Obituaries

I was in a number of classes with Alex in middle and high school, and although I've forgotten any specific moments with him 15 years on, I can vividly picture his infectious smile and laugh. It's distressing to know that his unique joie de vivre left the world so prematurely. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family and close friends.

I was Alex's advisor during his MS degree at the University of South Dakota. His thesis project was the first and only comprehensive studies of vegetation patterns and historical changes along the entire length of the White River, one of the longest free-flowing rivers in the Great Plains. During his time at USD, Alex did a tremendous amount of work in the field surveying plants and on the computer analyzing data and mapping land changes with historical aerial photography, as a part of his thesis work. Although he had solid skills in both the field and the lab, I know that he loved "botanizing" in the field much more. He conducted his project out in the boondocks of western South Dakota with nearly complete independence. I think that this independence suited him well, although I regret not being a little more involved. Alex also worked for me as a co-leader (along with James Robertson) of a sampling crew on the Missouri River for a summer and I had him as a student in several of my classes. Alex was definitely a free spirit, creative, funny, intelligent, and sometimes a little stubborn. He will be missed.

So thankful to have shared the moments; honest to goodness fun, friend.

You showed me an uncomplicated and steady love. Your kindness, humor, and gentleness were such a beautiful part of our time together. You taught me to slow down. You reminded me of how to have fun when I can be so, so serious. One of my favorite memories is from our time in Ely together. And maybe it isn't even a memory, as a feeling. We were snowshoeing to the drawings. And the feeling I got with you, as you led the way and held my hand at times out there on the lake was one of a courageous partnership. We were goofy on that trip and I loved us there. I love the way you over-spiced your food. How you made such a mess of the bed sheets come morning. I don't know how you did that. Your ramblings in your sleep. Your love for shrimp boils. How you are so strict with your knives and kitchen sponges. Your love of cribbage and 'nobs.' You will be missed. You left a magic here that will last forever.

Sending thoughts and prayers to the entire family. So saddened to hear of your loss.

Kris & Family, For there to be sadness, there first had to have been happiness. Wishing you strength to remember all the happy times Alex brought you and your family. Sending sunshine and happy thoughts from Cannon Falls.

Some of the most fun I've had in my life were times spent with you. I will miss you,

Alex, I can't be there one last time, but I will be there in spirit, as will you. If I gave you the long list of reasons and circumstances why, your response would undoubtedly be "well, ya!" You gave the best hugs, both physically and emotionally. You were one of my brothers. The mark you have left on myself and so many others is simply humbling, and that is your legacy. You carry on through all of us. Take care, and rest easy knowing I for one intend to pay it forward. Love, Firkus