With sorrow, hope, pride and tremendous love in our hearts we regret to announce the passing of our dear, sweet son Alex on February 12, 2009 as he approached his 12th birthday. Alex passed peacefully at home, in the loving embrace of his family, parents Len and Frances, sister Maddie and brother Ben. Grandson of Esterina and the late Antonio Litrenta of Sarnia, and Murray and Angela Pace of North Bay; nephew of numerous aunts, uncles and cousins, too many to list but all dear to his heart. Alex fought an inspiring, dignified and determined 2-year battle with cancer which claimed his life but not his spirit. He showed all who came to know him how to maintain grace in the face of the most difficult of times; that kindness, selflessness and wisdom can shine through the darkest of days. Alex loved his cottage, reading, hockey, building things, and being with his buddies and cousins. He was an encyclopedia, with information always on hand no matter the subject. He drew people to him with the warmth of his smile, his gentle soul, and a wisdom that was beyond his years. Our deep gratitude to Drs. Ann Bayliss of Credit Valley Hospital, Abha Gupta, Sevan Hopyan, and Ted Gerstell of Sick Kids Hospital, to the nurses (Eve, Chantal, Anna, Zorica and June among others) who made his every day better, and to so many of Alex's physical and spiritual Healers. Team Alex, you have shown us the power which friendship and love have to make a life and, perhaps, to save one too. Visitation will be held at the Kopriva Taylor Community Funeral Home, 64 Lakeshore Road West, Oakville (one block east of Kerr, 905-844-2600) on Monday from 1-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Mass of Celebration of Alex's life at Saint Dominic Catholic Church, 2415 Rebecca Street, Oakville 10 AM, February 17, 2009 with interment at Trafalgar Lawn Cemetery, Dundas Street West and Neyagawa Boulevard, Oakville. In lieu of flowers, donations to Credit Valley Hospital Foundation, TourForKids.com, or the charity of your choice would be appreciated. In lieu of so many offers of help, please pay it forward through a blood donation, bone marrow registry, organ and tissue donation or whatever feels right.