Sinclair: (Alex) John Alexander
Passed peacefully at Mariposa House Hospice in Severn surrounded by family on Thursday, September 25, 2025 in his 92nd year. Alex, loving husband for 65 years to Muriel, will be sadly missed by his sons Jeff and Ian, by his daughter-in-law Kara, and by his granddaughter Aliah Sinclair. Alex is survived by his sister-in-law Phyllis (Eric) Barr. Alex is predeceased by his siblings Joan (Tom) Humphries, Donald Sinclair, Helen (Claire) Jewel, and Jordan (Vera) Sinclair plus many nieces, nephews and caring cousins. Alex was an active member of St. Pauls United Church and big supporter of Camp Qin-Mo-Lac, he loved hiking, canoeing, travelling, gardening, golf, curling, skiing and was a true outdoor naturalist. He was a lifelong teacher (Principal at Brechin Elementary school for 19 years.) The family will receive friends at Carson Funeral Homes – L.Doolittle Chapel, 54 Coldwater St. E., Orillia (705) 326-3595 on Friday, October 3, 2025 from 4 – 7 pm. A Celebration of Life service will take place at St. Paul's United Church on Sunday, October 5, 2025 at 1 o'clock with a reception to follow. Interment of cremated remains will take place at Old Stone Church Cemetery in Beaverton, October 6 at 11 am. If desired, memorial donations may be made to Mariposa House Hospice in recognition of their great care.
Online messages of condolence may be made at www.carsonfuneralhomes.com
Condolences
Dave & Valda Drain
Oct 5, 2025Dear Muriel & family, Our sincere sympathy to you all in the passing of Alex. We have been apart many years but memories of good times and laughter with you are with us always. The week-ends with the children and Oshawa friends were such fun, whether it was skiing in the winter or swimming in the summer. We always felt welcome in your home. Time passes but memories remain. I will give you a call after a week or so and we can catch up. With caring thoughts and blessings, David & Valda
Justin Baird
Oct 3, 2025My parents lived beside Alex and Muriel on Gerald Ave. Alex was a kind man, a great neighbour, with a great sense of humor. Unusually generous. In the words of my dad, it's like living next to Santa Claus." Funny but true. I have great memories of speaking to Alex and Muriel when I visited Orillia. My deep condolences.
Sandra Symmes
Oct 3, 2025Ric and I have such lovely memories of time spent in nature with Alex and Muriel as we hiked along the Bruce Trail to Tobermory. We shared the beauty of Ontario and the hospitality of the towns we stayed in during our trek. Alex was always game for an off-trail adventure and was excellent company even when the weather turned foul.
Molly and Ted Colwell
Oct 2, 2025Muriel and Family, It was with deep sadness that we received the news of Sandy's passing. He was one of the greats, influencing many folk both old and young over the years. Our memories date way back to the YPU days, especially to the "caravan" we had, journeying with YPU folk in three of four cars from Ontario to Sackville, New Brunswick, for the convention, to PEI, afterwards around Cape Breton Island then back home to Ontario. What a time we had together! Then there were all the times we gathered for Old Fogies when we ate together, laughed together and skiied up and down the hill at Quin-Mo-Lac or attempting to get up the hill when the weekend was over, especially in Earl and Barb Taft's "Shove It". Above all, Molly & I cherish the memories of our 12 day canoe trip through the Rideau Canal System, camping out at the lift-locks, sheltering from a thunder storm on Big Rideau Lake, making a side-trip up to Perth landing in the middle of a kids' fishing derby , escaping the rain in Chapters while waiting to go down the 7 locks in Ottawa, and ending up with Molly dropping her canoe bag with our belongings into the Ottawa River at the end of our journey (fortunately the bag floated). So many memories to cherish! Sandy will be sorely missed. We extend to you, Muriel, and all the family, our deepest sympathy. Unfortunately, due to declining health we will be unable to travel to Orillia for the visitation on Friday or the service on Sunday. With all our love, Molly & Ted
James David Morrow
Oct 1, 2025My sincerest condolences to the families. Fondly remembering attendance at family reunions.
Bill and Peggy Mah
Sep 30, 2025Bill and Peggy are sorry for your loss. We enjoyed your friendship and fond memories while members at St, Paul's United Church.
Lois McEachern
Sep 30, 2025Dear Muriel and family, I was sorry to hear about Alex’s passing. I remember visiting you at your mother’s in Woodville, and then reconnecting through the Alton family when you married Alex. I visited with you and Alex when you were living in Oshawa when I began teaching. All my memories are cherished. My sincere condolences to you all. Lois McEachern.
Jamie Smith
Sep 30, 2025Jeff, Sorry to hear your dad has passed. Condolences to you and the Sinclair family for your loss of a man that was a very big part of your life. I hope those fond memory’s you created and experienced will keep him in your heart.
