Obituary of Alex Waite

Born Jerome Alexander Waite in Ogden, UT, Alex was the first of Jerome and Juanita’s seven children. At an early age Alex was a farm boy in his Mother’s home town of Coffeeville, KS. The family moved to the Mississippi Gulf Coast which became the place he reported to be from. Out of necessity, Alex as the eldest son was given the responsibility to care for his younger siblings. As an adult he drew upon those experiences to become a respected mentor passing on his wisdom and poetry to family and friends.Running the streets of Bay St. Louis, MS as a teenager gave Alex the reputation of juvenile delinquent. He proudly touted being an original member of the “Bay Rats” a group of average teens with fast cars and too much time on their hands in a small beach town. Takes to reason why he joined the Army in 1963 serving in Germany during the Vietnam Era as a heavy vehicle driver. He was honorably discharged in 1966 with the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal and Sharp Shooter (rifle) Badge. Alex studied Radiation Technology at US Public Health Hospital in New Orleans. This led him down a career path that included Seattle Public Health Hospital, University of Washington Health Sciences, US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, and Washington State Department of Health. It was his years as a state Radiation Protection Inspector for the Department of Health that gave him the most professional satisfaction. In retirement, Alex invested in Shelton’s premier motorcycle shop the Chrome Horse. He was a NRA Certified Range Safety Officer volunteering his time and expertise at Capitol City Rifle and Pistol Club events as well as Shelton’s Renegade Guns store. Perhaps Alex’s most cherished accomplishment was his “patch in” with the Tenino Motorcycle Drill Team. He performed with the team on his 1993 FX-RS Convertible Harley with pride. He served as Sergeant-of-Arms and was the self proclaimed Team Photographer before his health limited his ability to ride safely on two wheels. Many people knew Alex as the T90 guy that looked like Willie Nelson or by the road name “Crash” who for obvious reasons converted his two-wheeler into a custom trike. Alex, a “Proud Patriot,” took his last breath on Memorial Day, May 31, 2010 ending his long struggle with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. His wife Becky, daughter Kristin and nephew Michael were by his side when he passed away peacefully in his home. Alex had a special place in his heart for children. Memorial donations may be made to the following Shelton area organizations that provide opportunities for all kids to have shelter, food and safety. Habitat for Humanity of Mason County The Saint’s Pantry Turning Pointe