Everett Alexander

1930 - 2021

Everett Dmytro Alexander, 90 of Homeacres (Ebey Island) died January 17, 2021 peacefully at home with his faithful companion Buddy at his side. A Lowell native, he was born on May 29, 1930 to Ruth (Getchell) and Alex Alexander. He was the great-grandson of Martin and Olive Getchell, and grandson of Everett and Maud Getchell, first settlers of the Lowell area.

He lived his younger years in Lowell, until 1939 when the family moved across the Snohomish River onto the Getchell Farm on Ebey Island where he resided the remainder of his life. Having to either row across the river in their boat or walking a mile to catch the school bus, he attended the "old" Lowell School, North Junior High and graduated in 1949 from Everett High School. He played on the Lowell Elementary baseball team the year they took the All-City Championship, however, his favorite memory was playing on the high school football team and having a winning year. He is most famous for his actions during a flood in 1951, and although being told not to, he and his brother Alex decided to take the family's rowboat out to tour their flooded farmland. Not knowing the dike had broken, their boat overturned in the rushing waters. Fortunately, they were both swept to a tree to which they clung just above the churning waters being rescued nearly 3 hours later by 2 Lowell off duty firefighters who heard their cries for help.

He furthered his education with the help of a scholarship and earnings from trapping and attended EVCC for 2 years before transferring to Washington State College (Pullman) where he took courses on animal husbandry and received a degree in Agriculture. Upon graduation, he received his greetings from the draft board and spent the next 2 years in the US Army as a medic stationed in Germany. While serving overseas, he had a chance to tour various countries and shared many of his army stories with family and friends.

When he returned home, he worked in one of the Everett mills for a short time. He purchased some land and began his farming career in the Snohomish River valley. Around 1960 he established his farm 'Island Farms'. He started with a flock of sheep however, that lasted a noticeably short time, almost ending his farming career on Ebey Island as quickly as it started! He moved on to crops, planting corn, peas, and potatoes, but was best known for his hay. During this time, he started purchasing and building his beef cattle herd for which he was known for in his later years. Besides farming, he served as dike commissioner for Dike District #1 and helped maintain the dikes surrounding and protecting Ebey Island. Also, with his knowledge of farming, he helped develop the neighboring Andrews/Getchell homesteads (Alexander Farms) in Grant County, Washington for agricultural farming.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ruth (Getchell) and Alex Alexander, brother-in-law Ralph H. Ross, his companion Gloria Bagwell, nephew R. Andrew Ross (Andy), Cousin Barbara (Spencer) Hayslip, Cousin Jack Kindrachuck, and most recently his brother Alex Getchell Alexander, March 2020.

He leaves behind his sister Frances Maud (Alexander) Ross of Everett, Nieces; Sue Vernon, Karen Englund, Michele O'Brien and Francine Pollock and their spouses;14 great nieces and nephews as well as 24 great-great nieces and nephews, and Cousin Velma (Spencer) Scott.

Everett loved farming and all who knew him will remember him being the happiest while on his tractor, either in the fields, on Homeacres Road, working his herd or working on the dikes. His most favorite past time besides hunting was feeding and caring for his cows and watching football games when time and work permitted. Like the saying goes, A farmer's work is never done! He will be greatly missed by many.

In lieu of flowers please donate to a charity of your choice.

Due to the CDC guidelines for Snohomish County, a private family funeral will be held.

May 29, 1930 - January 17, 2021