Alexander J. Hines

April 29,1947 – July 4, 2012

 Born in Philadelphia however the family moved to Camden, New Jersey when Alexander was about 12.

He grew up from there in the Camden School System and graduated from Camden High School in 1965.

He was a member of the Kaighns Avenue Baptist Church, where he headed the youth choir, sang on both the Senior Choir & Chapel Choirs.

 Onward and upward to college at Virginia Union University where he was a vital member of the theatre department, a drum major and Concert Choir Member. Graduating in 1969 Alexander (Buddy) returned to Camden to lead the next generation forward first at Pyne Point Middle School then on to Camden High School. Both schools had the privilege of his theatre expertise but Camden High School’s Potpourri Players were a great sense of pride, bringing classic theatre to the inner city. He was also the voice of the Mighty Panther Marching Aggregation at half time shows during football season; his alliterations wowed the crowd, presented the Oakes and Dukes awards, worked with the music department for collaborative productions. “Mr. Hines” was loved by one and all!

 In 1971 Alexander married Joanne Malloy, two beautiful daughters born – Kimberly and Dawn.

 In addition to the school productions he started a community theatre group called ETC Repertory Ensemble. They traveled the tri state area performing for civic and religious occasions.

 By 1984 Alexander had been teaching in Camden for 16 years and decided it was time to go west to San Francisco, California where Charles (his partner) joined him six months later.

In California there was a professional shift, he returned to school and received a masters in Non-Profit Health Care Administration from Cal State Hayward. Working for companies such as Mills Peninsula Medical Group, Kaiser Permanente, St Francis Medical Center and the City & County of San Francisco Laguna Honda Hospital Director of Admitting & Eligibility for 11 years. Later Alexander moved on to Stanford University Medical Center Emergency Manager.

 Alexander’s church home in San Francisco was the Third Baptist Church singing on the Senior Choir and serving as president.

 Alexander & Charles developed a strong civic and non-profit presence in San Francisco. Getting involved politically with various candidates and supporting causes dear to him. In the non-profit sector he worked for the Lighthouse for the Blind & Visually impaired, financially supported Academy of Friends (annual fundraiser for HIV/AIDS) and served on the boards of OPENHOUSE (housing for LGBT seniors) and New Leaf (counseling).

 While in California Alexander& Charles traveled to Europe, vacationed in Hawaii & Mexico and was hoping for a second trip to Europe. Some of his fondest memories was traveling to Jersey City, NJ to visit Michael & Pam eating good food in & out, the theatre, reminiscing about CHS & Camden at large - not just family, friends.

The move to Palm Springs in February of 2011 was a dream come true for him, the literal & figurative warmth in Palm Springs was a joy. In the short time there he established a wonderful network of friends and acquaintances that supported and stood by him. He was amazed at how quickly we fit in and made new friends. In that year and a half in Palm Springs he managed to volunteer for Palm Springs High School’s AVID Program. Teaching juniors writing; assisting with SAT & PSAT prep; he LOVED every minute of it.

He never really understood the magnetic warmth he gave out to people

 His medical struggles began in 1997 when he was first diagnosed with Prostate Cancer – BEAT IT!

In 2002 he had a freak accident causing reverse whiplash, his spine compressed and he became a transitional quadriplegic. He worked long and hard to walk again with occupational and physical therapy defying what the doctors first told him “you may not walk again”

In 2009 new cancer appeared in his Sphenoid Sinus Cavity at stage 4, through chemotherapy, radiation and a cyber knife treatment he once again beat the odds and fought to make it through. Now it was past due for him to slow down and retire.

Alexander & Charles moved to Palm Springs to rebuild after all the medical issues.Once there Alexander was faced with sinus surgery, dental surgery and finally the tumor was discovered on his Pancreas.  The body was weak and tired so he left us on July 4, 2012 – it was just like him to leave on the day of fireworks!

 He leaves to morn his loss a host of family & friends.

 Partner: Charles L. Huff

Daughters: Mrs. Kimberly White, husband Curtis granddaughters Kesa & Cia White, Mrs. Dawn Selden husband Reginald grandson Reginald and granddaughter Zuri

Mother & Father: Mr. & Mrs. Howard Gordon

Siblings: Ms Michele Gordon, Mr. & Mrs. Michael Gordon niece/goddaughter Jillian, Dr Marilyn Gordon & Mr. Maurice Owens, niece Mariah and nephews Matthew Owens & Michael A. Gordon. God Daughter Kia Bennett

A HOST of cousins, friends who are Family, colleagues, students & civic leaders

 “Life is not a dress rehearsal….enjoy it.”

Alexander Hines

He lived a good life and fought a good fight…………………….now he can rest.

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