JAMES ALEXANDER LOCHEAD

JAMES ALEXANDER LOCHEAD May 16, 1929 – September 12, 2023 Loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather James Alexander Lochead, known as ‘Alex,’ passed away peacefully after a bad fall that fractured his pelvis. He was surrounded by his wife, Mary and their three children, Marian, Jim and Phyllis, on September 12, 2023, in St. Joseph’s Hospice (London, Ontario). He was 94 years old. Alex, son of Hugh and Marion (née Park) Lochead, was born on May 16, 1929, on Manitoulin Island, Ontario. Growing up, he became an accomplished baseball and hockey player, an avid fisherman and a renowned prankster. Upon graduating from Mindemoya Continuation School, Alex was hired by the Bank of Montreal in Mindemoya, marking the beginning of his 37-year career within the bank. On August 16, 1952, Alex married his high school sweetheart, Mary Louise Hutchinson, at Fairview United Church in Tehkummah. With their three children, the family lived in several cities across Ontario, following Alex’s career as it progressed within the Bank of Montreal. Alex chose to have a lifelong relationship with Jesus Christ at an early age and spent his life seeking what was right, encouraging those around him through his thoughtful prayers before meals and big events. He followed the word of God and lived a life of generosity, kindness, honesty and diligence which permeated all those around him and formed many meaningful connections along his path. Being welcoming and attentive to those around him was an integral part of his nature. His dedication to missionaries serving abroad was evident throughout his life as he followed the journeys of those he supported closely from afar. Their most recent letters were stored right beside his daily newspaper and their portraits were always proudly showcased on the fridge. He became an active member of the many different church communities he was fortunate to worship with and served through roles such as treasurer of the board, deacon and Christian Service Brigade leader. It was through his relationship with Christ and his church communities that Alex established many meaningful, lifelong friendships. He will have been welcomed into Heaven by some of them as they meet again. Alex spent his free time at his beloved cottage on Manitoulin Island, where he never missed an opportunity to gather with family and friends in, on and around his beloved Lake Manitou. A true storyteller, he often regaled his loved ones with stories from his years at the bank or from growing up on the Manitoulin. He was a proud and dedicated family man who passed on many of his passions, including his love for fishing, swimming, travelling and maple syrup. Alex is predeceased by his parents Hugh and Marion (née Park) Lochead and siblings Marguerite (Clarence), Charles (Lilian) and Betty (Elwood). He is survived by many loving family members, including his children, Marian (Paul), Jim (Bruce) and Phyllis (Brad); his grandchildren, Jennifer (Jean-François), Sherry (David), Laurie (Matthieu) and Jessica (Brian); his great-grandchildren, Jack and Myles and many nephews and nieces. Friends and family were received for visitation on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, from 1 to 2 pm at Trinity United Church, 6070 King Street in Mindemoya, Ontario. Funeral Service was held at 2 pm, followed by burial at Mindemoya Cemetery, Manitoulin Island, his beloved birthplace. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation in Alex’s memory might consider The Gideons International or S’ Joesph’s Hospice of London. Messages of condolence may be placed at MemorialFuneral.ca