Alexander Duncan Cobbin was born August 19, 1929 in Treherne, Manitoba, the third son of John and Margaret Cobbin, arriving 10 minutes after his identical twin brother Allan, and a big surprise to his parents!The family moved to Vancouver in 1933, where Alex completed high school, graduated with degrees in Business and Hospital Administration from the University of British Columbia, and married his high school sweetheart, Joanne Deacon.The couple had three children, Patricia, born in 1953, Alexander Duncan Junior (Sandy), born in 1956, and Janice, born in Seattle in 1962.

At UBC he was a member of Delta Upsilon fraternity and took a year off from school to work at Canadian Forest Products Holberg Camp as a First Aid Attendant and timekeeper to help pay his tuition.The family emigrated to Seattle in 1958, where Alex was employed as Assistant Administrator at University of Washington Health Sciences Center and the family moved to Bothell.

Alex became a Mason in 1966.He was affiliated with Pendleton Lodge #52, Astoria Lodge #7, and Mount Baker Lodge in Mount Vernon. When he was in Oregon he went through various concordant bodies, including Scottish Rite and York Rite, and became a 32nd degree Shriner.

In 1961 Alex became Assistant Administrator at the newly opened Northwest Hospital in Seattle.In 1965 the family moved to Pendleton, Oregon, where he took the reins of Pendleton Community Hospital for four years. In 1969 he brought his family to the Skagit Valley to take the position of Administrator at United General Hospital in Sedro-Woolley. There he andJoanne finished raising their family and made many lifelong friends.

In 1980 Alex and Joanne moved to Astoria Oregon, where Alex headed Columbia Memorial Hospital until his retirement in 1992.Alex and Joanne came back to their beloved Skagit Valley and settled in Mount Vernon near their son Sandy and his family.Alex became active in several AA groups, Kiwanis, Mount Baker Masonic Lodge, and the Mount Vernon Senior Center. He enjoyed his retirement, walking his little dog Scamper for several miles a day at the nearby golf course, while collecting over 6,000golf balls.He was extremely proud of his his over 15 years of volunteer work with the Skagit County Meals on Wheels program.He often commented "I get so much more out of this than I give".

Joanne passed away in 1999, and Alex continued his daily walks, Meals on Wheels deliveries, and served in several positions with the Golden KKiwanis Club.He particularly enjoyed helping with the annual Kiwanis Salmon Barbecue during the Tulip Festival, often serving as "Day Chair" and working 12 hour shifts.

Alex enjoyed salmon fishing, playing golf, and following sports. The family spent summer vacations in BC at his brother Allan's home near Robert's Creek, where he taught all the kids to fish.He and Allan attended Mariner's Spring Training in Arizona for many years, and always had a wonderful time watching the up and coming players.He was a Seahawks fan and spent most Sundays cheering on the team with Sandy and Duncan.In his later years he enjoyed crossword puzzles, was an avid reader, and a self-proclaimed "news junkie". He attended Camp Seabeck family camp for seven years with Janice's family, and went with them on the "trip of a lifetime" to Great Britain and Scandinavia in 2004, where he was lucky enough to get in to see the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, despite not having a ticket. He spent his 75th birthday on the London Eye and winning (quite handily) an English History Trivia Contest on a Double Decker Bus Tour of London, after which the entire bus sang "Happy Birthday" to him.

He was a special "Dad-Dad" to his grandchildren Mike, Mindy, Stephanie, Duncan, Sean, Brady, William and Hanna and step-grandchildren John and Jennie Setchell, taking them on his walks, helping with homework, and attending many of their sporting and musical events.He always delighted in their accomplishments and enjoyed them as they grew up.

As his health declined this year, he spent time in the care of his daughter Trish, finally moving to her house after his last hospitalization in November.He passed away early in the morning of November 29 with members of the family by his side.

He was predeceased by his parents John and Margaret (Macdonald) Cobbin, his older brother Jack, and a nephew David Cobbin. He is survived by children Trish Macdonald, Sandy (Doreen), and Janice (Tom) Morris, ten grandchildren, John, Mike, Jennie, Mindy,Stephanie, Duncan, Sean, Brady, William and Hanna, and seven great-grandchildren, Connor, Evan,Jacob, Nicky, Maggie, Makenna, Hank + one due in April, as well as his twin brother Allan Cobbin of Robert's Creek, BC, other members of his extended family, dear family friend Becca Hagen, and many friends in both the US and Canada.

Alex was a loving father, doting grandparent, and enthusiastic volunteer.His words of wisdom and gentle guidance will be dearly remembered by his family as well as his AA friends and those he knew through his volunteer work and the Senior Center. He was a Friend of Bill for over 30 years.Memorials in his name may be made toSkagit County Meals on Wheels program,309 South Third Street, Mount Vernon, WA 98273. A remembrance celebration will be held from 1-3:30 PM on Saturday, January 7, at the Mount Vernon Senior Center, 1401 Cleveland Avenue, Mount Vernon, WA.A private inurnment ceremony will follow at a later date.