George Maxfield Alexander

George (Geo/Joe) Maxfield Alexander Jr George was born in Hood River, Oregon, on November 26, 1934, to Lorena (Heider) and George Alexander Sr. Joe joined his older siblings, Mary Helen and Will, on their father’s orchard farm in Parkdale, Oregon. Geo was a late “surprise” addition to the family but he was deeply loved by them every day of his life. His siblings were and continue to be closest to his heart. While growing up in the Hood River Valley, Joe attended Parkdale School, graduating from Wy East High School in 1954. After high school, Joe went to Pacific University where he earned his degree as a Speech Pathologist in 1959. In 1963, Joe was offered a position for a two county co-operative Special Education District and he moved to Goldendale, Washington. In 1961, Joe joined a newly formed group called Little People of America (LPA) and immediately threw his heart and soul into supporting it. Billy Barty’s new organization had two objectives which he believed were important: giving little people an opportunity to meet and socializes with other little people and promoting awareness and understanding to the general public. Joe’s natural leadership abilities and charisma moved him from one important position to another - District #11 Manager in 1966 to National President in 1970. Joe created and edited the first LPA Handbook in 1968, one of his proudest accomplishments. It was through this organization that Joe met his Love, Martha Lee Brinkman Ziska. In August 1964, Joe married Martha in Lewistown, Montana, and legally adopted her daughter, Dalla Lee, as his own. In June 1965, Darin George was born and the family was now complete at four. Joe and his family lived in Goldendale for the next 20 years while the kids grew up. In 1976, Joe served as a representative at the White House Conference of Handicapped individuals. This group was instrumental in working with legislators, making them aware of needed changes and accommodations in public facilities. This group of individuals laid the groundwork for what would later be adopted as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In 1984, Joe retired from the School District to pursue a lifelong dream of becoming a travel agent. This required that he and Martha move to a larger city where he could find work. Since Dalla and Darin had both moved to Portland after graduation, Joe and Martha followed. Joe was a travel agent for the next 15 years. In 2000, he really did retired. While in Goldendale, Joe and Martha were active members of two churches, first the United Methodist Church and later the Baptist Church. Once Joe and Martha settled in Portland, they looked for a new church where they could put down roots. They found the Burlingame Baptist Church which they attended regularly until they were physically unable. Many of the friendships that started in those churches were held close to their hearts. In early 2000, Joe had a heart attack from which he recovered. Not feeling well, he drove himself and Martha to a nearby hospital where his heart stopped. The doctors were able to shock it back into working and Joe was rushed in for a double bypass surgery. After several months of rehab, Joe was given a clean bill of health. Joe remained active in his condo association, participating in Kiwanis, and Toastmaster meetings for several years. It was through Kiwanis that Joe became involved with Special Olympics. He found another organization where he could be of service and help. Even after he was no longer physically able to give support, Joe continued to help financially. As Martha’s health deteriorated, Joe stepped into the role of her caregiver for her final years. In 2011, they reached a point where Joe could no longer care for Martha on his own and they moved from their condo to Cherry Blossom Cottage, an assisted living facility, about a block away. They both felt the move was one of the smartest things they ever did. Martha needed constant physical and medical assistance and Cherry Blossom’s staff blessed them with kindness and truly were a group of CARE-givers. A few weeks after their move, Martha passed away. Her heart simply stopped. After 47 years, her absence put a loud silence into Joe’s days. He called her his “Rock” and looked for her long after she was gone. George Alexander passed away on June 15, 2016 in his bed at Cherry Blossom. On occasion Joe would tell the staff he had just been visiting with Martha and their kids feel sure her spirit did visit him. What a blessing it is to know those spirits are joined again. Joe’s family is most thankful to the care givers at Cherry Blossom Cottage for their kindness and compassion towards him and us. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Special Olympics Oregon, 5901 SW Macadam Ave #200, Portland, OR 97239. Service Information