Alexander Robert Grouchy

February 15, 1957 to August 14, 2017

Obituary

It is with great sadness and sorrow we announce the sudden passing on August 14, 2017 in Vancouver B.C., of Alexander Robert Grouchy. Predeceased by his father, Alexander Francis Grouchy.

Left with fond and loving memories his mother, Dorothy (nee Williams); sisters, Carol Ann and Kathleen Grouchy (Joseph Taaffe) and children Liam and Orlagh; brother, Douglas (Christine Swantee) and children Carly and Samantha. Also leaving to mourn family friend Rosemary Gladney, as well as a large circle of other relatives and friends.

Alex had a lifelong interest in aviation. His flying career started shortly after high school when he moved to Toronto to attend flight school where he obtained his commercial fixed-wing pilot’s license. He then became a flight instructor and worked his way up from fixed-wing aviation to earn his rotary-wing qualification to fly helicopters. Alex held commercial aviation licenses for Canada and the United States as well as an aerial photography certificate. For the past 26 years, Alex lived in the tropical paradise of St. Lucia, West Indies working as a senior captain helicopter pilot for St. Lucia Helicopters. Flying was his passion in life! Recently Alex retired to Vancouver, B.C. to spend time with his sister Kathy and her family and to start a second career in aviation maintenance.

As per his wishes cremation has taken place.  Relatives and friends may visit the family at Carnell’s Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater Road, on Monday, August 28th, 2017  from 2- 4 and 7- 9 p.m. A Celebration of Alex’s Life will be held at the Carnell Memorial Chapel, 329 Freshwater Road on Tuesday, August 29, 2017 at 11a.m.  A reception will follow. Flowers gratefully accepted or donations in Alex’s memory may be made to the charity of one’s choice. To send a message of condolence or to sign the memorial guest book please visit www.carnells.co

Schedule

Visitations

2-4 p.m. on August 28, 2017

7-9 p.m. on August 28, 2017

Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
View on Map


funeral

11:00am, Tuesday August 29th

The Carnell Memorial Chapel
329 Freshwater Road
View on Map


Condolences

Leave a Condolence

Your email address will not be published.


This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

My name is Graham Groves and I’m from Atlanta Georgia. I just learned of Alex’s passing having been on a St Lucia site and was thinking about him.
A few years ago I was delivering sailboats to St Lucia and met Alex through an English school teacher who was living at his house in Castries. I stayed with him the few times while on different trips to the island. I repaired the plumbing in his house so he could use the second bathroom He really made my my trips there exciting. He would tell me he had an empty seat on the plane and to get down to the heliport so he could fly me around. On one occasion we drove to the north end of the island to pick up a helicopter. Coming back he flew places he wouldn’t normally show tourists along the Atlantic coasts. He took me to all the local “jump ups” where there were no tourists. He really made my visits to the island eventful and I will never forget him. Please mention my condolences to his family.

I am so shocked to learn of Alex’s passing. I met Alex and the Grouchy family at 6 or 7 years old. They had a summer home in Chamberlains where I lived and every summer when school let out we waited for their arrival. So many childhood memories of adventures and mischief and all around good fun. Alex always had something new to amuse us. From making stink bombs and throwing them at the girls to blowing up mud holes with fire crackers. Summers were so much fun and the Grouchy home would have many kids there playing games almost every day. Alex was kind, generous, compassionate, and empathetic to a fault. Always a good friend and very well liked by all. Very intelligent and could have suceeded at anything. I am so happy he got to do what he was most passionate about. Aviation. To the Grouchy family from the Burry family our hearts are with you.

Sorry to hear of Alex’s passing last summer. Tony and I, Tiffany met him through our good friend Steve Sjordin. We had many good times relating to Avation. One time he flew us over the dome in Toronto. There was a big truck show. Not very big from above. Another time, he took us from St. Lucia airport to Steve’s residence with our two young kids.. He was amazing with them. He loved Aviation. He will be missed.

Such a tragic loss. I can’t believe he’s gone. Alex was so kind to me and my wife on the many occasions we went to St Lucia.

Alex attended our wedding vows renewal as a witness, so I truly valued him as a friend. He was so kind and considerate, and one of the best pilots I’ve ever met.

Fly with the angels now Alex. Rest in peace.

I only have the fondest memories of Alex and I am shocked to learn that he is no longer with us. I have gotten, too many rides with him to count, between the two airports in St. Lucia and he would visit is from time to time in the control tower esp. at GFL Charles airport. Alex always had a story to tell and it always cracked me up.
I haven’t seen him since I resigned and always wondered about him.
My condolences to his family. He was a great guy and will never be forgotten. Rest in peace Alex.

