John Stuart Alexander |
| Posted 2018-01-14 by mhenderson |
| Today's News-Herald, Lake Havasu City, AZ >>> Published on Sunday, January 14, 2018 <<< John Stuart Alexander, Jr, 72, of Lake Havasu City, AZ, passed away peacefully on January 8, 2018, surrounded by family. John was born March 24, 1945 in Norwood, MA, to John Sr and Doris (Hagblom) Alexander. Graduated from Walpole High School in 1963, then served 4 years as an air policeman in the U.S. Air Force. Following his military obligation, John spent a year as a corrections officer for the Massachusetts Department of Corrections before joining the Phoenix police force in 1969. There he graduated from the Phoenix Police Academy, receiving honors in firearms and scholastic achievement, and served 3 years as a patrolman on the Phoenix Police Department. In 1973 John graduated with honors from Massasoit College in Brocton, MA, with a degree in law enforcement. That same year he was to return to Phoenix PD, but visited Havasu and fell in love with the lake. So he relocated to Mohave County, becoming a deputy at the Lake Havasu City Sheriff's Substation for 4 years. Alexander was a fishing guide on Lake Havasu from approximately 1977 to 1979, and one of the most well-known guides west of the Mississippi. He was featured on the cover of Striper Magazine. Famous celebrities and musicians were among his clientele. He helped map Lake Havasu and named such areas as Skier's Island, Grass Island, Black Rock, and Chalk Cliffs. He also was actively involved in professional bass fishing tournaments across the country. John returned to law enforcement when he was asked to help start up a police department for the newly incorporated City of Lake Havasu, becoming the City's first patrolman in 1979. He held every rank in the department, until becoming Chief of Police from 1994 to 2006, serving 27 years with the Lake Havasu City Police Department. He developed the first criminal justice program at Mohave Community College, and was one of a select few to attend the prestigious FBI National Academy in Quantico, VA, as well as the Arizona State University Institute for Criminal Justice Executives. On June 1, 2004 he married the love of his life, Kimberly (Napier), with whom he shared his interest in golf. John is survived by his wife, Kimberly; daughter, Deborah Ciangura; son, David (Lisa) Alexander; step-daughter, Valerie (Brian) Spegal; step-son, Marc (Melissa) Zettel; three grandchildren (Brandi, AJ, and Christian); four step-grandchildren, (Mason, Melanie, Michael, and Emily); great- granddaughter (Sofia); two sisters, Shirley Cox and Marie Boyden; brother, Steven (Carolyn) Alexander; aunt, Lilian Dana; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. John was one of the good guys—wise, fair, humble, and honorable. He is so dearly loved by family and friends, and his presence in our lives will be deeply missed. A celebration of life service will be held at 4:00 PM, Wednesday, January 17, 2018 at Calvary Baptist Church/Christian Academy, 1605 McCulloch Blvd S, Lake Havasu City, Arizona. Pastor Chet Anderson will be officiating. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Lake Havasu City Fraternal Order of Police #47 or Hospice of Havasu. Services were placed in the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home. Those wishing to send condolences may do so at www.lietz- frazefuneralhome.com. |
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