Alex Sommer is living a very full life. His eyes widen as he smiles, emphasizing that he has lived this life in Winnipeg as do his seven children in his blended family. Alex is one of those who subscribes to the notion that when life throws you a curve ball readjust your stance and keep swinging.

Life in Winnipeg began when his parents, Levi (`Leo') and Fanny (Binik) left Poland in 1926 with their two daughters, Rochelle (Putter) and Norma (Ticoll). An experienced cattle dealer, Leo settled his family in rural Manitoba to continue earning his living as a cattle dealer. Quickly, Fanny realized that country life in Canada would not allow her to raise her children in a Jewish milieu, in Canada that meant a city atmosphere and so their third child, Alex, was born in Winnipeg in 1928 where the family had settled. Alex loves telling the story of how his father, trying a variety of jobs, saw a sign for sewing machine operators in a custom upholstery shop window. He bought a sewing machine, took some material home and had Fanny show him how to operate the machine. ....And so began Sommer's Upholstery on Main Street.

As a kid growing up and going to school, he describes himself as a bit mischievous. As a child, he became involved in a Zionist youth organization along with his sisters. Later, he attended the University of Manitoba, Faculty of Agriculture with the intention of taking his skills and making "aliyah" to Israel. After completing a summer educational program at the "sub-tropical experimental station" at the University of Florida to enhance his understanding of agriculture, Alex had made arrangements to move to Israel. However, his plans fell through. Although he was disappointed, he readjusted his stance and began working in the family business. Rather than dwelling on this misfortune, he took up the challenge of developing and marketing his father's upholstery skills by selling to a limited selection of furniture retail outlets. As a result of Alex's efforts, Sommer's Upholstery soon moved beyond selling to one customer at a time to over two hundred and fifty small and large furniture retail outlets. This business continued to expand with new styles being added and existing styles upgraded. As a sign of its growth the family business selected a new name, Century Craft. To support the rapidly expanding business an adjoining building was bought that manufactured two different product lines, fish boxes and canvas covered freighter canoes. The fish box facility was shut down and converted to a state of the art furniture frame factory. Alex saw it prudent to re-enforce the freighter canoe business that catered to "one" very good customer by introducing and begin manufacturing fibre glass boats under the "Vanguard" brand name. A few years later Alex bought Invader Boats and manufactured both brands under one roof of an already constructed modern facility in the Inkster Industrial Park.

Alex never neglected the social side of his life. He was an active member of Young Judea (Yehuda Hatzair), one of the competing Zionist youth groups in Winnipeg at that time. From Alex's viewpoint, the best thing about Haboneem, another Zionist youth group, was having met Sarah (Rodberg) Nitikman. Following the "if you can't beat them, join them" philosophy, Alex dated then married Sarah in 1947. They decided to remain in Winnipeg and began living a traditional life where Alex continued to develop a successful business while Sarah raised their four children, Reena, Naomi, Aaron, and Hillel and pursued her interests in Israeli dance. Sarah was the founder, soul and driving force behind the Chai Folk Ensemble which today bears her name. Just as her vision of using creative arts as a vehicle to express her love of Jewish culture and Israel began to take root, she became ill. It was then that life threw Alex another curveball as Sarah succumbed to cancer and left Alex to deal with the loss of his wife and as a single father of four children ranging in age from five to 16 years.

As a widower, Alex was left to operate the business and raise four children. Eventually he began dating and became aware of a woman, Elaine Weinberg, who had also lost her spouse. After a number of his phone calls, Elaine invited Alex over for coffee and before long they began to see each other regularly. Eventually, and with the approval of the seven children... Alex's four and Elaine's three... Alex and Elaine married. Today, when Alex speaks of his children he never differentiates... he has seven children. The fact that all seven and his nineteen grandchildren are living in Winnipeg provides him with a great deal of pleasure.

Reflecting upon his life he feels that he has been blessed with "mazel", ...good luck. At all stages Alex has had the best, not necessarily materially, but in terms of parents, wives, in-laws, children, grandchildren and friends. All have been there for him to give and receive without limits, his parents for guidance, his wives for love and support, his 19 grandchildren for a "zaidy swingee" , "hugs that hurt" and captivating stories, and his friends to share the good and tragic times.

To his 19 grandchildren to-day and the great grandchildren to follow, Alex says "surround and nurture relationships with good people and you'll find the quality of your life extremely satisfying."