ALEX ZYGANIUK
Alex Zyganiuk
Mzinbii’ge nini
During the evening of January 21, 2025, our friend, partner, brother, uncle, father and grandfather Mzinbii’ge nini Alexander Zyganiuk began his journey, with the support of his wife Doris who was by his side.
Named after his grandfather Alexander Cyganiuk, Alex was born in 1950 in Toronto to Jean Rice and Stefan Zyganiuk. In his early years, he grew up on Wasauksing, raised by his grandmother and became fluent in Anishinaabemowin. Through his education in Toronto public and high schools he became a skilled artist, leading him to a career as a talented journeyman lithographer and a widely-collected artist with work displayed throughout the world.
Living throughout Canada, Alex enjoyed the finer things of life and described himself as a lifelong learner, world traveller, an avid fly fisherman, a musician, a vintage motorcycle lover and an artist. He was known as the first Indigenous person to practice Kung Fu in Toronto and was a member of the Toronto Northern Legs Southern Fists and before that Hong Luck, a Traditional Kung Fu and Lion Dance Club. He also ran a kick boxing club for youth. Alex was a registered member of the Masonic Lodge in Hong Kong, a certified small plane pilot, an NDP candidate and a caretaker for a sacred site on Wasauksing.
Upon his return to Wasauksing, Alex had a career in First Nation policing for over 20 years throughout southern Ontario. He became an advocate and truly exemplified the spirit of proactive community policing. Alex developed a huge policing family with friends and networks in many southern First Nation communities. Alex filled many roles including serving as a band councillor, community consultation coordinator, college policing instructor and board director for the Parry Sound Children’s Aid Society, the West Parry Sound District Museum Foundation and the Anishinabek Police Service.
Alex is survived by his wife Doris Potts Zyganiuk, children Adam, Jessica, Willie and Rusty, grandchildren Sierra, Brandon, River Rosa, Nicholas, Hunter, Debasi, KnoWee, Patch, and great grandchildren Wabsi, Naw kweh ki shek, Tekemsi, Bam o go, Sownagishgokwe, Paknokwe, Et nwe tek and Kano. Remembered by his sisters Darlene, Pazhe, Susan, Voncile and brother Ed. Fondly remembered by his nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, friends and colleagues from throughout his life. Alex is predeceased by his mother Jean, father Stefan and daughter Tamara Zyganiuk.
Alex enjoyed the early mornings on Peterson’s Bay paddling, fishing with his best friends Mike and Gerald, and observing nature. Known as a pet lover, Alex enjoyed his daily hikes with Kelce on the local trails, his Starbucks coffee and coffee talks with friends, family and strangers.
A Celebration of Alex's Life will take place on Tuesday, July 15th, 2025. Place and time to be announced.
We have a broad spectrum here to deal with things. But everything in an Indigenous world is related. We’re all connected together. Everything that goes on here is connected to us, and that’s just who we are. That’s our way of life, and this is how we overcome things - Alexander Zyganiuk
Condolences
Doris and family, I worked with Alex for many years when he was a police officer. I am truly sorry for your loss. He was an amazing person.
-Jacqui MorrisonSo sorry to hear of Alex passing. What a wonderful man. Condolences to his family and friends. He will be missed.
RIP
Beautiful tribute. Alex will be greatly missed.
-Aaron Maye SmithWe worked with Alex at Parry Sound Detachment in the 1990’s. He was a soft spoken man and was liked by everyone.
Our condolences to his family.
I had the pleasure of meeting and working with Alex in the summer of 2001. We spent a lot of time together back then and he was truly a great person. We had a lot of fun together over the few months that summer. Although I hadn't seen Alex much since then I did have the pleasure of seeing him just a few years ago. I was so glad we were able to chat. I had a lot of respect for Alex as a person and a Police officer. He truly cared.
Wishing the family my deepest condolences from an old friend.
Alex was a consummate gentlemen who I met when I was stationed in Parry Sound. Very well respected amongst his policing colleagues. Rest in Peace my friend. My condolences to his family.
-Doug McIntyreMy sincere condolences to Alex's family. I had the opportunity to work with Alex on the Anishinabek PS Board and we will forever be grateful for his wisdom and guidance over the years. He always had such a beautiful presence and a way with words. Miigwetch Alex.
