In Memoriam

Dr. John E. (Jack) Alexander – WSU Radiologist

Dr. Alexander's recent passing

Dr. John E. ("Jack") Alexander

John Alexander (Jack), DVM passed away in Pullman, Washington on September 20, 2022 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. He graduated from Ontario Veterinary College in 1960 with DVM and VS degrees. He served on the Ontario Veterinary College faculty from 1960-62.  He then moved to Pullman, Washington where he received a Master of Science degree from Washington State University in 1965.  Jack was a member of the WSU faculty from 1962- 2002 where he went from instructor to professor in 10 years.  He was Radiology Section head for more than 10 years and was Chairman of the Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine and Surgery from 1973 -1985.

Jack took the very first Radiology Diplomate examination.  Later he was on the American College of Veterinary Radiology Examination Committee for five years and served as President of Educators in Veterinary Radiologic Science (EVRS), ACVR.  He also served as President of Washington State Veterinary Medical Association,

Honors earned by Jack included the Norden Teaching Award and Washington State VMA Veterinarian of the Year.  Jack was also dedicated to his community and was recognized by AARP in Washington State for his local volunteer work with child welfare, the food bank and other local work.

WSU Radiology Residency faculty included Drs. John Alexander, Ron Sande, Norm Rantanen, Pat Gavin, Dave Barbee, and Russ Tucker.  Some of the outstanding veterinary radiologists benefitting from WSU and the Radiology Residency were Jan Bartels, Ron Sande, Victor Rendano, Norman Rantanen, Sue Kraft, David Barbee, Pat Gavin, Lisa Britt.  During Jack’s tenure, WSU was a leader in equine ultrasound, Radiation Therapy, CT and MRI particularly in equine lameness.

Jack’s family was extremely important to him and he was married to his wife, Marilyn, for over 62 years.  They had 4 children, 8 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.  It was a life well lived.

In recognition of the pivotal role Jack played in getting many careers started, several veterinarians and members of the Alexander family have created the Alexander Family Resident Award at Washington State University.

Gifts can be made by sending a contribution to:

Ms Lynne Haley, Director of Development,
College of Veterinary Medicine,
Washington State University,
PO Box 647010


 

Sande RD, Alexander JE, Padget GE. Dwarfism in the Alaskan Malamute: Its Radiographic Pathogenesis. First published: January 1974. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1740-8261.1974.tb00664.x

John E. Alexander, DVM: Washington’s Veterinarian of the Year. Vet Radiol & Ultrasound. 41:2. First published 19 May 2005. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1740-8261.2000.tb01478.x