Robert F. Alexander passed away on January 12, 2010, at Heaton Woods. He was born August 15, 1917 in the same building, then Heaton Hospital. He was the son of Ned and Lula Colby Alexander. His early years were lived at the family home on Berlin St. in Montpelier. He graduated from Montpelier High School in the class of 1935 and later from a Springfield, Mass Business College. Bob served in the U. S. Coast Guard from August 1942 until his Honorable Discharge in October 1945. During that time he was rescued from a life raft after surviving his ship being stranded in the North Atlantic without power or communications. He married Barbara Miles of Middlesex. In the early years of their marriage they operated a children's clothing store on Main St. in Montpelier. Together they had an infant daughter that died soon after birth. He and Barbara later divorced. He moved to Seattle to work for Boeing and then to Burbank, California, where he was employed by Lockheed Aircraft as a Senior Contract Administrator. He served as liason between company and customers. Upon taking an early retirement from Lockheed, Bob made a bicycle trip, two years in the planning that was one of the highlights of his life. In 1973, at the age of 55, he pedaled his 10 speed bike from San Francisco, California to Northfield, Vermont, a trip of 3,184 miles. It took him 44 days, 6 ½ of which were not travel days. Bob was proud of the fact that he pedaled the entire way. In later years after returning to Vermont permanently, Bob lived in Washington, Vt. for several years before residing for many on Main Street in Montpelier. He especially loved walking the grounds of Hubbard Park, and was able to take daily hikes there well into his eighties. This was his favorite time of day. He was a member of the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired and spent many hours with his friends in that organization. In 2005, Bob was warmly welcomed into the Heaton Woods family. He was very mindful of the genuinely caring hearts of the staff and fellow residents. He was truly grateful for their care and support. He leaves behind there many special friends. He was predeceased by his parents, brothers Max and Clifton and sister Maude Taylor. He is survived by several nephews and extended family. He will be remembered by those who knew and loved him as a gentleman and a gentle man. According to his wishes, there will be no calling hours or service.
Obituary from Barber-Lanier funeral Home