Alexander Howard Calkins Harwick from Tallassee, Alabama, has passed away at the age of 80 after a hard fought battle with cancer. He was first married to Elisa Hahl from Valkeakoski, Finland, from 1962 to 1980 with whom he had his two sons, George (Tad) and James (Jim). He later married Rosemary (Meadows) whom he loved dearly, and with whom he shared the golden years of his life. Alex was a loving father to his sons and their spouses, Toshiko and Shannon, and an extremely proud grandfather to his granddaughter, Milana (Lana). Alex also dearly loved his stepchildren: Bryan Meadows (Amanda), their children, Alina, Carlee, and Landon; Craig Meadows, son Blake (Kristen); Jeff Meadows (deceased); and Mona Whitman (Mike) their daughters Megan Renfroe (Jeremy and daughter Emma Jane) and Morgan McBride (Hunter). Alex was a patriot who served in the United States Air Force for 23 years, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1985.

Alex was an Eagle Scout, member of the Order of the Arrow, and a gifted athlete who loved to play baseball, basketball, and soccer. He was bilingual (French) and spoke numerous Oriental and European languages to some degree. Although he could be considered a citizen of the world, having lived and worked on three continents, he was an extremely patriotic American. He was quiet and very modest, and, was very humorous on occasion. He was dedicated to his profession and to his country. He was considered by his fellow flyers as a fighter pilot’s fighter pilot, and he was known for his superior skill and knowledge in his profession.