Obituary of Alex Louis Ginnis

"Big Al" What can be said of a man for whom the sun both rises and sets? What is the appropriate way to honor a great man and patriot? More importantly, what are all of us to do, without you? On December 30th, 2010, during the picturesque afternoon sunshine of a beautiful Washington day, Alex left us, peacefully. Alex Louis Ginnis was born on February 2nd, 1921, in Tacoma, Washington. He had nine siblings, all born to Greek parents. Life was not easy for the men and women of his generation, as was evident in their daily struggle to endure. Alex attended Lincoln High School and graduated in 1940. He was part of a very close knit group of friends, many of which have already passed. Alex left behind an enduring legacy, propagated by the amazing life he led. He was a man of action, a man who used few words, but had a commanding presence. He was a veteran of world war two, having served for three years in the pacific theater. Alex was in Company F, 172nd Infantry Regiment, of the 43rd Division, out of New England. He was wounded twice in combat and was decorated with the Purple Heart. In 1947, two years after leaving the war, Alex began his career as a Longshoreman at the Port of Tacoma. He worked his way through the ranks, eventually establishing himself as one of the most invaluable members of the long shoring community. In 1965, Alex was promoted to foreman. He held that title until his retirement in 2005. He was a proud member of ILWU for 55 years. The life Alex led was one of principle, a life of virtue and commitment. In his 90 years of life, he accomplished anything and everything he set out to do, steadily improving his life, and the life of his family. He was a man of honor, a man who knew of sacrifice, but also eternal love. Goodbye to Alex, our father, our brother, and the best of our friends. Alex was predeceased by his wife of more than fifty years, Pauline Ginnis, also his son Alex and his daughter Rebecca. He is survived by his daughter Nancy, his brothers John and Richard, and his 5 grandchildren, Anthony, Lindsay, Andre, Sarah and Naomi. Services will be held at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church on Friday, January 7th at 11:30 a.m. There will be a Trisagion on Thursday, January 6th at 7:00 p.m. in the Piper-Morley-Mellinger Funeral Chapel 253-472-3353 www.pipermorleymellingerfh.com. Alex will be laid to rest at New Tacoma Cemetery following the service.