It is with profound sadness, we announce the passing of Alexander David Rutherford Kane, a devoted husband, loving father, cherished son, treasured brother, and amazing uncle, who left us far too soon on December 4, 2025, at the age of 43 after sudden and severe complications from Lupus.

Alex will be forever loved and remembered by his wife Dorothy, and by their three young children: Camden (5), Adeline (3), and Finn (9 months). He is survived by his mother Susan; his older brother James (Yanique) and nieces Leila, Zoe and Arielle; and his younger sister Katherine (John) and nephews Liam and Oliver. He leaves behind his father-in-law Bill and mother-in-law Janet, and his sisters-in-law Lila (Devin) and Sarah (Orrie) and niece Rosalind.
He will also be lovingly missed by all his aunts, uncles, cousins, and close friends.
He is preceded in death by his father David.

Born on August 11, 1982, at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto, Alex spent his childhood in Leaside, attending Rolph Road and Bessborough public schools before graduating from Leaside High School. From a young age, Alex’s boundless curiosity usually sent him wandering—often getting lost, but inevitably always turning back up, just before worry set in, often sporting a most mischievous smile. Family game nights were a beloved tradition, full of overcomplicated rules and a touch of competition, but most of all, love and laughter.

As a young adult, Alex followed his passion for health and movement, obtaining his undergraduate degree in Kinesiology from York University in 2006. He worked as a lifeguard and personal trainer, roles that matched his calm confidence and natural ability to connect with people. Eventually, he pursued his true calling in education, earning his Bachelor of Education from the University of Western Ontario in 2012.

Alex’s connection to England and his passion for English football (never soccer) was deeply rooted. So after graduating, he moved to London to teach, where he met and fell in love with fellow Canadian expat Dorothy Kane in a bar in Camden Town – a place so special to them that it inspired the naming of their 1st child, Camden. Sharing a love of adventure, life next took Alex and Dorothy to live in Australia, where they celebrated their one-year anniversary mid-flight, toasting with mimosas as they crossed over time zones.

After returning home, Alex gained employment with the Toronto District School Board, starting his career back in his childhood neighborhood at Leaside High School. As is the path of every new teacher, Alex then hopped from school to school until he landed at RH King Academy, located in the neighbourhood where he hoped to raise his new family.

Alex was endlessly curious and creative—an enthusiastic traveller, a passionate photographer, and someone who could spend hours happily absorbed in the art and architecture of galleries around the world. He loved snowboarding, exploring new neighbourhoods in search of the perfect coffee shop, or cheering on his favourite football clubs. Alex also had a deep love of sneakers. A brief stint working at Foot Locker opened the door to early releases—pairs he loved so much they were strictly not to be worn outdoors.

Among his many passions, cooking became an unexpected and joyful part of his life. In classic Alex fashion, he dove into it with enthusiasm—learning to cook not just because he enjoyed it, but even at one time to secure a teaching position in Family Studies! Before long, it became second nature to find him happily working away in the kitchen. Camden saw it too, so whenever they sang “The Wheels on the Bus,” they lovingly changed the Dad lyrics to “Daddy’s in the kitchen making dinner,” a small and heartfelt reminder of how much he loved that part of him.

He was an avid reader who was always diving into something new, eager to share the latest fascinating idea or obscure fact he’d just discovered. His love of music was always evolving—starting with hip-hop as a teenager and expanding over the years to include rock & roll, folk rock, and country. Unsurprisingly, he had an uncanny ability to remember every lyric after only a couple of listens.

Alex’s encyclopedic mind also made him formidable at trivia and endlessly interesting in conversation. He was incredibly intelligent, with a dry, witty sense of humour that could catch you off guard in the best way. And of course, there was his storytelling. He never just told a story—he shared every detail, every twist, every side-note, every irrelevant-but-somehow-absolutely-essential moment. His stories were long, winding, and unforgettable—because they were so very him. And while everyone teased him for it, we cherished those stories just the same.

Above all, Alex was kind, generous, and endlessly giving. He had a remarkable ability to put others first, especially in his devotion to his family. His wife and children were the centre of his universe, and he poured his whole heart into every moment with them—whether it was reading bedtime stories, exploring the outdoors, or simply snuggling close. He was genuinely interested in people—always learning, always listening, always connecting. His gentle nature and easy smile made him the kind of person everyone felt lucky to know.

Though his time with us was far too brief, the impact he made—on his family, his friends, his students, and everyone whose lives he touched—will be forever remembered.

We love you Alex, and we will miss you always.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Lupus Ontario or becoming a blood or plasma donor.

A GoFundMe has also been set up to support Dorothy and their three children during this unimaginable time. Please consider donating or sharing with those who are able: https://gofund.me/278ab9020