In Memoriam: John Alexander, PDG
Posted by Emilio Basile
on Sep 28, 2011
In Memoriam:
John Alexander, PDG and Club Parlimentarian Dies John Alexander who missed his first District Conference in 44 years due to his weakened condition, died Monday, September 26 at Northridge Hospital. He was 90 years old. John was a long time member of the Van Nuys club and joined the Mid San Fernando Valley club in January of 2011
A memorial service for John will be held on
Tuesday Oct. 4, 2011 at 2:00 - 4;00 P. M. at:
Hillview Hospital
12450 Van Nuys Blvd.
Pacoima, Ca. 91331 .
. He brought with him years of Rotary knowledge and a go-getter attitude which was contagious.
This year, along with Sara Vasquez, John led the campaign for a 4 Way Test essay contest in local schools. Through their joint efforts, RobertFrostMiddle School and JamesMonroeHigh School participated. This was just one of many projects John immersed himself in as a Rotarian.
He joined Rotary in 1968 as Charter member of the Rotary club of North East San Fernando Valley. John became District 5260 District Governor in 1975. He was the first African American to be named to that post. As Foundation Chair of 5260 in 1978-79 he raised the plateau for giving from 1400% to 2400%. He was instrumental in the formation of the Rotary club of S.E. San Diego in District 534- 1972 and the Rotary club of Watts-
Willowbrook District 528 in 1974 .John also served as the PolioPlus Coordinator for our district from 1986-88; Chairman of the "Tasman Project" for 10 adults from Tasmania with disabilities; and chaired an innovative program between District 5260 and The National Center on Deafness at CSUN to teach hard of hearing senior citizens how to use computers and served as the Coordinator Rotary Foundation Alumni in 2008-09.
John’s commitment to Rotary did not go unnoticed. He received several recognitions over the years including:
· Rotarian of the Year
· Outstanding Rotarian
· Paul Harris Fellow 1971 (#1533 )
· Rotary Foundation Benefactor
· Charter member Rotary Foundation Bequest Society
· The Citation for Meritorious Service and The Distinguished Service Award By The Trustees of The Rotary Foundation
· The "Service Above Self" Award, the highest recognition given to a Rotarian
by The Board of Directors of Rotary International.
· Resolutions by L.A.CountyBoard of Supervisors and L.A. City Council
The author of several photographic books featuring landscapes of the west, John has several careers including that of a news photographer, technical writer in the aerospace industry and the owner of Alexander Realty Co., which specialized in general real estate sales, subdivisions and development.
After graduating from LincolnUniversity, John joined the Air Force and served as a Tuskegee airman during World War II.
John was also very active in the community, serving on several committees and Board of Directors including the:
· Board of Directors at Hillview Mental HealthCenter (since 1990)
· Past Chairman and Board member Rotary Rose Parade Float Committee since 1993
· Past Secretary and Board member, Pacoima Chamber of Commerce
· Past Secretary, Los Angeles Sister Cities Committee for Lusaka, Zambia
· Past Board of Directors, San Fernando Valley Chapter, American Red Cross
· Past Vice President, Foothill Police Community Council
· Past Member, President's Club, California
He was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Juanita, who died in 2008.