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Condolences
Dear Margot: We were saddened by the notice of Alex's passing. Alex was more than a colleague, he was a mentor and breath of fresh air when I needed to talk about anything from physiology to pheasant hunting. I still recall his vivid description of the elderly farmer who taught him the proper way to plant a potato. His description took about a half hour and covered the proper type of shovel to use, the way to plunge the shovel into the ground, the spacing and orientation of the seed potato and finally the proper way to remove the shovel without disturbing the potato. On one occasion at a pulmonary party, Alex had an audience as he told a story about how some carless hunters rained buckshot down on him from the opposite side of a slough were he was duck hunting. When Len Nobert asked "Did you return fire?" Alex said "No all my buckshot was stopped by ducks." Of course he was an excellent physician and teacher, but I remember him most for his love of family, his impeccable style and his willingness to literally drop everything to give advice or provide a history lesson. He was simply the person we would all like to be.
posted by Dick & Darlene Jones : Alex and Dick were colleagues at the U of A and Darlene knew Alex and Margot from social gatherings : Jul 18, 2015
I only learned today from the Globe & Mail of Alex's passing. There is a connection as it was Alex who wrote an article on Capy's passing in 1995 that he ensured was printed in the Globe.
Both of you left a warm spot for both Janet and I in partnering with Mary Bell to provide a wedding reception for us many years ago that gathered many common friends you and Alex shared with Capy & Clair, the Eskimo carving from which is displayed in our living room.
My memories of Alex go back to a young boy on hunting trips with he and Capy which we both so looked forward to - just to share Alex's enthusiasm. Dad always expressed how much he enjoyed his company, intelligence and shared interest in the prairies and literature. At social gatherings I know that they often were to be found in the corner together for extended periods. I was lucky to have been exposed to this friendship and how it was valued.
Very, very fond memories of you both and those for Alex will always be the same and present. Janet and I send our thoughts and best wishes to you and the extended family, wishing we could be there today.
posted by Andrew Kidd : Alex was one of my fathers very best friends and a patient man with me as a youth bird game hunting in the prairies. : Jul 17, 2015
Dear Margot and Family,
Although many years have passed since Alex and I worked together (he as a member of the faculty, and I as a medical resident) at the University of Alberta, I am saddened to learn of his passing, and want to convey to you my sincere condolences. I recall Alex well as an excellent teacher and role model and a wonderful story-teller. I consider it a privilege that his path of life and mine crossed. And I hope that the many fine memories of Alex that I and others have relayed to you will provide you with some measure of comfort.
Eliot A. Phillipson
posted by Eliot Phillipson : I was a medical resident at the University of Alberta Hospital during the very early years that Alex was a member of faculty and a staff physician. : Jul 17, 2015
So sorry to read about the death of your husband, Margo. Hope you are well. Take time to cherish the good memories and enjoy your children and grandchildren.
posted by Bluma goldberg : I worked with Margo Herbert at the University Hospital. : Jul 16, 2015
I too came to know Alex very well, sharing medical problems and reviewing health and personal issues over many years. He was an outstanding physician, teacher and individual, leaving patients and friends better off regardless of the health problems or personal issues. He enjoyed life's events and shared his thoughts freely to lighten ones day, or bring insight into a wide variety of issues. His contributions to medicine were steady and consistent with an early recognition of his talents and his ability to motivate students and accommodate patients and families. His love of life continued after retirement, with exploration of many new challenges. His late-in-life health issues, while restrictive, appeared not to change his deep interests in people and life itself. We will all miss Alex very much and only accept his death as a relief to his final problems. May he rest in peace. With most sincere wishes of sympathy and condolences at this special time. Rod Morgan
posted by Rod Morgan : Medical associate and friend over about 50 years. : Jul 15, 2015
Dear Margot & Herbert Family: My condolences with your family on the loss of Dr. Frank. I remember you both coming in my furniture store & shop often & also working in your house. Dr. Frank was a great gentleman.
In Deepest Sympathy,
Joe
posted by Joe Koopmans : customer : Jul 15, 2015
Dear Margot, Kate, and families,
My thoughts are with you at this time of loss of husband and father. In our social work practice, we've encountered and supported many folks in their time of bereavement. Now it's your turn to receive support from those who love you. Along with Alex, you mark an amazing family for whom compassionate service to others was the highest calling. Blessings as you carry on Alex's legacy.
posted by Marcus Busch : Former Social Work colleague of Margot (UAH, 1975-77) and Kate (EPSB, 2005-15). : Jul 15, 2015
My memories of Alex are of a very fine man, well respected and very dedicated. He was a pleasure to work with and was a key person in the Department of Medicine. My condolences to all in his family!
posted by Chuck Morrison : I was the Director of Administrative Services in the Department of Medicine. : Jul 14, 2015
Dear Margot and family. It is with sorrow that we learned of the passing of Alex. He was a close colleague who provided guidance and wisdom, caring and joy. Alex was a role model in his career and in his personal life. He literally trained thousands of medical students, helping them to be better physicians. He took pride in his family and their accomplishments. Over lunch we would often share medical and family stories. Alex was a natural raconteur but would from time to time embellish the facts in order to bring a story to life. He was the life of the party and of the 'Pulmonary Division" . We were saddened when his Parkinsonism progressed to the point that he could no longer socialize with his colleagues. Alex is now at peace . He will be missed but not forgotten.
Neil and Marlene Brown
posted by Neil Brown : Neil was a member of the Pulmonary Division, arriving in Edmonton in 1976. He was delighted to have Alex as a mentor, colleague and friend. : Jul 14, 2015
