12/17/2024Pat Alexander (right) with Sid Otton (middle) & Steve Shoun (left) all 3 retired in 2016
Pat Alexander stood next to Tumwater legendary Head Football Coach Sid Otton for 41 of Otton’s 43 years at Tumwater. Alexander was also the long time Head Wrestling Coach at THS. His family reported he recently passed away and we confirmed it with his son.
There are not a lot of details at this time but his passing was reported in a Facebook post from his daughter-in-law and wife of his son Kelly Alexander. Here is the post that was shared on all 3 of his children’s Facebook pages, Kelly and his two daughters, Becky and Mary.
From Amy Miller-Alexander
“With a heavy heart I share the loss of Kelly’s father, Pat. His tremendous support and pride for my husband was deep and he will be greatly missed. My heart is with Kipper and his sisters, Becky and Mary, as the 3 Coach A kids come together later today in Washington State to wrap their heads around Pat’s quick passing and wrap their arms around each other.
I knew Pat as a gentle soul; he spent much of his life shaping young minds as a football coach—teaching not just the game, but also the values of hard work, sportsmanship, and integrity. Pat leaves behind a legacy of love, wisdom, and countless lives made better by his example, and we will carry his lessons with us. Go pin ‘em, Pat! And know, we’ll NGUNNGU! I love you and will miss you … and I deeply thank you for the gift of my husband.”
Kelly and Pat Alexander
Pat and his wife and 3 kids moved to Tumwater in 1976 and was hired as the Activities Director. He immediately jumped in as an assistant Football Coach and eventually took over the wrestling program. His wife Sandi worked in the office as an administrative assistant but passed from breast cancer in 1989.
Pat re-married later to his 2nd wife Rebecca. Pat is survived by his wife, 3 kids and grandchildren and literally thousands of his beloved T-Bird extended family.
Pat retired from coaching football when Coach Otton stepped down in 2016 after 41 years. Alexander arrived a year after Otton tookover at Tumwater and then did not coach in 1983 after his son Kelly graduated high school. 1 year is all he could force himself to stay away and returned in 1984.
As an integral part of the coaching staff as Defensive coordinator for most of his coaching career he was part of the rise to prominence of Tumwater Football. During his run Tumwater would get to 8 State Championship games winning 5. Alexander also coached multiple State Wrestling Champions.
The family is gathering after getting the news and we’ll pass on any further information when details are available.
