It is with profound sadness that the family of Dearl Forrest Alexander announces his sudden passing on the morning of Saturday, October 24, 2026. Dearl was born to Forrest and Margaret Alexander on November 27, 1946, in Neepawa, Manitoba, and spent much of his childhood in Oberon. Oberon remained a special place to him throughout his life, reflected in the stories and memories he carried with him, and even in his enduring love of chokecherry syrup. Predeceased by his parents, Dearl is lovingly remembered by his sisters, Dianne Edgar and Sheila Davidson (Norm), and his cherished nieces and nephew.
Dearl proudly served in the Royal Canadian Air Force, where he built a distinguished career in air traffic control that took him and his family across Canada and overseas. He retired from the Canadian Armed Forces with the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel and went on to work as an Airspace and Procedures Specialist with Transport Canada and later NAV CANADA. Dearl retired from his professional career on September 26, 2002, but remained close to the military community and the many lifelong friends he made during his years of service.
Retirement offered Dearl more time for another great passion: sports. He loved hockey, curling and golf, whether he was attending a curling championship, watching the Ottawa Senators play, or heading out to the golf course himself, sports brought him great enjoyment throughout his life.
Golf became one of Dearl’s greatest joys, especially in his later years. As a member of the Metcalfe Golf Club, Tuesday and Thursday mornings were reserved for time on the course with his buddies, a routine he rarely missed. He took great pride in coordinating the Senior Men’s group and genuinely cared about the friendships he made there. Even from his hospital bed, Dearl was still making sure “the boys” were organized for the final days of the golf season, which was simply who he was.
Dad was friendly, outgoing and always ready with a joke or a little good-natured teasing. He made friends easily, loved his routines, and was famously organized, with a file folder or binder for just about everything. Those closest to him will also smile remembering how thoroughly he rinsed the dishes before putting them in the dishwasher, leaving everyone wondering whether they were clean or dirty. Whether it was golf with the guys, Friday night poutine and a Keith’s Red at Broadways, or making someone laugh, it was these familiar, everyday things that made Dearl uniquely and unmistakably Dearl.
Dearl leaves behind Sharon, his loving wife of 57 years, with whom he built a life filled with family, friendship and countless memories. Dearl and Sharon were married on September 20, 1969. Together they raised their daughter Christa (Rob) and son Jason (Melissa) and later welcomed their five grandchildren who became his world.
Dearl’s greatest joy was his family, and there was nothing he treasured more than being Grandpa to Brayden, Ivan, Riley, Maxx and Eddy. They were truly the light of his life and could always bring a smile to his face. He was never simply a spectator in their lives. He was there for all of it: tutoring, taking them on PD days, driving to activities, shopping trips, bowling and movies, adventures to Valleyview and Saunders Farm, and nature walks.
Grandpa was their biggest fan. Whether standing along the boards at a hockey game, watching a soccer or baseball game, attending a dance recital or school event, Grandpa could be counted on to be there cheering from the sidelines, usually with a treat in tow for his “superstars.”
These are the moments that tell the story of a life: not only the places Dearl lived and the things he accomplished, but the people he loved, the friendships he nurtured, the laughter he created and the memories he leaves behind. Dearl will be remembered for his compassion and supportive nature, his sarcastic sense of humour, and dedication to family and the friendships he made wherever life took him.
A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, Dearl will be profoundly missed, lovingly remembered and forever carried in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
In lieu of flowers dentations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Canadian Cancer Society.
Friends and family are invited to Beechwood Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services (280 Beechwood Ave, Ottawa, ON K1L 8A6) on Friday, November 13th at 12pm for the visitation. The memorial service will begin at 2pm, followed by the interment in the National Military Cemetery in Beechwood Cemetery at 3pm, guests are also welcomed to the reception afterwards.
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