Obituary of Harry E. Alexander

Surrounded by his family the death of Harry Alexander, husband of Kathleen (Smith) Alexander occurred on Thursday, April 22, 2010 at the Saint John Regional Hospital. He was born on April 18, 1924 at Saint John to the late Frank and Alice (O'Brien) Alexander. Harry attended St Vincent's Boys School in Saint John where he was active on the rugby team and in swimming competition. Following graduation from high school, he joined the RCAF and served for the final three years of WWII. Harry then attended the University of New Brunswick, completing a B.Sc. in Forestry in 1952 and beginning a 38 year career in the pulp and paper industry which took him to Chicoutimi, QC, Bathurst, NB, Portage du Fort, QC, Chandler, QC, Nackawic, NB, and finally Newcastle, NB where he retired as Regional Natural Resources Manager. Harry loved being in the outdoors on long walks in the woods with his family and at the curling rink every winter up to his 80s. He spent his summers growing up at his family's summer home in Quispamsis and had many happy memories of swimming, boating, hiking, kite flying, working on cars with his brothers, and helping the neighbours with their farm. One of the highlights of the year for him was an annual boat trip on the St. John River with his brothers, a tradition which has lasted right up to the present. He was always happiest around family and loved the large gatherings of summer get-togethers with extended family each summer of the last 10 years in Richibucto, NB or Cavendish, PEI. He has passed his fondness of outdoor activity to his own family, and now a generation of grandchildren. Harry met every challenge in life with a tremendous resolve and irresistible determination. No problem was ever unsolvable, and those around him benefited from his generous spirit, eagerness to help, and enduring sense of humour. Harry is survived by loving wife Kathleen (Kay) of 54 years; his children, Jane Flanagan (George) of Quispamsis, Kathryn Alexander (Peter Alteen) of St. John’s, NL, Neil Alexander (Amy) of Manilla, Philippines, and Peter Alexander (Sharon) of St. John’s, NL; two brothers: Alfred P. Alexander and Dr. Walter J. Alexander, both of Montreal, QC; eight grandchildren: Laura Flanagan, Rob Flanagan, Steve Flanagan, Susan Alteen, Clare Alteen, David Alexander, Kelsey Alexander and Ryan Alexander; and by several nieces and nephews. Harry was predeceased by his parents; four brothers: Robert, Dr. Charles, Francis and Rev. Arthur Alexander; and three sisters, Jean Jones, Eleanor Estabrook and Dorothy Zeagman. Resting at Brenan's Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (634-7424), with visiting on Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated from St. Pius X Church, 316 Somerset Street on Monday, April 26, 2010 at 11:00 AM. Interment will take place at a later date in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. For those who wish, remembrances to St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation, the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation, or the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated by the family.