Alex Allen Osten

To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.

Obituary

Alex Allen (Al) Osten, an extraordinary man whose radiant smile illuminated every room and brightened every day, passed away peacefully on January 23, 2026, at Rockyview General Hospital in Calgary.

Al’s generosity and joy of living were an inspiration to all who knew him. Unassuming, kind and generous – a loyal and steadfast friend – everyone adored Al for his engaging personality, the perpetual twinkle in his eyes, his sense of humour and his genuine interest in, and concern for, others.

Born in Saskatoon on January 9, 1931, Al was the seventh child of Aron and Bessie Ostrovsky. Al’s love of music and theatre began early in his life, singing in numerous high school and community musicals. In the early 1950’s, Al moved to Toronto to pursue a career in show business. He joined a doo-wop group, the Rover Boys, who recorded their biggest hit, Graduation Day. In 1956 Buddy Victor became their lead singer and Al’s life changed forever.

In 1963, after the Rover Boys disbanded, Al returned to Edmonton and Buddy followed as they both struggled to make a living. Fortuitously, they heard about a new weight loss program, Weight Watchers, that was becoming popular. Al and Buddy took a leap of faith and purchased the Alberta and Saskatchewan franchises, launching a new era.

In 1967, the first Weight Watchers meeting in Edmonton was a “hit”. Other WW chapters opened in Alberta and Saskatchewan. Al and Buddy’s considerable showmanship helped several generations shed unwanted pounds, all the while building a highly successful business. As the business grew, they mentored WW graduates to become group leaders, giving them jobs and a community of colleagues. “Lives were changing all around us,” recalled Al.

During the Weight Watcher years, Al and Buddy quietly supported dozens of charities, arts and community initiatives and invested in seven Broadway shows, some of which became major hits. Al and Buddy sold their franchise to Weight Watchers of Canada in 2013. They wanted to make a difference in people’s lives. The establishment of two foundations under their names in Calgary and Edmonton, enabled them to endow large legacy projects to give back to the communities that had been so good to them.

Al’s charitable efforts in Edmonton, Calgary and Israel were built around four pillars: hospice and healthcare; children and youth; the arts; and religious organizations. His donations have been transformational. Al epitomizes the citizen who is hardworking, persevering, and sharing good fortune with others. He walked through life with an open hand, making the world a better place.

Predeceased by his parents, Aron and Bessie Ostrovsky, his beloved lifelong partner Buddy Victor, sister Annie, brothers and sisters-in-law Max and Goldie Osten, Robert and Della Osten, Sid Osten, Esther O. Loeb, Minnie and Harvey Emas, nephews Dr. Stephen Jon Morris and Dr. Arthur Jeffrey (Buzzy) Morris, and great nephews Paul Jeffrey Mesbur and Alex Zigmund Osten.

Survived and lovingly remembered by sister-in-law Regina (Gigi) Osten, Ostrovsky nieces and nephews: Dr. Ellen Sue Mesbur (David), Toni Gold (Philip), Karren Kingsbury, Shelly Osten (Joan), Victor Ostrovksy, Michael Osten, Gerald Emas and Eric (Rick) Emas, and Buddy’s goddaughter Pat Rabito (Tim Keitz).

Those who will miss him dearly include great nieces and nephews: Sharone Ostrovsky (David Ross), Leeorah Pearce (Geoff), Robin Gold, Stacy Gold, Erin Esser (Mark), Jason Gold, Geoff Ryder (Imke) and James Mesbur (Emi Yamanashi).

Al took delight in his great-great nieces and nephews: Lilah and Cyrus Ross, Coby Pearce, Issa Justin Paul and Sota Joshua Mesbur.

Special thanks to Anne Cattiling and Audrey Bonayao who provided dedicated and loving care to Buddy and Al.

At his 95th birthday celebration, Al was presenting a musical history of his life when he collapsed. His nephews Rick Emas and Michael Osten, and cousin, Dena Paull, administered CPR until the EMS team arrived. The family is eternally grateful to them for their actions.

Heartfelt thanks to the entire team of exceptional nurses, doctors and staff in the ICU and CCU at Rockyview General Hospital for their outstanding care and compassion.

Funeral services were held in Edmonton and Calgary.


In lieu of flowers donations in Al’s memory may be made to:

Edmonton Community Foundation, Victor Osten Fund: https://ecf.ca/funds/in-memory-of-alex-al-osten/ 

Calgary Foundation, Osten-Victor Fund: www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/23770.

The Al Osten Building Fund, Temple B’nai Tikvah, Calgary: https://templebnaitikvah.org
900 47th Avenue SW, Calgary, AB T2S 3C8
403-252-1654


Or a charity of your choice.

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