Gary F. Alexander

Gary F. Alexander, age 77, passed away on April 27, 2016, at Hospice House. Gary had been seriously ill for some time with a rare neuron disease called Progressive Bulbar Palsy. Gary is survived by his wife Noel, children Carrie and husband Brian Eavou, Fred "Fritz" and wife Traci Alexander, Kevin Alexander, Karen and husband Kyle Gordon, and good friend Aletha Marshall, as well as his beautiful sister, Sondra and husband Dave Goulette. Grandchildren include Dane Wallis, Jr., Abby VanSloten, Brittany and Randall Alexander, Kyle and Erik Alexander, step-grandchild Brandon Marshall. Gary has one great-grandchild: the one and only Jarrett VanSloten. During the latter part of his illness, Gary moved to our local Hospice House. Never had he met so many noble, caring, thoughtful people, from the expert nurses to the wonderful volunteers. Gary's wife and his family will never forget these loving, positive people who go out of their way to help. When young, Gary's children nicknamed him "Sarge," which fit him well. They visited "Sarge" daily. Gary was supportive and interested in their accomplishments, and their presence brought him joy. He and Noel could count on all of them, including those who live far away, who called and sent notes. Even though Gary was unable to speak clearly as the disease progressed, he could still laugh and smile. Carrie, Fritz, and Kevin saw to it that he was smiling and rarely alone. Carrie brought sunlight and expertise, dependably watching over and comforting him, Brian brought him interesting ideas, treats and jokes, Fritz brought him love, help, story-telling, and incomparable humor, Kevin brought him steady and unfailing company, great weaponry conversations, novels he knew Dad would like; Karen, who lives out of state, called often with encouraging words and sent notes, and his good friend Aletha prayed for him. Gary was thankful for his children and was proud of each of them. Gary grew up at Sault Ste. Marie, enjoying the outdoors, fishing, hunting, and various firearms. Having his priorities straight, Gary might not remember what the doctor had said during an important health appointment, but he could remember the finest decimal points on a Ruger. Gary loved ice fishing, making and using his own spears the old Scandinavian way, getting the tines for the spears from Norway. When younger, he could be seen trolling for pike, and catching any fish that took the bait, whitefish and perch included. He was at home when outside on the river or in the woods, staying engaged with his family and friends outdoors.. A plumber and pipefitter by trade, Gary and friends worked in Michigan on various contracting jobs when young, and later Gary worked for Algoma Steel (now Essar Steel) in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, for many years. He is a long time member of the Plumbers and Pipefitters' Union. Gary attended Ferris State College for one year, then took on his plumbing apprenticeship and earned his plumbing license in his early twenties. Gary enjoyed movies, going camping with his wife Noel and stepdaughter Karen, going to dog shows with Noel, for long rides with his friend, Jim, hunting at camp and fishing with his friend Don, visiting his great Canadian pals at Monday morning "coffees" in Sault, Ontario. He never sat still for long. He was not a musician, but he didn't let that stop him. He enjoyed making up songs, singing well-known songs off-key at the top of his lungs with the wrong words, going into contortions while dancing to 50's music, doing the jitterbug and other dances. He slyly purchased a bugle at a garage sale; he could and did blast it with gusto. The bugle was helpful, though. Overnight visitors didn't need to worry about sleeping in, nor bringing an alarm clock. The times he spent with Carrie, Fritz, Kevin, Karen, and "Son Number 3", Brian, brought much laughter. He enjoyed long-distance conversations and jokes with Aletha, as well. Visits from great friends like Don, Jim, Ed, and Frank, gave him a great lift. His hunting and fishing buddy, Don, and he were like brothers, spending much time outdoors over the years, on the water, in the woods, and out at camp getting ready for deer season. Don visited Gary every day while Gary was sick. Over the years, they spent hours at Camp and did some logging out in Don's woods. Gary was a real Michigan outdoorsman; a "man's man." He is already greatly missed by his family and friends. It could be that the first thing he said upon arriving in the next life was "How's the fishing, up here?" Viewing hours will be from 10:30 AM until 12:30 PM, on Tuesday, May 3, 2016, at C.S. Mulder Funeral Home. A Funeral Mass will be held that same day at 1:00 PM at St. Joseph Catholic Church on Minneapolis St. with Father Sebastian Kavumkal as celebrant. Burial will occur in June at Donaldson Cemetery. Donations to Hospice of the Eastern Upper Peninsula would be very much appreciated.

Tributes

Gary F. Alexander

November 25, 1938 - April 27, 2016