bryce (Chantelle); great-grandchildren Alexandra, Andrew and Edwin; and siblings Betty Dufour, Irene Recsky and Bob (Rose) Recsky. He was predeceased by his parents Stefan and Rosalia Recsky and siblings Steve Recsky, Rose Turban and Helen Hutton.

Your gift will pay tribute to Alex’s life and career by supporting students and athletics and recreation initiatives at UBC Okanagan. Final decisions on the designation will be made in consultation with the family.