Dick Alexander

Seaview resident Richard L. "Dick" Alexander, 82, died December 3, 2007 in Long Beach following a lengthy illness. The son of Howard and Kate (Homer) Alexander, he was born July 18, 1925 in Ridgefield, Washington where he grew up. He graduated from Ridgefield High School in 1943 and immediately joined the US Army. Dick served in the Pacific Theatre during World War II, was wounded in action and received the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. With his military duty over he returned to Clark county where he settled in Yacolt. He worked as a fire fighter and assistant administrator for the Department of Natural Resources in Ariel until the early 1970s. He then went to work at the International Paper plywood plant at Chelatchie Prairie. The eruption of Mt. Saint Helens destroyed the mills timber supply so Dick found his last job as a security guard at Vancouver Mall until retiring in 1990. He continued residing in Yacolt until moving to Seaview 6 years ago. Dick served on the Yacolt city council and also served three terms as mayor. He was a member of the American Legion post in Vancouver and had attended the Episcopal church. Throughout his life he enjoyed times outdoors, whether tromping through the woods for business or leisure, picking berries or family outings. Blessed with a friendly, even-tempered personality, Dick as a "gentle giant", a self described "5 feet 19 inches". He and Alice Cole were married October 13th (Friday the 13th that is), 1950 in Vancouver, and recently celebrated their 57th anniversary. She survives residing in Seaview. Also surviving are son David Alexander of Vancouver, WA; brother Robert Alexander of Vancouver; sister Barbara Reynolds of Olympia, WA; and one grandchild. He was preceded in death by daughter Carol Ellyson and brothers William and Jim Alexander. Memorial service will be held Wednesday, December 19, 2007, 2:00 PM at Layne's Funeral Home, Battleground, Washington. Memorials may be made to either the American Cancer Society or the Parkinson's Foundation in care of Penttila's Chapel by The Sea, PO Box 417, Long Beach, WA 98631. The guestbook is available at www.penttilaschapel.com..