Alexander Lawrence MonkMarch 14, 1970-November 5, 2011Alex was born on March 4, 1970 at KEMH - approximately two months premature. One result of this was that he suffered from restricted peripheral vision, cataracts and nearsightedness. While he was a small child, he was seen by several specialists in the USA, who advised that any surgery not be performed until he was older. Therefore, his eyes did not get corrected until he was in his 20s.Except for a few months when he was five years old, Alex lived in California from about the age of four, until he returned to Bermuda when he was 15. He attended the St George’s Secondary School, under Mr Dale Butler’s Principalship. He then gained his GED from The Adult Education Centre.Like many young people, Alex got caught up in the partying lifestyle, and began to drink too hard and too often. But he proudly celebrated his 21st birthday with AA this past Summer.Alex returned to the US about 15 years ago. While there, he attended a Community College and attained an Art Associate paper in Graphic Design and Fine Arts. He subsequently moved to Florida, where he lived until the Spring of 2010. In addition to pursuing his abiding interest in painting and drawing, Alex became quite adept at quite another form of “art” - the culinary arts. He rose to be a top manager at S’Barro’s franchise outlet in Bradenton.About three years ago Alex met Maria and fell in love. When the economic situation took a severe downturn, he came home to Bermuda. He hoped to find a job which would pay his bills and allow him send for Maria. He secured work in the construction field, often putting in long hours until he was able to get Maria and Luis to join him last December.Maria and Alex were married on January 14, 2011 at the Bermuda Registrar’s Office. Alex’s father, stepmom and Luis (his “Little Buddy”) were all witness to the ceremony. Later, they went for a small, quiet reception at one of Alex’s favourite restaurants. The young family happily settled into life in Bermuda and looked forward to a bright future. Sadly, it was cut short.On Thursday, November 24, Alex was riding his motorcycle on his way to work. He did not make it. There was a dreadful accident and Alex was taken to KEMH with multiple injuries, including a severe head trauma. He never regained consciousness and he was declared brain dead on Friday morning. In keeping with his generous and loving nature, Maria and his Dad then made the decision to have Alex become an organ donor. A medical team from Boston flew into Bermuda later Friday evening.Alex touched many lives during his 41 years of life. We are comforted knowing that he continues to help others, even now.The funeral for Alex will be held later this week. Maria has requested that bright colours be worn and, in recognition of their assistance to a younger self, his father has asked that donations be made to The Committee of 25 for Handicapped Children.The family wishes to thank all the staff at the ICU. They could not have been kinder or gentler with us during this very emotionally trying time. Thanks also to the Bermuda Police Liaison Officers, who continue to assist wherever they can. The family further wishes to express their gratitude to all who have reached out in this time of grief, offering their condolences and support. As Maria asks, please remember Alex with a smile, not a tear. - Contributed