Christopher Alexander

Christopher Ray Alexander was a warm and friendly man who lived his life for others. He loved life, and more recently embraced the faith of his youth. Christopher enjoyed good food, good music, good jokes, and good family fun. He was a loving father, son, brother, nephew, and friend to all who knew him. He will be greatly missed.

Christopher’s story began on April 18, 1963 at Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The 1960’s were a time unlike any other in American history. The movement away from the conservative fifties continued and eventually resulted in revolutionary ways of thinking and real change in the cultural fabric of American life. No longer content to be images of the generation ahead of them, young people wanted change. The changes affected education, values, lifestyles, laws, and entertainment. Many of the revolutionary ideas which began in the sixties are continuing to evolve today. Marvin and Mary (Kukowski) Alexander were blessed with the birth of a son, whom they named Christopher.

He was a typical all-American kid who was a combination of many different ethnicities including; Polish, French, Irish, German, and Blackfoot Cherokee, among a few others. He grew up in a home on Michael located in Wyoming and later his family moved to Marne. He was baptized and received his first holy communion at St. John Vianney Catholic Church and then later was confirmed while attending St. Mary's Church in Marne.

Christopher was a boy who liked to do all the things that boys love to do; climb trees, ride his bike, swim, and hang out with his friends. He was a sociable boy who had a lot of friends, and was liked by everyone.

Christopher started school at East Newhall Elementary and finished his elementary school in Marne. In high school, Christopher attended Kenowa Hills through the 10th grade. At this time, he entered the work force, helping his dad with his work siding houses. He not only learned to master the trade of siding, but also that of carpentry as well. Chris later completed his high school education through a GED program.

Christopher worked hard at his job, but also found time to have some fun. He loved fishing which he tried to do as often as he could. He loved action movies and good ol’ rock and roll. Bob Sieger and Guns n’ Roses were among his favorites. Chris was also a musician himself. He played both the guitar and drums and even had jam sessions with his family and friends every Friday and Saturday nights when he would play the drums.

Christopher really appreciated the love of his family and had very close relationships with his four siblings. He also had a very large extended family that he enjoyed gathering with as well. Christopher was always very sociable and cared deeply for his family.

Chris was a wonderful cook; which was perhaps something that he developed because he loved to eat. He was not particular about what he ate, it seemed as though anything would do, but he was known for cooking a few of his specialties. He was great at grilling steaks as well as making sausage and biscuits. His favorite things to eat were kielbasa and golumbki, also known as stuffed cabbage rolls.

Chris had a great sense of humor and was known as a jokester. He loved making other people laugh and it seemed he was always kidding around.

Christopher was a jack of all trades, who worked as a carpenter using the skills he learned so long ago. He worked for the Salvation Army, St. James Catholic Church, and St. Marks Episcopal Church doing whatever odd jobs they needed done.

His mother Mary, tragically died of breast cancer on March 18, 1990 when Chris was 29 years old.

Christopher had a pet ferret and a cockatiel named Fred as companions, but he recently gained a more personal relationship with the greatest companion of all, his Lord and Savior. He developed a renewed passion with his faith and could be found reading his Bible often.

Christopher also was more recently able to become reacquainted with his son Bradley, whom he hadn’t seen in many years.

Christopher was a big – hearted man who could light up a room with his warm smile. He cared deeply for the things that he felt really mattered in life; his family and his renewed faith. He was a personable man who was liked by everyone he met. His warmth and his sense of humor will be missed by all those he leaves behind. His family looks forward to the day they will all be reunited again.

Christopher Ray Alexander died unexpectedly on Saturday, November 8 2008. Christopher’s family includes; his son Bradley; his father, Marvin Ray Alexander (Nancy Carey); his brothers and sisters, Tina Marie (Gregory) Baker, Gordon Raymond Alexander, Phillip Raymond Alexander (fiancée’ Krista Lovejoy), Annmarie (Dennis) Brand-Spitler; many aunts, nieces, a nephew, uncles, cousins, a great niece and many friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Joyce (Kukowski) Alexander.

A service to celebrate Christopher’s life will be held on Wednesday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. at Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes – Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW in Grand Rapids

Visit with Christopher’s family and friends at the funeral home on Tuesday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. and again on Wednesday from 1:00 PM until the service begins. Burial will be in Rosedale Cemetery.

Please visit Christopher’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or make a memorial contribution to Hospice of North Ottawa Community.