Identity area
Type of entity
Person
Authorized form of name
Shand, Alex
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Description area
Dates of existence
History
Alexander Thomson Shand was born in Scotland in 1919. His parents were Alexander T. and Jane (nee Rutter) Shand. After finishing school, he worked in ship building until war broke out and then he enlisted in the R.A.F. He was stationed in London, England, and then in 1941, was sent to train at No. 34 Service Flying Training School (SFTS) in Medicine Hat. Alex stayed in Canada until 1944, and then travelled to India and Ceylon before returning to England. While in Medicine Hat, Alex became engaged to Edythe Marion (nee Scarlett), and married her October 14, 1946, when he returned after the war. He worked briefly for Medicine Hat Brick and Tile before becoming Secretary Treasurer for School District No. 4, a position he held until his retirement in 1979. Mr. Shand has been very involved in the cultural life of Medicine Hat. An excellent musician, Alex played the saxaphone, piano and organ in orchestras which provided entertainment for troops in both England and Canada. He also joined the Medicine Hat Little Symphony soon after it began in the early 1950's, first playing the clarinet and later, conducting. He was also involved in Musical Theatre acting as Director in their third musical production entitled "Pyjama Game". His favorite show was the "Sound of Music", where cast members that sang the "Nun's Chorus", stayed together and later formed the Shandelles which Alex and his wife directed. For his service to the comunity, Alex was named Citizen of the Year for 1978. Marion Shand (nee Scarlett), was born in Medicine Hat on February 22, 1924, the youngest of 4 children (3 boys and 1 girl), born to Frederick Henry and Edith B. (nee Cooper) Scarlett. Marion and Alex had 7 children: Frederick Andrew "Drew", Judith Anne, Donna Jean, David Alexander, Brenda Marion, Barbara Elaine and Heather Scarlett. Marion has been very active in musical activities also. She has participated in and Directed church choirs, as well as playing the organ for church services. She also participated in the Medicine Hat Musical Theatre, the Shandelles and the Veiner Centre Singers as well as being accompanyist for the German Canadian Harmony Choir. She has also served as the Organist and Soloist at Cook's Funeral Chapel. The Shand family has remained active in the activities of Westminster United Church. In addition, Marion has been an active member of Beta Sigma Phi and the Quota Club.