Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Jacob Alexander Obituary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jacob Alexander
September 18, 2010
cousin sondra we love jake dearly,we will miss him with all our hearts.love clayborne debose& family
Katherine
September 9, 2010
Last October, Jeff and I and then-ten-year-old Meredyth got our first family dog. His middle name is Jake, after our beloved Jacob.
Wendy Rutkin
November 9, 2009
I never knew Jake but after reading his obituary and these entries, I can now fully grasp what drew Sondra and what seems like everyone else to him. He seems to have been the best of men and I am so sorry I never had the chance to meet him. My sincerest condolences to his entire family.
Katherine Powell Cohen
October 30, 2009
Last evening, at the centenary celebration for the Park Branch Library, I did a slide presentation from my book on the Haight. When the photo of Jacob appeared on the screen, the audience, of about seventy-five to eighty people, broke into spontaneous applause.
altha theresa Reed
October 29, 2009
Dear Aunt Sondra
I,am sorry about our loss Uncle Jake and Uncle Les always stop daytona when the family reunion auntie we will miss him he was a special person in all our lives
I pray that God will keep you strong .
Love Theresa and Family
altha theresa reed
October 29, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Michael Freday
October 21, 2009
Jacob,
Your first impression will stick with me for years and years...Me and my co-workers, Jackie and Anthony came by your house to meet with you and Sondra and felt instantly welcomed...and even more so after I 'inquired' about your bottle of Effen-Black Cherry Vodka...you jumped up and graciously poured us all a 'Big' shot as a welcoming..I will continue to have a bottle here in your honor...you left quite an impression my friend with your warmth and friendliness...
Michael
Jaime M.
October 20, 2009
When I learned that Jacob had passed away, I was shocked. He seemed like one of the few things about San Francisco, Haight-Ashbury, and Golden Gate Park that would always be the same, a constant in my day. He never knew me by name but always remembered--or so it seemed!--my face. He was a true gentle-man, a hearty soul, a beautiful presence. It's hard to imagine that one individual could make a difference in so many people's lives just by being kind, lovely, peaceful, and friendly. I will truly miss him and send my care to his wife and family.
Jude Stalker
October 10, 2009
Running into Jacob (and of course getting a big kiss and a few positive words) was always a great omen to me. My day was going to be a great one just because he was in it.
I read of his passing at the Haight Street Market and while trying to make it back home without breaking down too much, I realized that the only thing at that moment that could make me feel better would be to see him coming towards me down Haight Street with a big smile and his arms out and ready for a hug.
What a special man! I feel so grateful to have known him and so saddened by his passing.
He enriched my life and I strive to keep his spirit alive by remembering to
always love and appreciate those around me as he did.
My Best Wishes to his family.
Sondra Alexander
September 22, 2009
My dear Jacob
We love you and miss you and we know that you are still with us.
PEACE AND LOVE
Sondra
Katherine
September 22, 2009
What a glorious, joyful, heart-wrenching day it was. Sondra, you were stunning, as always.
Eliott Rodgers
September 21, 2009
A beautiful and fitting memorial service for one we all loved.
Can Sondra or family post a larger photo(s) of Jacob in the Photo Gallery, so that we may down load it and keep it for our memory of him.
Tonya Hall Wiley
September 21, 2009
What I will remember most about Uncle Jake is his laugh, his smile, and the crush of his necklace of trinkets as he hugged me hello and goodbye. You will be missed. You made life beautiful.
Love,
Tonya Leigh, Alynna and Anthony
Your great niece and great-great niece and nephew
Mike Morgan
September 19, 2009
Jacob was the only person I felt comfortable with his sweat on my face after a hearty hug and kiss on the cheek whenever he made his honorable entrance to the local bike shop I work at. I will miss his smile.
September 19, 2009
We are one of the Bike Shops on Stanyan St. that Jacob has visited for years. We have been honored to be touched by one of the greatest men of San Francisco. Our hearts go out to Jacob's family. We will continue to try to be good kind people in honor of Jacob.
jeanette hendler
September 19, 2009
To the Alexander Family: One of my fondest memories throughout my life, was the time I stayed with you. Jacob invited me on his daily walk through Golden Gate Park and we compared Central Park to his beloved GGP. I saw the park through his eyes and it was a beautiful experience. He was a delight to know and I hope the wonderful memories that you all have will keep you strong. Sincere sympathies from my son Andrew and myself. Love, Jeanette Hendler
Patricia Hall-Turner
September 18, 2009
MAY THE LORD OUR GOD COMFORT YOU AND GIVE YOU PEACE IN YOUR LOSS AND THE WONDERFUL MEMORIES OF UNCLE JAKE EVER BE IN YOUR HEARTS. PATRICIA HALL-TURNER (WILLIAM ALEXANDER'S DAUGHTER-IN-LAW)
Jennifer Sonderby
September 18, 2009
I am one of the many runners who shared Jakes love of the park and daily treks through it. I have ran my same route for the last 16 years and felt an immediate sense of happiness no matter what mood I was in when Jake and I's paths intersected. I have always felt fortunate to have him in my life. My deepest sympathy to his wife and family...some of whom I had to occasion to meet at his 70th birthday party.
