Alexander Ralph McGinnis

My heartfelt condolences to our family on the passing of our loving Great Nephew Alexander Ralph MCGinnis
Sharon Seward Britt Seward Britt Seward Jr...

Alex was my first friend at The University of Akron. I approached him at the Student Union on the first week of classes because I needed to tell him how much I liked his shoes. We soon realized that we were both first year Electrical Engineering students who shared the same love of Adidas. The friendship he showed me was instantaneous. Throughout those following 5 years we built a lifelong bond. Although there were endless nights of studying and uncertainty, we always laughed through the pain. We became part of an inseparable group of engineers who looked out for each other and made sure everyone crossed the finish line at graduation. Every single day Alex made everyone around him happy. His radiant smile and contagious laugh lit up the room. I wish I could explain the positive impact he made on my life and the lives of many. Without a doubt he will live on in all of our hearts forever.

I was the director of the IDEAS program at the University of Akron while Alex attended as an electrical. His obituary is such a beautiful testament of him! I liked his style and easy smile...just a cool cat! I remember him getting his clothing line started and his youthful exuberance over the project while like a mom, I would say... well don´t leave engineering until this really takes off because I was so worried that he would be a success and would leave without a degree. But, Alex was very thoughtful and I should have known better! He would show me his latest designs with so much excitement! You couldn´t help but cheer for his successes and he had many! While we kept in touch occasionally on Facebook, Alex was meant to fly. When he got his offer from Emerson, I knew he was very proud and it was an honor to share the moment with him. He was also a great mentor and friend to many. It is with a heavy heart that I write this because I feel like he was always a giver and the world is less without him in it! But, he is now looking over us all from Heaven, designing a new clothing line for the Angels and probably creating the circuits for their new halos! I mourn his loss and hope that in the dark days ahead, your family can find solace in your memories of him!

Remembering Alex with deepest sympathy for his intelligence, kindness, resilience, and the joy he brought to our program.
- Increasing Diversity in Engineering Academics (IDEAs) Program, The University of Akron

Ralph, so sorry to hear of Alexander's passing. I know you worked longer than you needed to so you could launch him in life with a good college education. There's nothing harder for a parent than to lose a child. The obituary made me feel as if I knew him. I will be praying for your family.