Industry veteran Alex Chandler passes away

Sadly, Alex Chandler passed away in April, aged 87.

He was well known to the local swimming pool and spa industry for holding the rights to Swim Chem and BioGuard, through which he marketed BioLab products in Australia from 1983 and in New Zealand from 1993. He had a significant impact in these and other Commonwealth markets, and mentored many people involved in the industry.

Below is an obituary from his memorial service held recently in St Albert, Canada.

Alexander Thomas Chandler, known affectionately as Alex, passed away peacefully on April 20, 2024, after a valiant battle with cancer. Born on April 24, 1936, in the beautiful city of Cape Town, South Africa, Alex’s journey of 87 years was marked by generosity, adventure, and kindness.

Alex’s formative years in Cape Town instilled in him a love for the vibrant landscapes and a spirit of exploration that he carried throughout his life. His adventurous nature led him to St. Albert, Alberta, where he would eventually spend his final days surrounded by the love and care of his family and friends.

Alex was a towering figure in the swimming pool industry, with a career marked by innovation and leadership. In the late 1960s, he founded one of the original Master Pool Guild businesses in Canada. His entrepreneurial spirit didn't stop there; he went on to launch BioGuard Canada, a company that would grow under his guidance to serve markets in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. His influence in the industry was profound, and his legacy is seen in the thriving businesses and partnerships he fostered.

Described by those who knew him best as generous, Alex’s kindness was not confined to his personal life. He extended his benevolence to his professional relationships, earning the respect and admiration of colleagues and competitors alike. His sense of adventure was not only evident in his business ventures but also in his love for travel and experiencing new cultures, a passion he shared with his beloved wife, Elizabeth, with whom he enjoyed 46 years of marriage until her passing.

He is survived by his devoted sister, Noreen Campbell, and her husband, Jim Campbell, his brother-in-law. Alex was predeceased by his cherished wife, Elizabeth, his parents, Charles and Sarah Jane Chandler, his sister Alice Poulin, and his brother Richard Chandler. Each family member held a special place in his heart, and he leaves behind a legacy of love that will be cherished by all who knew him.

Alex’s life was one of purpose, joy, and impact. Those who had the pleasure of his company will remember his warm smile, his eagerness to lend a hand, and his unwavering commitment to his family and friends. He met life’s challenges with grace and courage, and his resilience in the face of illness was an inspiration to all who witnessed it.

As we bid farewell to Alexander Thomas Chandler, we celebrate a life well-lived, a journey well-travelled, and a man well-loved. His memory will continue to inspire and guide us, just as the stars he so loved to gaze upon during his many travels. Alex’s story does not end here; it continues in the hearts and minds of those he touched, a lasting tribute to a life of remarkable generosity and adventure. He will be deeply missed, but his spirit will remain an indelible part of the lives he has touched.

SPLASH! offers condolences to Alex’s family, friends and colleagues.

A video of the memorial service is available online.