Alex was born and raised in Nanaimo, where his father, James Green, was a building contractor, responsible for city hall and many of the other structures of the city.  He learned the art of fixing things from his father, and this stayed with him until he passed.

He left the Island for UBC for his BSc Agriculture (1950), and then went to the US for his MSc Agriculture from Iowa State (1952).    While there, he traveled in the US and Mexico, and developed a love of traveling.

He joined Canada Agriculture as a pedologist, conducting soil research in BC, the Yukon, and abroad.  His work took him across the Interior and to the Caribbean, where he and his wife, Betty, lived in Trinidad, under secundment to the Imperial College of Tropical Agriculture, and then moved to Vieux Fort for the soil survey of St. Lucia.   From his father, who had served in the Boer War and the Natal Mounted Police, he had an attachment to Africa, and from 1975 through 1983 he worked in Arusha, Tanzania for CIDA.  With this posting he was able to travel through Europe in his comings and goings from Vancouver to Africa.

When in Vancouver, he was attached to the research station at UBC, from where he also served as an adjunct professor of Soil Sciences, until retiring in 1991.   In retirement he consulted on soil issues, and continued the art of fixing things, both in the house, and in his garden, where he spent much of his time.

Alex passed away on his 83rd birthday at VGH, survived by his wife of 51 years, Betty and his children Peter (Yoonhi), David (Sandra), Ian (Daniela), and Martha Molls (Zakary); and his grandchildren Brandon, Serena, Luiza, Nicolas, Bianca, Ohana, Jasper, and Charles.

The family would like to thank the paramedics, and Dr. Mackie, his team, and the staff at VGH.

There will be a celebration of Alex’s life at a later date to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Vancouver Right To Life Society are welcome.

Vancouver Right to Life Society
#204-4464 W.10th Ave
Vancouver, B.C.
Canada  V6R 2H9