Ross and Shirley
Sep 29, 2025Remembering Alex is so easy as we have a lifetime of memories. Ross, Alex and Donald became fast friends at YPU and bonded over their shared faith and passion for that organization. Alex was an excellent best man for us, and as our families grew; Alex and Muriel naturally became close friends. We enjoyed many visits, meals, laughs anniversaries, weddings, and some epic camping adventures. We will miss him very much. Our heartfelt condolences to Muriel, Jeff, Ian and the family. Rest in peace our friend.
Phyllis Barr (nee Sinclair)
Sep 29, 2025In Remembrance of John Alexander Sinclair (1934–2025) It is with deep gratitude that I write this remembrance of my brother-in-law, John Alexander Sinclair. Alex and his brother Donald, my first husband, were like twins. Born just thirteen months apart, they shared not only their early years but also a lifelong bond of friendship. They were more than brothers—they were pals and inseparable companions. There are so many pictures of them side by side: playing as toddlers, walking down the lane to the little school across from the farm, driving the tractor at haying time, preparing for cadet inspection, dating the girls, leading worship at Camp Quin-Mo-Lac, parking cars at the Lindsay Fair, attending YPU conferences, and always gathered with family at baptisms, weddings, and Christmas celebrations. When Donald passed away at the young age of 27, it was Alex and Muriel who offered me their steady love and support. Through visits, conversations, laughter, and shared memories, they helped carry me through that difficult season. Together, we spoke of our children, our lives, and our hopes, and in doing so, they gave me strength. Over the years, Eric and I have been deeply thankful for having Alex and Muriel in our lives. Their friendship and support have blessed our marriage and our ministry in countless ways. When Beverley called last Thursday to say that Alex had passed peacefully in the night, Eric paused and said, “What an exceptional person he was. We need more like him.” Indeed, Alex’s kindness, faithfulness, and presence leave a legacy that will not be forgotten. We give thanks for all that his life and his family have contributed to ours. We will remember him always, and we will hold this exceptional man in our hearts. Phyllis, Eric and Catherine Barr
Joan Rosebush
Sep 29, 2025Deepest sympathy. Alex was an athletic strong naturalist. Skied in the morning and curled in the afternoon! What a guy.
Mark Gowanlock
Sep 28, 2025My deepest heartfelt condolences to the family and all of his friends. I had the honour of attending Brechin Public School under the leadership and guidence of Mr. Sinclair from 1975-1984. I had the utmost respect for Mr. Sinclair. He was stern when he needed to be, but always fair and an incredible roll model. Rest in peace sir ! Respectfully Mark Gowanlock
Dale Lovering
Sep 28, 2025Sorry to hear of Alex's passing. Our thoughts are with Muriel, Jeff and Ian. I will miss our chats as we met during our walks around the blocks
Deb Brown
Sep 28, 2025I am so sorry to learn of Alex passing. My heart goes out to Muriel and family. Wishing you all the best in this time of loss.
Mary Alton Mackey
Sep 28, 2025Remembering Alex Sinclair Alex has had a wonderful journey through life. He has been part of my earliest memories and someone who had a very positive influence on my life. Alex and his brother Donald as well as sister Joan were very much part of the lives of the Altons in our early years. We visited back and forth often (almost every other week). I remember to meals we had at the Sinclair farm sitting around the kitchen table with lots of laughter and good humour and delicious food. Aunt Alice’s Dutch raisin pie was a special favourite of mine. Donald and Alex often road their bicycles from the farm at Cambray to our farm. I called them Donald/Alex in early years as I did not distinguish between the two. My brother and I looked up to them. They were role models. I remember Alex as always a teacher. He never dismissed one’s questions and believe you me I had lots of them. He would patiently answer them. Thinking about that now I recognize how special that was as they were teenagers when John and I spent a lot of time with them around the farm. Alex (and his family) taught me a lot, were great role models and had a profound impact on me and my journey through life. Alex’s love of the outdoors and his interest in it was there as early as I can remember. He was always athletic and embraced the seasons and all they had to offer. He skied, took exciting canoe and camping trips throughout his life, he and Muriel enjoyed hiking and did the Bruce Trail…. The hiking of the Bruce trail was a real achievement. I was and am impressed. He (and his brother) were solid supporters of Camp Quin Mo Lac as are other members of the family. I attended Camp Quin Mo Lac in my early years. Following Alex, Muriel, Jeff and Ian’s journeys through life has been exciting and encouraging. Alex embraced the moment and continued to explore and the engage not only during his working life but in retirement. Alex, you were certainly a very positive influence in my life and a real inspiration to do better. You are remembered with love and affection. I am so glad that you were part of my life. It’s been quite a ride.
Vern Ledlow
Sep 27, 2025My sincere condolences!
Sheila ( Veale) Stong
Sep 27, 2025It is with a heavy heart that I leave this condolence for Uncle Alec. I will miss him greatly. So glad my daughter Megan and I travelled from BC for his 90th birthday last year. We are all thinking of his family at this time.