In Memoriam

Alexander Keyserlingk (1940-2025)

Alex passed away after a short illness on April 16, 2025. He was a larger-than-life personality who enhanced the lives of everyone who encountered him.

He was a citizen of the world. After qualifying as a CPA in Montreal, he took professional assignments in three continents, working in three different languages, none of them his native language.

At IFC, where he spent 30 years, he was quickly recognized as a star performer. He was promoted to division manager after only two years as an investment officer. Yet he wasn’t content simply to climb the ranks. Impelled to make a direct impact on development in the poorest countries, he created and ran an agency to help African entrepreneurs develop their ideas into bankable projects. Then he created and ran an agency to provide specialist management to African enterprises. Both were highly successful.

Alex was a stalwart of the 1818 Society as its webmaster, a Board member, and its nominee on the Bank’s Pension Benefits committee.

He engaged in life with gusto. A pilot and a sailor, an indefatigable traveler and travel writer, he was proficient in Kung Fu and Tai Chi. He qualified as a tax preparer, real estate agent, and professional company director. A pioneer in the use of computer technology, he became an evangelist for AI.

Family always came first for Alex. With his wife Brigitte he had three children. After her passing he found love again with his wife Monique, devoted companion in far-flung travel and adventures closer to home.

 

Submitted by Richard Moss, whose book ‘International Finance Complications’ was inspired by Alex. 

At the Board Meeting on May 14, 2025, the Board of Directors of the Society adopted a condolence resolution to acknowledge the contributions of Alexander Keyserlingk and to commiserate at the sad news of his passing. Alexander Keyserlingk was a former Board member who played an active role in the Society for many years. Alex served as Board Director from 2004 to 2009.  In 2010 he was webmaster and also Vice President, Pension from 2010 to 2011. May he Rest in Peace.