Dr. Alexander Klimov

Dr. Alexander Ivanovich Klimov, known to everyone simply as Sasha, passed away on Tuesday, February 5. He was born in Moscow, Russia, to Ivan Klimov and Nina Babkina, and was the youngest of three sons. He is survived by his wife, Marina Khristova; son Petr (Elena); daughter Tanya (Russell Carleton); five granddaughters: Varvara, Ksenia, Natalia, Leah, and Alisa; brother Stanislav; and several nieces and nephews.

Sasha worked for many years as a virologist, a job that allowed him and his family to relocate to Atlanta. He spent over 20 years working at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, focusing on influenza vaccine development. He was a leader and a mentor, with collaborators all around the world, and is remembered for his patience, humor, and kindness.

Sasha was a devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather, who spent 43 years adoring his wife, countless weekends playing with his kids and grandkids. He loved seashells and miniatures, and collected coins and stamps. He was a dabbling artist, creating, particularly, caricature portraits of the people in his life. He was known for his intelligence, broad knowledge of numerous subjects, quick wit, and, most of all, his kindness.

The funeral service will be held at Eternal Hills Funeral Home on Saturday, February 9, at 1 pm, with visitation starting at noon. A light reception will follow at the funeral home.