The park will not be the same. He made the world a better place.
VERNIECE HALL-SANTOS
September 18, 2009
DEAREST AUNT SONDRA,AND COUSIN JELANI,MY HEART IS SADDENED BY OUR LOSS OF UNCLE JAKE,YOUR HUSBAND,FATHER,OUR FRIEND AND FAVORITE UNCLE...I CAN'T TELL YOU HOW SPECIAL HE MADE ME FEEL WHEN HE INQUIRED ABOUT MY CHILDREN,JASON AND KRISTIN, AND AS HE PUT IT, "THEIR AWESOME ACCOMPLISHMENTS" HE EXPRESSED HIS PRIDE IN THEM,BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY, HE SHOWED HIS LOVE FOR FAMILY ...JELANI, HE WAS SO PROUD OF YOUR WORK IN SEATTLE, AND SO AM I! WE LOVE YOU ALL AND WILL MISS UNCLE JAKE, AS IF A PART OF US (OUR BODY) HAS BEEN REMOVED...BLESSINGS, VERNIECE&MICHAEL SANTOS, AND JASON&KRISTIN FREEMAN
September 17, 2009
Uncle Jake: To you, your wife ,and wonderful family. May God forever bless you. Sorry I never got a chance to meet you. You have our deepeest sympthany. We are very close to your family, Verniece, Sharon , & Billy , and others.We know them all. So I feel as if we are connected. We will continue to keep the family in prayer. May God Bless you all. Love Rosa Edwards & Family, New Haven, Connecticut.
September 17, 2009
In memory of this great man Uncle Jake: To your wife ,and your wonderful family. May God forever bless you. Sorry I never got a chance to meet you. You have our deepeest sympthany. The Edwards family are very close to your family, Verniece, Sharon , & Billy , and others. So I feel as if we are connected. We will continue to keep the family in prayer. May God Bless you all. Love Rosa Edwards & Family, New Haven, Connecticut.
Thomas Burchfield
September 17, 2009
Sondra and Family: My wife Elizabeth and I wish to express our sorrow at Jake's passing.
You used to see me sitting with Jake (with many others I'm sure) down on the front stoop (or in the studio sipping vodka) from time-to-time when I lived two doors down from you. Even after I moved out of the City, I'd look to see if he was there on the stoop on those very rare times I rode by on the bus. I'm only realizing now how large his great and kind heart loomed in my life.
One of my favorites...of me and Uncle Jake
Aurelia Alexander
September 16, 2009
The first time I walked with Uncle Jacob in the Golden Gate Park, I was in awe of the beauty of the Park. And now I will remain in awe of this Park and cherish my memories of my time with Uncle Jake in his beloved Park: the glorious grounds, the ducks, the buffalo and most of all the wonderful people he met in the Park. It was amazing to see all the smiles and hugs that he could generate in each walk. Now I am in love with the beautiful spirit of this Park and this man who was a role model and one of the best uncles I could ever have. I love you and will miss you very much Uncle Jake.
Thank you Sondra for all your love and care...I am lucky to have you in my life for the past 30 years!
Helynna Brooke
September 16, 2009
I met Jacob about six years ago while biking to work through the park from 38th Avenue. After seeing him at a number of different distances in the park, I made the turn from 25th Street one day and I just had to stop and ask him if he walked the entire park. From that day on I stopped to chat and get a hug whenever I saw him. After a number of conversations sharing about our families I invited him and Sondra over for dinner to meet my husband. Since moving downtown I did not see Jacob as often and missed the daily dose of warmth, a hug and great conversation. Jacob has touched so many of our lives. My heart goes out to his family.
Eliott Rodgers
September 15, 2009
Jacob and Sondra live right around the corner from me in the Haight. My wife and I saw him on his staircase smoking his pipe 3 to 3 days a week. He always gave us a kiss and always offered heartfelt support. If it was raining, he was shining, if it was dark at night, he was bright. When you asked him how he was doing, he always exclaimed that it was the best day ever. Everyday was great for him.
More than a few in the neighborhood have said, they don't make them like Jacob anymore. If Jacob could hear that, I guess he would feel embarassed, because he hugged, and kissed and greeted, and talked with all who passed by. May we all be a little like Jacob, a little more now that he is gone.
Jacob Alexander was a great man. He will be missed.
pepper karansky
September 15, 2009
Dear Sondra,
your wonderful husband was a delight to know....I will always feel privileged to have met such a full of life spirit and am saddened by his passing. I will always remember his style, passion for life and wisdom. pepper karansky
Lloyd Rath
September 15, 2009
Like so many, I met Jacob in the Park. After seeing him a number of times and always getting a friendly greeting, I decided to introduce myself. Our friendship grew over the years and whenever I saw him walking on JFK I would stop and get a world class hug. We would chat about politics, race, volunteer work or anything else that crossed our minds. I learned that we both lived very close to each other in Coconut Grove, Florida when we were kids. I am so sorry to hear he is gone. I miss seeing him on my morning bicycle rides. Jacob's hugs, smiles, and conversations were a great way to start the day.
