Obituary: Keith Alexander, 66

Keith Alexander, 66, died at home in bed on July 26, 2017 in Petersburg, Alaska. He loved cribbage, music, silly jokes, his friends-not necessarily in that order-but above all else, he loved the Lord. He was fearless in sharing his faith and stood up for his beliefs, often at personal cost. He ever wanted to bring all our churches together.

Keith was born in Washington, DC on Dec. 3, 1950 to James and Nadine Alexander. He excelled in school and was recognized for academics, sports, and music. In junior high, he was 1st chair trumpet player all three years, a spot previously held only by those in high school. His music abilities were vast: he had perfect pitch, and could play songs by ear sometimes after only hearing them played through once. Watching his mother play piano, he learned that instrument and taught himself to play guitar, harmonica and autoharp. His singing voice was rich and pleasing.

During his last year in high school, Keith formed a folk-singing group with friends. Before going off to Boston U. for college, he & his trio of friends went to Woodstock, where Keith got swept up in the Cultural Revolution. His political activities superseded school. He moved to the west coast and lived for some time on a commune in Wolf Creek, Oregon. He planted trees, and battled forest fires. He was proud of his ministries in a Christian radio station, and to troubled kids in the Youth Authority. He graduated from Southern Oregon University with degrees in Physics and Philosophy.

He came to Petersburg with a friend to work in the canneries for a couple of summers in the early 80s, then finally moved up here for good. He started his own janitorial service and worked for Hammer & Wikan for 20 years. He shared his gift of music and love of Christ with several churches over the years and had a great heart for youth. He sang and played guitar for the Vespers service in Long Term Care every Sunday night for about 30 years.

Keith is preceded in death by his father James Alexander; his aunts and uncles Margaret Alexander, John and Barbee Martin, and Fred and Janet Leder.

He is survived by his mother Nadine Alexander; sister Nancy Alexander; nephew Alexander Nelson; cousins Debra Leder Grogan, David Leder, John Martin; and the Leder, Grogan and Martin families.

A celebration of Life was held on Dec. 8 at the Salvation Army.