A Natural Leader!
Born Alexander John Bryant, but more commonly known as Alexaton, von Nefer Kufu Lionhart, he was one of the great joys of being part of the Class of 1957. It was the Lionhart who discovered that we could buy drinks at Frank's Little Vienna, provided the patrons and Frank became sentimental over the old days in Europe.
Once, when members of the Atonic League joined Alex in singing the beloved "Tanta Anna", in Frank's, the world famous opera star Lawrence Melchior bought us a round of drinks - we were about 17, I think. But, students were more mature in those days. Alex shed tears out of the honor of it all, and Frank's wife was moved and gave us all free chocolate cake.
The great Leo Whitaker discovered Von Hindenberg Park in Glendale, and we learned that we could buy beer in the park and sing songs from the Student Prince. One Sunday afternoon, we heard a splendid speech in German by United States Senator Thomas Keakle (sp.). We cheered wildly, though no one knew much German. A Lutheran minister bought us a round of Falstaff beers. (Years later, at USC) I registered Republican to vote for Senator Keakle in the primaries.
Alex became a bankrupsy judge in Arizona. He was married and had two daughters, I believe.
We once went to see the great singer, Eartha Kitt. She was stunned when we sang the Uska Dara with her backstage. When she asked how we learned the Turkish song, we explained that we were children of the god Aton. She seemed satisfied with our answer. I don't think she knew much Turkish.
Jerry Fecht
3 comments:
Can anyone ever forget Alex, in full Scottish regalia, leading the band into the gym for each performance of, "Go Mac Go"?
After a successful career as house counsel for a large real estate development company, dear Alex died at age 55 of stomach cancer, at his home in Phoenix. He left his wife Ann, four daughters and a son. I will try to get in touch with Ann before the reunion, to bring an updated report. Alex was larger than life in virtually every way. He showed us that there was a big wide world outside of the San Fernando Valley, and that life was to be lived passionately and to the fullest. His presence will still be with us in October!
- Dan Baedeker
Dan,
I believe that Ann died earlier this year. I'm not sure of the cause, but she was young too. I remember seeing her obit in the Arizona Republic. I will try to find a copy of it. I sent one several months ago to Mike Dudley.
bob Hungerford
Post a Comment