In Memoriam
July 9, 1936 – March 17, 2024

Dr. Leib Alexander passed away after a protracted illness at the age of 87 on March 17, 2024. Dr. Alexander was a Clinical Assistant Professor at UBC Dentistry from 1975 to 1994. He taught operative dentistry and prosthodontics and was much loved by fellow faculty and his students, especially for his empathetic and caring approach to patient care. He continually reminded students, “Patients do not care how much one knows until they know how much one cares!” Dr. Alexander graduated from Western Washington University in Bellingham in 1981 with a Master of Arts (Sociology) degree. His studies focused on the sociology and psychology of patient fear and care.

Dr. Alexander approached and delivered faith, family, and service with playfulness and wit. He was the consummate community servant, church leader, board member, businessman, dental professional and very generous donor. Dr. Alexander was the good-natured wiseman, as likely to convey inspirational words of wisdom as he was to play harmless practical jokes on those around him.

He drove to and from Bellingham, WA to teach at UBC and lived all of his life there, except for three periods: he was in the US Marine Corps at 29 Palms, CA; attended dental school at the Oregon Health & Sciences University School of Dentistry, DMD 1962, in Portland, OR; and lived in Maui, Hawaii with his accomplished and loving wife Peggy Alexander for ten years following retirement from his busy dental practice in Bellingham. Dr. Alexander was blessed with five children and seven grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, April 14, at 4:00 pm at St. Brendan’s Anglican Church, 925 N. Forest Street, Bellingham.