Alexander Bernard Krokus

Alexander Bernard Krokus died on February 12, 2021 due to complications from acute leukemia at the age of 45. Alex was a loving husband to Celia for 15 years; devoted father of 4 sons -Nico DL, Sevi, Camilo, and Rocco; son to Rocky and Roe; brother to Rachel; cousin of many; nephew, uncle, friend to all he met; and best friend to a lucky few. He was a prolific golfer, musician, and tireless warrior for climate activism. It is difficult to fully and accurately quantify the void that he leaves behind with his death. Alexander was born and raised in Eastern Pennsylvania, spending much of his youth at Jordan Park dominating all local sports teams, skateboarding, and being creative and hilarious. He was a gifted athlete in high school, breaking many golf course records and was actively recruited for collegiate golf. He remained the best golfer many have ever seen. He travelled extensively throughout the US in early adulthood and made lifelong friends everywhere he went. His genuine curiosity about others, and sincere desire to connect with others was a unique and beautiful trait that drew people to him, and kept people wanting to know him. His original style and penchant for vintage cars and clothes made him even more unforgettable. Alex moved to Portland, Oregon 20 years ago with two of his best friends, met Celia right away and that was that, he was home and with the love of his life. Alex was a gifted guitar player and played in bands with his wife Celia and some of his best friends.They performed locally and toured nationally, again making friends everywhere. Alex's life was surrounded by love and connection to others - once people met Alex they just wanted to keep him in their lives and hearts forever, he made that much of an impression on people. When Alex entered the world of local, state, and then national politics with his climate advocacy and founding of a non-profit research organization, he took that world by storm too. His persistence, perfectionism, and determination were a perfect combination for successfully bending the ears of the powerful. He was always down to go to the coast for the day, go hit golf balls, get some pizza or pretzels and talk about anything and everything, eat Swedish Fish and gummy bears until his teeth hurt, have an impromptu jam session, re-enact lines from a recent comedy show he watched, or just laugh and savor the antics of his family. Next time you do any of these things, think of Alex and smile. Many may be surprised to hear that Alex had leukemia. He became ill just as the pandemic lockdowns began, and he really thought that he would bounce right back and then surprise everyone with how fast he beat cancer - it'd make an engaging story when we could all be reunited in person again. And up until the day before he died, we all held out hope for this outcome because if anyone could pull that off, it was Alex. He endured daily pain, numerous procedures and several complications bravely, all with the determination and intensity he brought to any task...so anyone could see why we thought he would walk away unscathed at some point and be healed. He fought valiantly and ultimately received the peaceful relief from pain with Celia by his side. The world will never be the same without Alexander Krokus alive in it. We know his energy and love will live on in countless hearts forever. A celebration of life will be held post-pandemic. In lieu of flowers, please send any stories, music, photos, art you have about Alex for a memory book for his children: www.padlet.com/rachelkrokus/alexkrokus