-Amanda NeveuOur hearts are deeply saddened by the passing of Alex. Please know that our thoughts, prayers, and hearts are with Doris and the entire family during this difficult and sorrowful time. May you find comfort in the love and support of those around you. Our deepest and most heartfelt condolences. Paige & Wayne xo
-PaigeMy heart goes out to the wife and family. Big xoxo
-Wanda RiceMy condolences to Doris and the family.
My heart is with you ♥️
Will miss our deep conversations and humorous moments. Mino Dbaan
-Vincent and Anita ChechockMy sincere condolences to Doris, family and friends of Alex. May you all feel the support and warmth of loved ones around you.😔❤️
-Lisa GregorySending my condolences and love. Alex, my dear friend I will miss your hugs.
“I don’t like hugs, and I don’t like hugging people, but I always love your hugs, come give me a hug” I will cherish that till we meet again 🤍
We are deeply saddened by the loss of our friend Alex. He will be missed and always remembered as a caring neighbour and caretaker who honours community and our sacred gifts. Deepest condolences to Doris and his Family at this difficult time. Alex’s spirit will always be close to our hearts.
-Rebeka TabobondungChi-Miigwetch to the Creator for Alex. We are all related and connected. He served as an officer here in Curve Lake and was the first to do foot patrol. He and I served on the Police Governing Authority together for several years. I always enjoyed our talks and his comforting presence. Baa maa pii minwaa ge gwaabmin. Until we meet again. I hope to make it to his celebration of life. Miigwetcvh minwaa ge wewena. Jeffrey Jacobs and Family (Curve Lake First Nation)
-Jeffrey Lee JacobsSending my condolences to your family, friends and community of Wasauksing First Nation....
-EthelI had the awesome privilege of working with Alex, a few years ago, wonderful person and always had a big smile. My heart aches for you, Doris and family.
-Cathie CrossmanI had the pleasure of working with Alex when he worked for his Nation. He was a sincere Anishinabe and a fierce advocate of our ways and culture. I remember many conversations with Alex that I will cherish for the rest of my days. RIP my friend and hope to see you when I get there.
-Anthony LaforgeSending condolences Doris family friends Alex will be missed
-Kevin Cheryl nanibush TabobandungA complete shock on hearing of Alex passing, condolences to Doris and family. Worked with Alex at the Parry Sound Detachment during the 90’s into the 21st century. We are all better people for knowing Alex. His calm, wise and knowledgeable demeanour was always appreciated. A very talented and humble person. I learned a lot from Alex and for that I am grateful. Alex, May your journey into your next chapter be peaceful, farewell for now our friend.
-Lenora & David MonteithAlex was always a friendly soul when we had our chats at work. sending hugs out to his family and friends.
-cathy crawleyI am really going to miss my old teacher.
-Scott McWilliamMy sincerest Condolences to Doris, and family. I will always appreciate the kindness and Support from Alex while in my youth. He was supportive with all the youth on Wasauksing and I will forever be grateful. Alex went out of his way to acknowledge and say "hello" while out and about. He will forever be remembered for all his years of service and dedication to our Community. Baamaapii
-Andrea PawisI am so incredibly sad to to hear the news about Alex. I worked with him in Parry Sound and he became a good friend. There was no end to his kindness and compassion for people of all walks of life. I was so incredibly honoured when he agree to create "one of a kind" art pieces that I was able to gift to members of my wedding party. I remember when I was going through a very difficult time in my life, Alex was there as my rock. I want to extend my condolences to his family. I am forever a better person for knowing Alex.
-Judy AndersonDoris, I am Dennis Brownley I worked at Lakeland Long-term Care when I first met Alex. I not only had the pleasure of looking after Stefan his father but I had the pleasure of becoming a friend of his family. Often when he was visiting his father we would talk about many different things from families to nature, I have to tell you that when my son told me on the way back from Newmarket today that Alex had passed I was absolutely stunned and devastated! Please accept my deepest condolences from my family and myself!
-Dennis BrownleyWhen I moved to the area, Alex taught me much about Indigenous ways. I am forever indebted to him.
He was a newer police officer and I was a young lawyer, and we learned much from each other.
I think he touched many lives for the better.
He was one of the good ones.