Michael Lee Alexander

On October 11, 2011 this world lost an amazing father and brother, a precious friend, and an inspiring teacher. Michael Lee Alexander was born on July 25, 1956 in San Francisco to Robert and Patricia Alexander. The family moved to Santa Cruz in late 1970's, where Michael began exploring eastern spirituality and healing. Michael received a Master's Degree in Traditional Chinese medicine from Five Branches University, and continued his education at Zhejiang College in Hangzhou, China. There he specialized in Tui Na massage and Qi Gong, which became his specialties when he returned to California to teach at Five Branches. Michael also was a devout Tibetan Buddhist, practicing under Sogyal Rimpoche and attaining great spiritual peace through his practice. Michael will be remembered by his friends, students and colleagues for his bear hugs and his booming laugh, and his unique ability to charm everyone whose life he touched. He is survived my his brother Marc, his daughters Brianna, 26 and Carina, 24 and his son Jason, 31. A remembrance and spiritual gathering will be held in Michael's memory on Thursday, November 3rd at 2:00pm at Pema Osel Ling Monastery at 2013 Eureka Canyon Road, Watsonville. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Vajrayana Foundation so others can be aided on their path to enlightenment and peace.