Alex was born on May 24, 1922 to John Classen and Tatjana Romanov in Krasnodar Russia and was raised in the Mennonite faith. He passed away peacefully on September 24, 2021 at age 99. His daughter Victoria and granddaughter Tiana were at his bedside.
A veteran of World War II, he served with the Royal Air Force 99th Squadron in the Far East initially flying Consolidated Liberators out of Dhubalia, India and later from the Cocos Islands in the Pacific. He received his Honorable Discharge in September 1945.
While attending the University of Manitoba, he met his future wife Melita Hensen. They married on August 12, 1950 and were devoted to each other for 67 years. Alex re-enlisted in the R.C.A.F. as a career officer, graduated from C.F.B. Clinton as a Telecommunications Officer and was transferred to Allied Air Forces Central Europe (A.A.F.C.E.) in Fontainebleau France. A.A.F.C.E. provided command and control for NATO air assets in the Central Region of Europe.
Returning to Canada he held staff positions in various commands and was sponsored for a Master of Science Engineering Degree in Aeronautics and Astronautics from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, graduating in 1960. After retiring from the Canadian Armed Forces, Alex joined the Federal Public Service as an Engineering Officer. He retired from the Public Service in 1991.
Alex was devoted to his family. Predeceased by his loving wife Melita, he is survived by his beloved daughters Victoria (Ken Iles) and Lita (Allan Behan), grandchildren Gregory (Nicki) Iles, Tiana Iles (Bill Payn), Connor and Jeffrey Behan and great-grandchildren Chase and Charlie (Charlotte) Iles.
Sincere thanks to all the staff of Forest Hill for their loving kindness and comfort. Due to attendance limits imposed by COVID guidelines, please Click Here to register to attend the livestream.
Memorial donations may be made to the Mennonite Central Committee Ontario, 203-50 Kent Avenue, Kitchener, ON N2G 3R1 www.mcccanada.ca
Digital Guestbook
Barbara Devries
Howard Simkover
I am so sorry to hear of Alex' passing. He was my longtime neighbour, and we served together on the Condominium Board of Directors. I will always remember his energy and enthusiasm! My sincere condolences to the entire extended family.
Linda Jones
To Vickie and family: I’m glad that I got to meet and to know your mom and your dad down through the years since we first met at University.
Linda Jones
I am sorry that I could not be with the family on this day due to Covid protocol. But I am with you in spirit.
Edna Crowe and Kathleen and John Hicks
Condolences to Vickie and Lita and the Isles and Behan families. What a wonderful neighbours and friends your Dad and Mum were to Edna and Keith over the decades. So glad that we had that last zoom call at the end of August with Alex. We have so many beautiful memories that will keep him and your Mum alive in our hearts.
Carol Toth
Having spend many years at Black Lake as neighbours, Alex was fantastic with the children and their escapades with the canoes and boats. A wonderful man, created so memories which we shall hold on forever. RIP Alex.
Stuart MacKinnon
To Vickie, Lita and families:
Evelyn Joins me in sending sincere condolences on your loss. "He Liveth Long Who Liveth Well".
Irene Loutit Franklin
Lita, Vickie and your families - my deepest sympathy for your loss. I always remember your dad as having a kind face - and I remember your mom's 'enthusiasms'
Judy Richardson
Dear Vickie, Tiana, Greg and family :
We were saddened to hear that Alex's amazing life journey has come to end after almost 100 well lived years. We will always cherish our evenings together in both Ottawa and at the Lake. Alex and Melita were the best hosts. We have fond memories of listening to the 'dry run' slide show presentations prepared from Alex's slides, taken from their worldwide travels that were shared with residents at various retirement homes. All the while, we listened to Melita's narration, Alex would be plying David with Russian vodka. I will as well, always cherish those happy summer evenings spent over dinner on the deck at the cottage with Melta, Alex, Carol, Joe and Vickie.
I hope that all the many wonderful memories you have of your dad/ grandfather will help to sustain you as you mourn his loss in the days to come.
Judy and David
Flo and Cath Fyfe
Vickie and Lita and families - my mom and I extend our condolences to both of you and your families. I had forgotten that there was a Winnipeg connection for our parents but know that they met in North Bay and that was the start of a long and special friendship. Our thoughts are with you.
So sorry for the passing of your dad, grandpa, great grandpa!
What a remarkable man!