A dedicated Ponoka Food Bank employee, remembered for his dedicated service and extensive volunteering efforts over the years, passed away on Feb. 3.
Alex Thom died at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton at the age of 83.
"All the food bank staff, volunteers and board members are sad at the passing of Alex," said Dean Hill, Ponoka Food Bank chair.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. He has been a reliable and hard-working member of the Ponoka Food Bank team for many years. He will be missed."
Hill said Thom was constantly working on keeping things organized, was always friendly with folks coming for food, and he was a pleasure for the other staff and volunteers to work with.
"When you have people who are so easy to get along with, it rubs off on everyone else, too. It makes the rest of the group better."
He added that Thom was also willing to help out outside of Food Bank hours, whatever the need might be.
"He never refused a task. Whatever came up, he did it. It was really remarkable, and he had a long history of doing that," he said.
"I think that it's incredible service to the community."
Hill noted that Thom was also pretty well known for sneaking treats and candy to the kids while their parents were waiting to get hampers.
"The kids would stand at the back, and they would look for Alex because he would always give them candy, and have a big smile on his face!"
According to his obituary, Thom is survived by his wife Violet Smith; sons David Smith (Lyn), Thomas Smith (David), and Brian Smith; his sister Gladys Hagemann (Walt); nephew James Hagemann (Lisa) and family; and niece Wendy Sheppard (Colby) and family.
A celebration of life will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion in Ponoka on Feb. 11.
There will be a come and go reception from 1 to 3 p.m. with a memorial ceremony at 1:30 p.m.
"Alex, an employee of the Ponoka Food Bank in excess of 20 years, was always willing to help out where needed and graciously lent a hand to anyone in need," noted a Ponoka Food Bank Facebook post.
"His quiet demeanour and commitment to the Food Bank will be greatly missed."
Memorial donations will be gratefully accepted by the Ponoka Food Bank.
