Alexander Kushnir's Obituary
Alexander Kushnir Obituary Outline Alexander (Alex) Kushnir of San Carlos, California, loving son, father and husband was 63 years old when he passed on Saturday, 23 June 2018. He died inflight of heart failure, returning from visiting family and friends in the Ann Arbor / Detroit metropolitan area. He’d had a history of heart disease and was treated for congestive heart failure in 2010. Alex was born August 10, 1954 in Detroit, Michigan to Bohdan and Valentina (Malec) Kushnir. He was a 1st generation American as they were Ukrainian emigres from WWII. Alex had travelled to Michigan to celebrate Father’s Day with his beloved father of 97 years. Alex attended Cass Tech High School where he made deep and lasting friendships sustained through lively debates on current events. Through social networking, he had also reconnected with elementary school friends. Alex attended the University of Michigan, graduating with a combined degree in Computer Engineering / Computer Science. In 1976, Alex joined Manufacturing Data Systems (MDSI), founded in Ann Arbor by Charles Hutchins a life-long mentor and family friend. While in Michigan to visit his father, Alex attended MDSI’s 50th reunion. Alex met his wife, Megan Fitzgerald, in fall 1978 when she was a freshman attending the University of Michigan. They were married June 25, 1983, nearly reaching their 35th wedding anniversary. Megan frequently studied at MDSI while Alex coded into the night. After two years of separation, while Megan completed her graduate degree at UC Berkeley and Alex worked at the University of Michigan, they were married and moved to California. They resided first in San Mateo and then moved to San Carlos to enjoy the beautiful hills and sunshine. In California, Alex worked as an independent computer consultant until he retired in 2001. He anchored the household while Megan travelled frequently for business. Alex was an excellent cook and loved to explore new recipes. He typically adjusted ingredients though, never quite duplicating any meal. Alex had a deep love of music learned from his father, who was a music professor at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. Alex encouraged both his son and daughter to pursue conservatory piano training, which has instilled in them the same love for music. Alex was active in the community serving as the homeowners’ association president for several years until his passing.Alex is survived by: His wife Megan, son Gregory and daughter Christina of San Carlos. Megan is employed by SSL, a Maxar Technologies company located in Palo Alto. Greg is currently a student at California Polytechnic, San Luis Obispo, studying for his MBA after completing his Cal Poly undergraduate degree in Chemistry. Tina is a student at Menlo School entering her senior year. His Father, Bohdan and Dorothy Kushnir of New Boston, Michigan. His brother-in-law, Mark Fitzgerald and Anne Lyke of South Lyon, Michigan and their extended family. His sister-in-law, Eileen Fitzgerald of Wooster, Ohio. His cousin Halyna Bye, her husband Ken Bye and brother Taras Borowsky of Minnesota (Valentina’s niece and nephew). His aunt, Nina Afendykiw and her children Ryan and Natalie of Southern California (Valentina’s sister). Alex is also survived by the extended family of Bohdan Kushnir in Lviv, Ukraine, who Alex kept in touch with regularly with through frequent online exchanges despite the time zone differences. The Lviv extended family revived his cultural foundation and shared his unique sense of humor. Alex is also survived by two enduring friends: Jim Burns of Clarkston, MI, a very dear high school, college and life-long friend, and Alan Kortesoja of Ann Arbor, Michigan a close friend and MDSI colleague. Alex was able to visit both during his Michigan trip.Alex is predeceased by: His beloved mother, Valentina (Malec) Kushnir, December 1978, unfortunately prior to meeting Megan, his future wife. His cousin, Andrew Afendykiw, March 2014.
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