Alexis Andre Bakeeff

BAKEEFF, Alexis Andre – 89 years old, of Truro, died on September 22, 2017 in Halifax QE 2, surrounded by his family.

Born April 4, 1928 in Boston Massachusetts, USA.

He was the son of Russian émigrés, the late Andre Alexis Bakeeff and Zoe (Obolensky) Bakeeff of Weston Massachusetts. He is survived by his dearly loved wife of 55 years, Jean Elizabeth (Mackenzie), Truro. Sons, Graham Alexis, Halifax; Greg Alexis (Jeannine Pothier), Halifax and Daughter Natalie Alexis (Tyohar Kastiel), Costa Rica. Grandson Thomas, Dartmouth; and granddaughters Zoe and Anna; Halifax. Several Nephews and Niece in the USA as well as many cousins and nephews in Europe and Russia. He was predeceased by sister Zika Petersen (Edward Petersen), Chicago; brother Dimitri (Jean McCrae), Florida; half sister Irina Semyannikova, Kharkov, Ukraine.

Alex grew up and went to school in Weston, Mass. He had a lifelong appreciation and gratitude to the people of Weston who were extremely kind and generous in helping his family adapt and adjust to a new life in the U.S.A.

He graduated from the United States Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, New York in 1952 with a BSC and a Third Mates license and a reserve commission in the US Navy. From 1945 to 1957 he sailed in American merchant ships and was a part of the post WWII relief effort to deliver much needed aid and supplies to Europe. During this period he also served actively in the US Navy for two years, first as Assistant Navigator on the USS Randolph (CVA15) and then as Executive Officer/ Navigator on the USS Mattabesset (AOG52). In 1957 he came ashore and worked for States Marine Lines in NYC.

In 1960 the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, Cambridge Mass, hired him as a computer programmer. In 1964 he started teaching mathematics in Massachusetts schools, later moving with his family to Canning, Nova Scotia in 1969. While teaching in Canning, he co-authored an educational innovation for which a Hilroy Fellowship was awarded by the Roy C. Hill Charitable Foundation. Alex retired from teaching in 1990 after 13 years as a professor at the Nova Scotia Teachers College.

Alex was a gentle and private man, a devoted husband and proud father and grandfather.

A family burial service to be held this week in Truro. His life will be honoured with a gathering at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory may be made to Laing House in Halifax or the charity of your choice.

Private messages of condolences may be sent to the family by viewing Alex’s Obituary online and selecting “Send A Condolence” at www.mattatallvarnerfh.com.

“They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters; these that see the works of the Lord, and his wonders in the deep.” Psalms 107:23-24