Doctor's healing soul was benefit to medical world

When Dr. E. Russell Alexander honed in on a research topic or disease outbreak, he approached it with an enthusiasm and depth of knowledge that were admired by scientists worldwide.

His research, usually on infectious disease, spanned the globe — from Southeast Asia to the University of Washington. His insightful investigations and gentle way made colleagues and students listen closely. His work served many and saved lives, friends and colleagues said.

"He would say, 'Have you looked at something this way, or that way,' and people were able to get it. It would usually turn out to be a very good suggestion," said Dr. Thomas Grayston, former dean of the UW School of Public Health, who appointed Dr. Alexander as its first chair of epidemiology in 1970.

Dr. Alexander, a West Seattle resident, pediatrician and former chief of infectious diseases for Public Health — Seattle & King County, died Sunday of pancreatic cancer. He was 77.

While at Public Health from 1990-98, he helped lead an investigation that in three days traced a deadly 1993 E. coli outbreak to tainted hamburgers from Jack in the Box. Though four children died and hundreds were sickened, his work helped save many others, colleagues said.

Dr. Alexander was also known for supporting immunizations and the department's ties to community physicians, hospitals, clinics and other health departments. He also was a lifelong teacher.

"He was a mentor to a lot of people here, really showing us how epidemiology works," said David Bibus, immunizations program manager for Public Health. "He was never condescending, he always treated people as colleagues."

Edward Russell Alexander was born in Chicago, but grew up in Manchester, England. After graduating from the University of Chicago School of Medicine, he began his career at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta.

During four tours at the CDC, spanning 10 years, he worked in the Epidemic Intelligence Service, which investigates outbreaks all over the country, and in disease prevention, doing pioneer work in sexually transmitted diseases.

In 1976, he analyzed evidence of a feared swine-flu pandemic and advised the CDC against widespread immunizations. But others disagreed, and some 40 million people were given the shots, including 25 who died from reactions. The epidemic never materialized. Today, CDC disease experts refer to the "Alexander Question" when deliberating the appropriate response to a disease threat.

Dr. Alexander was a member of the UW faculty from 1961-78. He was known for mentoring students, leadership on the Faculty Senate and his research, from investigating chlamydia in Taiwan to hepatitis in India.

"He was so very curious and interested in everything," said Dr. Jim Gale, a former UW colleague in epidemiology.

Off the job, Dr. Alexander loved children, golf and the outdoors, good food and wine, classical music and jazz, especially pianist Oscar Peterson.

"The world of nature fed his soul, especially when he could be out there chasing a little white ball and knew he was closer to God on Sunday mornings than I was," remembered his wife, the Rev. Mary Jane Francis, a retired Episcopal priest.

Dr. Jeff Duchin, his successor at Public Health, recalled that Dr. Alexander loved when co-workers brought their children to visit the office. "What was most remarkable was his way with people ... his love for people," Duchin said.

After retirement, Dr. Alexander was still available for consultation, Duchin said. And even when he became ill with cancer, he still promoted a project to educate the public about hepatitis C, a disease that has increased in recent years.

In addition to his wife, Dr. Alexander is survived by four daughters, Ann Alexander and Kay Alexander, both of the Seattle area, Bess Carter of Fall City and Eva Alexander Rice of Denver; a stepson, Bill Levitch of Renton; and five grandchildren.

A family burial will be held privately, but several memorial celebrations are to be scheduled.

Memorials may be made to The Hepatitis Education Project, 4603 Aurora Ave. N., Seattle, 98103 or to "The E. Russell Alexander Fund for Epidemiology Students," through the UW Foundation, UW School of Public Health, Attn. Leslee Shanahan, Box 357230, Seattle, 98195-7230.

Warren King: 206-464-2247 or wking@seattletimes.com