appreciation for nature. He was a wonderful representative of the “Greatest Generation”, which helped this country through
some of it’s most difficult times. Alex showed that it was possible to achieve the “American Dream” through a life
characterized by hard work, service, integrity and a positive attitude.
Alex was born May 29,1919 in Wilmington, Delaware to Colonel Alexander Adair and Irene Adair. He had a younger sister
named Valarie. Colonel Adair was an ROTC instructor at the time and the family moved frequently. Alex spent his younger
years in Honolulu, Hawaii. He told stories of climbing coconut trees and spending time at Waikiki Beach, when there was
only one hotel. That time of his life ended abruptly when they were transferred to Cheyenne, Wyoming in the middle of
winter. Alex told how they drove to Wyoming in an open Model A during a raging snowstorm. Their next stop was
Vancouver, Washington, where Alex spent his high school years. Alex told stories of wonderful times spent at the Adair
family homestead at Cannon Beach, Oregon. Alex enrolled at West Virginia University, where his father was assigned as an
ROTC instructor. Alex got to take classes from his father during that time. Alex eventually transferred to the University of
Washington, where he graduated with a B.S. in Chemistry. He completed his Army ROTC, but somehow ended up
receiving his commission to the Air Force in 1941.
The next stage of his life was a fascinating adventure. He was assigned to the 12th Bomb Group and saw action throughout
the World. They attacked the Germans, under Rommel, in Italy, Egypt and Africa and eventually battled the Japanese in
India and Burma. The sacrifices they made were incredible. Alex told stories of living in tents. Alex was an adjutant and
executive officer involved in support operations for the 12th Bomb Group. One of his interesting tasks involved flying to
Tripoli to pick up the payroll for his squadron. Alex had a passion for photography and documented his travels well. Some
of his photos were included in the book “The Earthquakers”, which documented the efforts of the 12th Bomb Group. Alex
returned to the United States in 1944 and continued to serve in the Air Force Reserve. He returned to active duty during the
Korean War and was stationed at Hamilton Air Force base in California. He attained the rank of Lt. Colonel.
Alex had an interesting working history. He worked for United Airlines , as a station agent, in Boise, Idaho during the
infancy of the airline industry. He later became an office manager at Van Waters and Rogers in Seattle. He then moved to
Unigard Insurance, where he worked as a systems analyst. He was involved in the early stages of computers and helped
automate payroll and accounting procedures. He retired after 25 years of work, in 1986.
Alex had a keen interest in politics and became involved with grassroots efforts of the Republican Party. He was a precinct
committeeman and became a delegate to state and national nominating conventions. He was recognized for his efforts and
had the honor of being named as a n elector for the state. He delivered one of the electoral votes when Ronald Regan was
elected President.
Alex and Janet were married in 1950 and raised their three children in the Maple Leaf neighborhood in Seattle. Alex was
very devoted to his family and always tried to find ways to spend quality time with them. His sense of adventure and zest
for life was definitely passed on to his children and six grandchildren. Hiking, boating, skiing and horseback riding were
some of the interests they shared. Cama Beach, on Camano Island was one of their favorite destinations during the 1960’s.
Those vacations led to the purchase of the lot at Onamac, where their cabin was built overlooking Saratoga Passage. The
cabin was the site of many vacations and family gatherings and is still a wonderful sanctuary for the family. Alex was
always supportive of his family and took pleasure helping the kids with their adventures, no matter how crazy they seemed.
Early morning trips to the ski bus, rescue missions in various parts of the Cascades and hours of watching sports and horse
shows were an important part of his life. He took the same level of interest in his grandchildren and was very proud of their
accomplishments.
Alex was active in his retirement years. He helped organize 12th Bomb Group reunions around the country and helped
revitalize his college fraternity, Pi Kappa Phi, at the University of Washington. Alex enjoyed chat with neighbors at their
home in Bothell. Alex and Jan did some traveling and even made it back to Hawaii, where things had changed quite a lot.
He moved to Merrill Gardens in Monroe after Janet passed away in 2009. He stayed active and enjoyed his walks around
the grounds. He never lost his sweet tooth and enjoyed his stashes of candy in his room.
Alex believed everyday was a gift from God and he kept a positive outlook on life as he aged. He was at peace with life and
was looking forward to what was next when he passed away on January 8, 2012.
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