Alex Zyganiuk
Mzinbii’ge nini

During the evening of January 21, 2025, our friend, partner, brother, uncle, father and grandfather Mzinbii’ge nini Alexander Zyganiuk began his journey, with the support of his wife Doris who was by his side.

Named after his grandfather Alexander Cyganiuk, Alex was born in 1950 in Toronto to Jean Rice and Stefan Zyganiuk. In his early years, he grew up on Wasauksing, raised by his grandmother and became fluent in Anishinaabemowin. Through his education in Toronto public and high schools he became a skilled artist, leading him to a career as a talented journeyman lithographer and a widely-collected artist with work displayed throughout the world.

Living throughout Canada, Alex enjoyed the finer things of life and described himself as a lifelong learner, world traveller, an avid fly fisherman, a musician, a vintage motorcycle lover and an artist. He was known as the first Indigenous person to practice Kung Fu in Toronto and was a member of the Toronto Northern Legs Southern Fists and before that Hong Luck, a Traditional Kung Fu and Lion Dance Club. He also ran a kick boxing club for youth. Alex was a registered member of the Masonic Lodge in Hong Kong, a certified small plane pilot, an NDP candidate and a caretaker for a sacred site on Wasauksing.

Upon his return to Wasauksing, Alex had a career in First Nation policing for over 20 years throughout southern Ontario. He became an advocate and truly exemplified the spirit of proactive community policing. Alex developed a huge policing family with friends and networks in many southern First Nation communities. Alex filled many roles including serving as a band councillor, community consultation coordinator, college policing instructor and board director for the Parry Sound Children’s Aid Society, the West Parry Sound District Museum Foundation and the Anishinabek Police Service.

Alex is survived by his wife Doris Potts Zyganiuk, children Adam, Jessica, Willie and Rusty, grandchildren Sierra, Brandon, River Rosa, Nicholas, Hunter, Debasi, KnoWee, Patch and great grandchildren Wabsai, Naw kweh ki shek, Ti kem si, Bam o go, Sow na Gish go kwe, Pak no kwe, Et nwe tek and Kano. Remembered by his sisters Darlene, Pazhe, Susan, Voncile and brother Ed. Fondly remembered by his nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, friends and colleagues from throughout his life. Alex is predeceased by his mother Jean, father Stefan and daughter Tamara Zyganiuk.

Alex enjoyed the early mornings on Peterson’s Bay paddling, fishing with his best friends Mike and Gerald, and observing nature. Known as a pet lover, Alex enjoyed his daily hikes with Kelce on the local trails, his Starbucks coffee and coffee talks with friends, family and strangers.

A Celebration of Alex's Life will take place on Tuesday, July 15th, 2025. Place and time to be announced.

We have a broad spectrum here to deal with things. But everything in an Indigenous world is related. We’re all connected together. Everything that goes on here is connected to us, and that’s just who we are. That’s our way of life, and this is how we overcome things - Alexander Zyganiuk