Scott Alexander

Although he was taken from his loved ones too soon, Scott Alexander made an enormous impact on the lives of so many in the time he was here. A humble servant of the Lord he loved, he lived to serve others in ways both great and small. Scott was a loving husband and stepfather who was passionate about doing what he could to make a good life for his family. A blessing within his community, he affected the lives of so many through his music, his outreach, and his selfless acts of service. Life will never be the same without Scott here, but he leaves behind a timeless legacy that his loved ones will proudly carry on in his footsteps.

It was exciting to be an American during the 1950s. Televisions were becoming part of our homes in record numbers, and with shows like I Love Lucy and Father Knows Best we had two very diverse glimpses into the what the American family can be. It was during this exciting time that Robert W. Alexander and Rene (Tuck) Alexander were filled with great joy as they announced the birth of the baby boy they named Robert Scott on February 13, 1954, in Ayer, Massachusetts. The third of four children, he was joined in his family by his older siblings, Fran and Jim, and his younger brother, Ron. Scott’s father was an engineer while his mother was a homemaker, and both parents had served in the United States Navy as well.

Growing up in Massachusetts fostered a lifelong love of water and boats. Scott's parents had a 38-foot cabin cruiser, and they made some amazing memories while harvesting lobsters and sailing in Marion Harbor. As a student, he attended Ayer schools and graduated from Ayer High School. Later, Scott graduated from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst with a degree in sociology. With his education behind him, Scott worked in retail distribution and lived in various places including Falls Church, Virginia, Washington, D.C., Austin, Texas, and Wichita, Kansas.

New and exciting changes were in store for Scott when he met the woman of his dreams. Her name was Linda (Brewer) Penner, and they met while they were both grocery shopping at a grocery store in Wichita. Because she was a single mother who had been recently divorced and was stocking a new place with all the staples, Scott couldn’t help but remark on the three grocery carts full of things she had while he was only walking out with a handful of items. Interestingly, they found out that they were both working for the same company, Shepler's Western Wear, although they had never met before. Linda actually asked Scott out on their first three dates, and just five months later they were married. They hadn’t really planned on getting married right then, but they had traveled to Boston to attend Scott's parents 40th anniversary and were encouraged by his parents to make their love official. With that, Scott and Linda became husband and wife on Friday the 13th! He deeply loved and was very proud of his three stepchildren and 11 grandchildren.

The newlyweds continued to live in Kansas for another 10 years. Scott changed jobs and worked in logistics for Fuller Brush Company. They then moved to Grand Rapids where he worked in logistics for Amway for about 10 years. From there, Scott worked as a Senior Change Manager for Rockford Construction Company with the Meijer Team throughout his 15 years there.

Scott's faith was an integral part of his life, and it showed in his love for life. He was involved in Bible studies for years, and he lived by the words he read in his Bible, too. Scott was actively involved with DeColores, and after attending weekend 187 he was never the same. Scott found Christ on that life changing weekend, and in his own words he arrived that weekend inebriated and never took another drink again. Scott used his musical gift with the guitar to participate on many weekends, and he also played in hospices and memory units with Elder Music, Inc. along with his good friend, Marc DeRuiter. Scott was one of a few (including Paul McCartney) to play left handed guitar. Over the years he played with many bands, frequently playing with his brother Ron and a band at Rockford Construction. Scott participated in mission trips to Brazil and Nepal and flew over Mt Everest. While traveling in Israel, he floated in the Dead Sea, thereby visiting both the highest and lowest places on earth. Scott loved woodworking and grilling outside, and he even gutted and rebuilt three houses. Always up for an adventure, Scott loved motorcycling and traveling with Linda on their Yamaha Stratoliner.

Scott and his loved ones were given a tough pill to swallow in July of 2017 when he was diagnosed with cancer. Thankfully, God gave Scott and Linda nine months more to be together. Even when faced with his own battle, he had an upbeat personality and was forever helping others at the Lemmen-Holton Cancer Center.

All who knew Scott Alexander would agree that he was the heartbeat of wherever he was. He never met a stranger, and he lived to love and serve others. Deeply devoted to the Lord, his life exemplified what it truly means to worship in all things. Although he will be deeply missed, Scott’s family and friends find comfort in knowing that he is enjoying perfect peace in his eternal home.

ALEXANDER, Robert Scott Alexander, age 64, was united with Jesus Saturday, April 21 at his home in Ada, MI following a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Ayer, MA, he was a graduate of Ayer High School and the University of Massachusetts. He was employed by Rockford Construction for the past 15 years. Scott loved the Lord and loved worshiping the Lord through music. His big smile, laugh and passionate guitar playing are memory pictures etched in many minds. He was preceded in death by his parents Robert W. and Rene T. Alexander and is survived by his wife Linda, children Caroline Hamm of Oklahoma City, OK, Clayton Penner of Grand Rapids, Chadrick Penner of Burrton, KS; eleven grandchildren; siblings, Fran (Joe) Weisse of MA, Jim (Terri) Alexander of Maine, Ron Alexander of MA, and several nieces and nephews. The Celebration of Life service for Scott will be held at Cascade Christian Church 2829 Thornapple River Drive SE. Friends may meet the family on Friday at the church Chapel from 5:30PM until 8:30PM and on Saturday from 10AM until time of service. Memorial contributions to Gilda’s Club, 1806 Bridge NW, 49504, Elder Music Inc, 2417 Greenings Ave NE, 49525 and Cascade Christian Church 2829 Thornapple River Dr SE 49546 would be appreciated. To sign the online guestbook, read Scott’s lifestory or leave a memory please visit www.lifestorynet.com