On Friday, August 14, the world unexpectedly lost Alex Rooney far too soon. One terrible day cannot take away 15 years of knowing and loving one of the brightest, sweetest, and most beloved young men we could ever have known. As his family and loved ones grieve his loss, we want to remember and share some of the beauty, joy, humour, and wonder that filled our lives from knowing Alex.

We remember his wonderful imagination. When he was younger, he could often be found playing with trains, visiting Pirate Island at St. Clair College with his Grandpa Tom, or taking part in countless adventures, including following the trails of forest animals with “Possum Pals” at Ojibway Park. He loved Thomas the Train so much that playing with trains slowed down potty training a little. He could name every train engine and character from the show.

We remember his intelligence, which was apparent from the very beginning. He didn’t speak until he was three, and then all of a sudden, he had all the answers. In Grade 2, he launched a personal protest against his teacher because he didn’t like the material. There was never any doubt that Alex was gifted in everything he tried, especially math. His test scores showed him working beyond the high-school level before he had even arrived there. This past year, he worked on a science fair project with his Uncle Kurt and was absolutely furious when he came in second place.

We remember that he knew he wanted to be a doctor by Grade 6. He had looked up the salary and understood that if anything was too complicated, he could simply refer his patient to a specialist. He even had a plan for what to do if he had a mental health breakdown in medical school; switch careers and become a power engineer like his dad. He was also remarkably good with finances and once recommended that his mom buy him some silver as an investment for his future.

We remember that he was a good athlete. When he was younger, he once scored 11 goals in a soccer game after taking a nap. In high school, he excelled at track and field and wrestling.
We remember that he was always agreeable and helpful, needing to be asked only once to do something or lend a hand. He would find a way to get it done, even if it meant washing the dishes with a piece of paper towel instead of a cloth.

We remember camping with his cousins in PEI: swimming, water-gun fights, playing together, and enjoying what he knew. He once pushed his small cousin on a swing for over an hour straight at the campground simply because that was what she wanted.

We remember the quirky things that made Alex one of a kind: falling asleep to techno music, refusing to eat cheese, and requiring his family to hide the butter in the cooking. He always claimed the front seat of the boat, and afterwards his hair looked like he was a Backstreet Boy.

These are the memories we will hold close—the funny ones, the ordinary ones, the adventures, and all the little things that made Alex uniquely himself.

Alex had no limits, and his future was bright.

Alex is survived by his parents, Amy (Amy Van Delinder) and James Rooney, and his younger brother, William. On his mother’s side, he will be deeply missed by his grandfather, Tom Van Delinder, and grandmother, Nancy, as well as his Uncles Tom (Renée), Kurt (Norie), and his Aunt Elizabeth. On his father’s side, his memory will be cherished by his Nanny Helen and Papa Charlie Mac Donald, his Grandpa Joe (Darlene) Rooney, Uncle Luke (Heather) Rooney, and Aunt Charley (Donal) McGivern. Alex will also be deeply missed by his many cousins, extended family members, and friends.

Visitation will take place at Ferguson-Logan Funeral Home in Montague on Tuesday, August 18 from 5-7pm. A second visitation will take place at McCormack Aquamation Burial & Cremation Services (254 George Street) in Sarnia on Saturday, August 22nd, from 10am to 11:30am. Service will follow at the Chapel at 11:30am, with interment at Lakeview Cemetery.

The family would like to recognize the support the military padres, the Belfast Fire Department volunteers, and the EMS first responders have provided through this time.

Remembrances and Condolences may be expressed to the family online in “Alex’s Guestbook” at mccormackfuneralhomesarnia.com.

Flowers are welcome. In lieu of flowers, consider donating to chaplaincy services in Alex’s memory.