Visitations











Name:
Samuel Craighead Alexander, M.D.

Date:
May 3rd, 1930 - June 23rd, 2010

Obituary:
Samuel Craighead (Craig) Alexander, M.D., of the Quadrangle, Haverford, PA died unexpectedly in Rockport, Maine June 23, 2010. He was born May 3, 1930 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, but spent his formative years in Charlotte, North Carolina. He was a graduate of The McCallie School, Davidson College ('51), and the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine ('55), where he also did his residency, studying under Dr. Robert Dripps. He also was a Fellow in pharmacology for two years, studying under Dr. Carl Schmidt. In his professional life Dr. Alexander was a leader in Anesthesiology, serving as both a prominent researcher and teacher in the field. He began his teaching career as a member of the faculty at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. He served two years in the Public Health Service as Director of the Winslow Navajo Indian Hospital in Arizona. He was Chairman of the Anesthesia Departments at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine and University of Wisconsin School of Medicine, serving at the latter for 20 years. He then returned to Philadelphia and was Dean of Affiliate Affairs for Hahnemann Medical College. He was active in the American Society of Anesthesiologists and the Association of University Anesthesiologists. He was instrumental in helping to establish the Foundation for Anesthesia Education and Research. Dr. Alexander was a lifelong member of the Presbyterian Church and served as an Elder and a Deacon at Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church. He and his wife Betty also attended the Sturgeon Bay Moravian.Church in Door County, Wisconsin, where they had a summer home. Dr. Alexander was a passionate student of history and an avid photographer. He and Betty travelled extensively throughout the United States and overseas, including trips with their grandchildren to England, Spain, South Africa, and Easter Island. He spent many summers participating in photography seminars at the Maine Media Workshops in Rockport, Maine. It was while he was engaged in this activity that he passed away suddenly. He was married for 58 years to his childhood sweetheart from North Carolina, Betty Pyron Alexander, who survives him. He is also survived by three children, Christian A. Libson (Jeff) of Bryn Mawr, P A, Samuel Craighead Alexander III (Amy Wasserstrom) of Takoma Park, MD, and Baine B. Alexander (Charles Curtis) of Madison, WI., as well as eight grandchildren, Adam, Alex, and Quinn Libson and YouQui Wei; Lily and Langston Alexander; and Beckett and Wyeth Jackson. He is also survived by a sister, Margaret Alexander Farthing of Clarksville, MD His Memorial Service will be held on Monday June 28th, 2pm in the Sanctuary of The Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church, 625 Montgomery Ave., Bryn Mawr, PA Dr. Alexander was a lifelong supporter of Davidson College. Memorial donations may be made to the College for the Samuel Craighead Alexander' 51 Memorial Fund and may be sent to Davidson College, Box 7174, Davidson, N.C. 28035- 7174.

Services:
2:00PM at Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church on Monday, June 28th, 2010 (map/driving directions)