Terry Alexander

Terry K. Alexander was born to Marvin and Irene (Powers) Alexander on July 28, 1949 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He was the ninth of 13 children, 7 brothers and 5 sisters: W.T., Estelle, Ray, Jesse, Joan, Phyllis, Betty, Gary, Henry, Ron, Steve and Cindy. Their mother had a full time job tending to the children at home, while their father supported the family through his work as a mechanic. Growing up, Terry’s dad influenced him in the values he lived and the interests they shared, especially knowledge of motors. His dad was his hero.

The Alexander family lived at 1049 Sawyer Court in Walker, Michigan, and Terry attended Cummings Elementary and Grandville Jr. High. He left Grandville High School after the 10th grade, because he figured his time was better spent working than studying. His first job set a course for the rest of his career. He learned to install home siding alongside his older brother Ray. He worked that craft as a subcontractor for the rest of his life and did fine carpentry work on the side. Terry was also fascinated with planes and motorcycles – really, any vehicle that went fast. His ‘69 Mustang Mach I was his baby, and the Triumph Motorcycle gave him a huge thrill, especially if it’s true that he jumped 17 cars with it. The auto mechanic skills that he learned from his father served him well all those years.

Though Terry married and divorced more than once, he had the joy of parenting three children whom he loved dearly: daughters Theresa and Amy and his son Jessy. When they grew up and had families of their own, Terry couldn’t be more pleased. It’s no wonder that, except for two years in Florida, Terry lived in Michigan where he could be close to his family. He loved spending time with Joseph, Mitchell, Alexcia and Ethan. He was proud to have taught Mitchell to ride a motorcycle at the age of four.

With his soft spoken ways and good sense of humor, Terry was fun to be with. He played country music on his guitar and listened to the songs of Frankie Vallie, Alabama, and the Eagles. For someone who liked fast cars, it’s to Terry’s credit that he also liked to ride horseback and have dogs and cats around the house. His fondness for animals was evident from his choice of TV programs: Animal Planet and Steve Irwin, along with programs on the History and Discovery channels.

In the early 1990’s, Terry’s active life was curtailed somewhat when he was diagnosed with emphysema and COPD. Later, it was discovered he had contracted asbestosis poisoning from all those years of removing old siding. But Terry beat the odds twice over. His prognoses of no more than six months to live came and went as Terry just hung in there. Though his health never really improved, he had the determination to live life as best he could. He quit smoking in 2004, but more than anything, his life was sustained by his caring family. When he was admitted to Crestview Manor in 2006 and put under Hospice Care in 2007, Terry’s family came to visit him often. They were at his side when he died on Tuesday evening at 6:29 PM.

A man of quiet strength, an independent spirit, and good humor, Terry will be greatly missed by his children, grandkids, brothers and sisters, all who love him dearly.

Mr. Terry Kenneth Alexander, aged 58, passed from this life into the arms of his Lord and Savior on October 9, 2007. He is survived by his children, Theresa Plumb, Amy Saucier, Jessy Alexander; grandchildren, Joseph Alexander, Mitchell Plumb, Alexcia and Ethan Empie; brothers and sisters, W.T. (Joyce) Alexander, Estelle Cantu, Ray (Nancy) Alexander, Phyllis (Richard) Bussler, Gary Alexander, Henry Alexander, Ron Alexander, Steven Alexander, Cindy (Dave) Bullock; nieces, nephews and many friends. A service to celebrate Terry’s Life will be held on Friday at 2:00 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. Visitation on Friday from 12:00 noon until the service begins. To share a memory of Terry or to sign the guestbook visit his webpage at www.lifestorynet.com