My condolences to the family of Alex. This is indeed shocking news. May he fly high with the angels and rest in perfect peace xx
Verdi
St Lucia

We were very saddened to learn of Alex’s passing. My husband and I met Alex when he first moved to St. Lucia. We owned a private plane and Alex was always very helpful. On many occasions he would pick us up in the helicopter to fly us to the north. One of his favorite things was to fly over our house. He loved teasing me about that. ‘I saw you by the pool again, Cathy,’ he would tease. He was always a pleasure to meet and chat too. Professional, kind and genuine.
Rest in eternal peace Alex. May you fly with the Angels.
warmest regards
Cathy and Martin Walker

Alex, I’m going to miss you. You were kind and generous – giving freely of your experience and wisdom as you trained and mentored me. And when I had to leave St Lucia, setting me up with another job so I could continue to fly. You were always straightforward and honest, I had complete trust in you. We both loved flying and that shared passion cemented our friendship. Elicia is in the next room still crying. We’re gonna miss you, bro.

To Alex’ family I’d like to say, your son and brother was a wonderful man whose life touched many hearts. His passing leaves the world a bleaker place. You have my deepest sympathy.

Alex I have tears in my eyes, my husband and I only just spoke about you the other day, wondering what you were up too, always a straight up, generous person, we will remember you fondly in Marigot Bay, St Lucia x

On Behalf of the Hewanorra Red Cap Association I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the family, we all missed him he was a great guy rest In Peace Alex.

I am saddened to learn of my friend and coworkers passing, may he rest in peace with a bottle of Bounty of course.

How can this be?This man so full of life,gone too soon.Alex was a true friend,fun to be around and generous to a fault.We have many happy memories of evenings spent together and cannot say how much we will miss him.
Rest well Alex you will always be in our hearts,
Maxine.Julie & Peter.

My sincerist condolences to Alex’s family. I knew him well while he was living here in St.lucia.
He was a fun loving and free living sole, I will miss his friendly banter, the end of an era, there are many here in St. lucia that are shocked by the sudden passing of Alex he will by missed by many my self included.
RIP Alex.
Sean.

Deepest condolences to Alex’s family. I first met Alex through my late husband Andre in Marigot Bay St. Lucia where they always shared a Piton. Was always a very jovial person. Rest well Alex. You and Andre just may have a piton over yonder.

My condolences for Alex I worked at the G F L Charles airport in st Lucia

We both want you to know how saddened we were to hear of the premature passing of your son/brother. The days ahead may be difficult to endure but please take some small comfort in the knowledge that Alex was loved by everyone he touched and literally thousands of passengers he flew have memories and stories to tell their children of the wonderful flight they had with this amazing pilot. He was a true professional and a consummate pilot in every regard with a love of flying that never diminished over thousands of hours in the air. He will be truly missed and forever loved by too many to count and please know that Leeanna and I can be included in that number.

Barry & Leeanna

Alex, gone but never forgotten. The good times in Monterrat and Gros Islet. The ever present friendship that automatically revived each time we met again! The smile that belied the surname!! Rest in Peace, my friend. until we meet again!!

Alex, may you rest in peace. Condolences to family. I will thank him for my first helicopter ride. As I look out the window of the maddog I know we will meet again. Thank for 20 great years.

I first met Alex as he flew me into Montserrat where I was to be his replacement pilot. I was expecting to be flying tourists, and Alex was the first person to tell me, in-flight and in a casual tone, that actually I would be working on an active volcano. He was full of surprises, full of life, snored like an Atlas rocket, and was generous to a fault. His respect in the helicopter community stretches across Canada and up and down the Lesser Antilles. Mention his name and everyone enthusiastically remembers him. What a guy!
Jim McMahon, an old friend. Orillia, Ontario

Our deepest condolences to Alex’s family.
We were best of friends and we loved Alex like a brother.
I have known Alex for over 50 years, from our home in Newfoundland to the Island of St. Lucia. He drove me to the airport when I left St. Lucia. We laughed and talked of our years of friendship and parted ways, as great friends.
May the wind be at your back brother.
David and Angela Nicol

Dear Aunt Dot, Kathy, Carol and Doug,
My deepest condolences on the sudden passing of your dear son and brother. Please know that I am thinking of you all at this very difficult time.
Maddy

My dearest Alex. I met you years ago through my brother at St. Lucia Helicopters. I’m in shock today learning of your passing. I will always remember you and how sweet you were to me. You loved to hear me sing a Whitney Houston song and Etta James At last. You always had to leave me a last drink at the bar before you exit. And I just couldn’t keep up with you when u held my hand to dance a country and western song lol.
Gosh I will miss how much you made me laugh with your silly jokes. I will miss you buddy!!! Rest well until we meet again.