My condolences to Jacob's family.
Linda Rowley
September 15, 2009
Dearest Sondra and family - it is difficult to express the feeling of sadness and loss of such a wonderful and gentle man. Eveytime I think of him I see his warm smile and kind words of welcome when I stepped into your home for the first time so many years ago. I will cherish and hold this in my heart forever.
My deepest sympathies go out to you all and I will say Kaddish in his memory.
steve marquez
September 14, 2009
was a mounted cop for the last nine years. saw jacob almost everyday on his daily walk,down jfk drive. always upbeat,always a big smile and handshake. i am so sorry to hear of his passing.
(steve marquez,retired mounted officer,sfpd)
Katherine Powell Cohen
September 14, 2009
My sincere condolences go to Sondra and all of Jake's wonderful family. Like many, many others, I feel fortunate to have known Jake. He touched my life deeply. Stan has written beautifully about Jake. I just want to add an anecdote.
One evening, as I walked past Jake and Sondra's place, I greeted Jake, who was standing outside. He smiled back and said, "Have a wonderful day." I'd had a trying day, but Jacob's words struck me. I said, "Thanks. I will." And I went on to have a very pleasant evening.
I know I haven't cried the last of the tears I'll shed for Jake--tears of grief and tears of happy memories.
If you have a look towards the end of my book San-Francisco's Haight-Ashbury, you'll see a photo of Jake there, forever.
September 14, 2009
For many, many years I have seen Jacob on his daily walks-always with a big smile, a friendly wave, and a warm hug. A gentle giant, he will be sorely missed, especially by the gardening staff in Golden Gate Park . (Park gardeners Douglas Martino and Joan Vellutini)
Mildred Lewis
September 14, 2009
Please offer my condolences to the Jacob alexander family for the loss of Jake. My condolences extend to his wife, son, step daughter, and his entire family. May his soul rest in peace.
Mildred Lewis
Bobbie/Phil/sam Solar
September 14, 2009
Bobbie and Philip solar, offer our condolences to Jacob Alexander's family, his wife, son, and all of his relatives. May god bless his soul, and rest in peace.
Eamon Kircher-Allen
September 13, 2009
Jake was an amazing and brave person who gave one of the best hugs in the world. We all miss him a lot. It's hard for me to think of San Francisco without him. My prayers and thoughts are with the entire extended family.
Sean House
September 13, 2009
Oh Sondra! My heart goes out to you and your family! I am so sorry for your loss. Nicole and Andrew, Zac and Max, thank you for introducing Jake into my life, and for you being part of mine. -Sean House
Andrew Lewis
September 13, 2009
I am so lucky to have had Jake in my life for over 20 years....not only was he my father-in-law and the Grandfather of my children, he was my best friend.
He will be missed!
September 13, 2009
Thank you Jake, for the sweet kindness of your soul and the generous splendor of your lovingness. We will, & do, have you on our minds and in our hearts always as we do our Golden Gate Park walk. Billy & Pamela
Joannie Kelarakis
September 13, 2009
You could always count on great conversation, laughter, and a whole lotta love with Jacob. Let's not forget this man and his beautiful soul. Missing you... your neighbor and friend.... Joannie Kelarakis
Betty Nudelman
September 13, 2009
Sondra, I was so sad to read this news. Herb and I send you our deepest sympathy. Betty
Stan Flouride
September 13, 2009
The Haight has lost one of its icons, one of its most talented artists, one of its favorite sons, one of its biggest smiles. Our friend Jacob Alexander passed away on 9/08.
Every morning for the last 27 years, come rain or shine, Jacob would walk from his home on Masonic Avenue to the Buffalo Paddock or Ocean Beach, always quick to smile and wave, to stop and say hello, to introduce himself and meet new friends.
His warm and loving hugs were given out without hesitation to men and women, many of whom, upon hearing the news today, shared my tears.
I know that we will all miss him and the sparkle in his eyes and I like to think that wherever his soul may roam it is no longer limited by the shores of the Pacific.
.
A memorial walk to the beach has been scheduled for Sunday 9/20 please join us if you can.
Meet at McLaren Lodge (Stanyan and JFK), at 10 a.m.
Stan Flouride
Diana Fayt
September 13, 2009
Jacob was a constant for me on my morning runs through Golden Gate Park. Whenever I would run past him, he'd always hold out his hand to me as I passed by and we would exchange a squeeze, which eventually turned into me stopping and giving him sweaty hug. He was a joyful presence to me during a period of my life where I was having a particularly difficult time. Seeing him always felt like a good omen and would make me feel 'righted' no matter how upset or stressed I may have been. His spirit will always remain brightly lit in my heart. Rest in Peace Dear Jacob.
Showing 1 - 41 of 41 results
Make a Donation
in Jacob Alexander's name
Memorial Events
for Jacob Alexander
How to support Jacob's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Jacob Alexander's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
