Alex Canja, 81, who from 1956 to 1985 owned and operated Camp Flying Eagle, a summer camp for boys on North Crooked Lake, died on Friday, June 13, 2003. in Port Charlotte, Fla.
An educator, he served with the Michigan Department of Education for 10 years as a deputy state superintendent and aide to five Michigan superintendents of public instruction.
Canja received a master's degree in education from the University of Michigan, where he was an All-American diver and captain of the swim team. He later taught and coached swimming at Ypsilanti and Grosse Pointe high schools.
A veteran of World War II, Canja served with the Army Air Force in Europe.
Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Tess; daughter, Deborah, of Okemos; son, Jeffrey, of Lansing; and two grandsons, Brian and Scott Ehlers of Okemos.
He was preceded in death by a son, Paul.
Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of South- west Florida, 5955 Rand Blvd., Sarasota, Fla. 34238, or to the AARP Foundation, 601 E. Street NW. Washington, DC 20049.
