John Frank Alexios was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, on July 13, 1953, to the late Alexander C. and Ruth A. Alexios. He passed away in Brewster, Washington, on Feb. 10, 2023, from illness lasting a period of two-plus years. He was the fifth of six children, and is survived by numerous family members who reside mostly in Connecticut, Florida and Colorado.
His earliest years were spent growing up in Fairfield, Connecticut, where he gravitated towards nature preserves and forested state parks; one of his favorite places being a land-conservation area which encompassed woods and an old gravel quarry; bounded by small rivers that ran over a rock formation into small lakes, and eventually into nearby Long Island Sound (Atlantic Ocean). He resided in Connecticut until 1973. Having visited the Pacific Northwest a year earlier, John knew in his heart that he belonged there and returned to make it his home … for the last, incredible 50 years! There he took on — with great desire and necessity to become one with his new environment — snowshoeing, skiing, hiking, canoeing, biking, gardening … and developed an enduring relationship with nature.
He was a mountain man … and a man of the trees. His strong passion for the peace and simplicity of just being in and with nature inspired his writings — articles, and several poems and essays, many of which were included in a self-published book (under the pen name of John Sundara — “Observations of a Mountain Man That Has Come to Town” (March 2022). He was so proud of this literary achievement, and enthusiastic about sharing personal insights with appreciative others.
A philosophical, honorable, kind-hearted, gentle giant of a man … who chose to avoid conflicts and confrontations by living quietly and remotely in his beloved Methow Valley … John was multi-talented, creative, and self-taught; reflected in his unique carpentry/woodworking, musical aptitude, and off-grid living/survival skills. He found a niche and vast enjoyment in weekly participation at the seasonal Farmers Market in Twisp, where he sold his carefully crafted wood furniture and other items. He had a natural affinity for and ease with the wildlife, and an innate ability to gain their trust; and much of his writing is based on these extraordinary happenings.
Over the last several years, prior to his illness, John encountered hard times … starting with devastation from a major catastrophic and then lesser wildfires, flashfloods, mudslides, and the resultant housing shortages. John’s family extends heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the many people and facilities who assisted him through those difficult years, and during his critical last months. This includes most recently the doctors, nurses, rehabilitators, aides, and technicians at the Regency Wenatchee Rehabilitation and Medical Center and at the end the Three Rivers/Brewster Hospital; who provided attentive care, comfort, encouragement, and kindness during his stay at both facilities. And, the staff and volunteers at the Okanogan County Housing Authority, Methow At Home, The Cove, and for an even longer period of time Room One — all of whom provided respectful assistance, compassion, kindnesses, and friendship.
There are not enough words to properly thank and fully recognize John’s hugely supportive, loving, and very dear old and new friends. These are amazingly kind and exceptional people! To list them all by name separately … there’s risk of leaving someone out. Three couples, in particular, have given John and his family outstanding assistance over the past five months and from thousands of miles’ distance. Please accept our deepest gratitude; and know that you are in our hearts for being there — before, during, at the end, and in continuance of need.
There is enormous comfort in knowing that John did, indeed, live the life he loved. He was a remarkable and memorable man; and, all who knew and loved him will miss him greatly.
The Precht-Rose Chapel in Chelan, Washington, respectfully handled cremation arrangements. The family invites remembrances, personal stories and tributes to John; and these may be added to the obituary within the Precht-Rose website: https://www.prechtrose.com/obituaries.
If you wish to make a contribution in John’s memory we sincerely thank you and suggest the following organizations for consideration: Room One; The Cove; or Methow At Home … or simply extend a special kindness to a stranger, or plant a special tree in John’s name to memorialize his love for and powerful connection to the trees!