Doug and family, please accept my deepest sympathies for your loss.

My condolences to the Grouchy family. I had the pleasure of meeting Alex when Ursula & I were in St Lucia.
I will always remember our visit with him, he couldn’t do enough for us, he had everything set up for us the first night to attend a jazz festival. the next day he flew us back to where we were staying up in the rain forest, he would do a fly by every other day give us a big smile and wave. At the end of our trip he dropped us off at the airport. Great guy will be missed by all, may he RIP.

Mike and I spent many happy hours with Alex in the Captain’s Cellar, St Lucia. We miss his company, our condolences to his family ???? . RIP Alex

My condolences to family and friends. I didn’t know Alex that well, we shared a few beers on occasion in St Lucia, but I will always remember how he found my driver’s licence by the side of the road, and went out of his way to make sure it was returned to me. A wonderful guy who was so obviously loved and respected here in St Lucia. RIP Alex.

My Dear Friend, it is with enormous sorrow that I google you today and discover this sadness. It has been years since we last saw each other at Central Airways, and for some odd reason I searched for Robinson Helicopters an hour ago. I searched then for the only helicopter pilot I know, Alex Grouchy.
The last time we flew together I remember you dragging banners and when the hook caught we climbed nearly vertically and I was pretty impressed. May your soul be climbing vertically now, my friend, and know that you are missed, even from those who knew you nearly forty years ago.

Tony and I are so sorry for your loss. Alex was my second cousin and when my husband and I went to St. Lucia for our honeymoon, Alex went out of his way to make our stay very special. We laughed so hard and shared so many stories of our family in Newfoundland. Everywhere we went in St. Lucia, it was obvious how respected and loved Alex was. We are shocked and saddened but will always cherish the time we spent with him.

May warm happy memories turn your sadness to smiles. It was a pleasure knowing him.

I can’t believe Alex left us already… During my few years in St-Lucia I learnt to deal with this incredible phenomenon of life! Hoh, he was not always easy to follow, especially when it’s about his ”Let’s go for a quick one!”. He definitely was a charismatic man with a great heart.

Alex was like a father to me in St-Lucia; wishing he flew away like he used to… With a light heart!
Chris

LIFE IS TOO SHORT, IT’S SCARY!
My dear Alex, it’s too much a shock for me to know that you’re gone. I wish your soul Rest in peace. Just know, it was always a great pleasure having you for diner.
Anna

I am in shock. will miss my liming buddy of over 20yrs. Alex took me on my first helicopter ride. I have never had the time to do it again cos with Alex we were always doing stuff spontaneously. You will always be in my heart. May you Rest In Peace my friend.
Erene
Liat St Lucia

How sad i am to learn about this today. You leave me with good memories of flying in Saint Lucia and your great personality. Rest in pease my dear friend.

Wishing family and friends of Alex strength in these difficult times

RIP My friendl Alex condolences to his family Alex was a fun guy to be around i will surely miss him .

From Ricky James
St Lucia

Another good man gone. RIP my good brother. Sincere condolences to the family.

May he rest in peace, he is greatly missed by all here in St. Lucia .

Cathi Antoine
St. Lucia Helicopters

Alex may your soul rest in peace bro your were a good friend to many you will surely be missed.

Condolences to Alex’s family on behalf of EVERYONE at St. Lucia Helicopters. We all have such fond memories of him and he was very well loved. Alex was an extraordinary pilot and a wonderful man with a heart of gold. We will miss him immensely.

My condolences to his family . He was a brother and a good friend to us . He will be miss as a dearest friend and a family. May his soul rest in peace .

Sincere condolences, Alex was a good friend, always willing to help with aerial shots of maritime interest.
Keats Compton
President
Marine Industries Association of Saint Lucia

Sincerest condolences to the family. Alex was an amazing man, very well loved by everyone who knew him. He was so much more to us than just a work colleague. He will be greatly missed.

Aunt Dot, Doug, Cathy, and Carole Ann so sad to hear of Alex’s passing. Still have lots of good memories of him staying at our house a few times when we younger. 24 May weekends were always fun with me giving him lessons in trout fishing and Aunt Dot slipping me a couple of dollars to spend. He had a wonderful career by all accounts and will be greatly missed for sure. I won’t be able to attend his wake as I’m currently at sea on the Grand Banks but Ann will pass on my condolences on our behalf. God bless and hope the next few days won’t be too hard on the family. Jerry Williams