To improve the quality of life for individuals living with mental illness and their families through... moreTo improve the quality of life for individuals living with mental illness and their families through education, support, and advocacy. Our free programs serve 14,000 Oregonians a year through our 16 local chapters across the state.
We created a GatheringUs memorial to celebrate the life of Alex. Collecting your stories and memories here will offer us great comfort. As we plan virtual gatherings, we will post invites. Thank you for contributing to this lasting memorial.
When my father passed away in 2016, we brought his body to his hometown of Portland to be buried in Willamette National Cemetery. Alex opened his home and showed me every kindness, both then and whenever I would visit family and my father's gravesite... moreWhen my father passed away in 2016, we brought his body to his hometown of Portland to be buried in Willamette National Cemetery. Alex opened his home and showed me every kindness, both then and whenever I would visit family and my father's gravesite over the intervening years. We became friends, and talked every couple of months on the phone, about our shared love of cars, about our lives.
I know that Alex struggled with things in his life, but I felt it might be important to share the side of Alex I got to know over the past couple of years. Generous, considerate, contemplative, self-aware. I last saw him in February 2020 when he was in New York, we had coffee and walked around.
I am deeply saddened for Alex, his family, and those who cared about him. less
I offer my condolences to Angela or “Mrs Steckly” as I knew her. She was my third grade teacher in 1986 while she was pregnant with Alex. I remember how excited she was about having him. She wrote us a letter the next school year with a picture to... moreI offer my condolences to Angela or “Mrs Steckly” as I knew her. She was my third grade teacher in 1986 while she was pregnant with Alex. I remember how excited she was about having him. She wrote us a letter the next school year with a picture to let us all know Alex was healthy and happy. I had read about his artwork and was very impressed with his creativity. Again, I was so sad to hear of his passing. less
Alex.. how can you be gone. We’ve just barely met and you’ve shown me a glimpse of a world with you in it. An extraordinary glimpse. With every date, every conversation, every hug, touch, and kiss. I miss talking to you everyday about our highs and... moreAlex.. how can you be gone. We’ve just barely met and you’ve shown me a glimpse of a world with you in it. An extraordinary glimpse. With every date, every conversation, every hug, touch, and kiss. I miss talking to you everyday about our highs and lows. I miss your Luca pictures in bed. I miss the fact you can bbq and actually enjoy it haha. I’m still trying to understand how quickly you’ve disappeared. It’s not fair. I give my deepest sympathy to his family, his grandmother, and Luca. We’ve lost such an inspiring and loving soul. less
Alex, I miss you terribly. Everyday I wake up hoping this is just a bad dream-I still can’t believe this is real. You were so kind and so generous. The most handsome, talented, caring and loving man.
I hope you’re in heaven no longer feeling any... moreAlex, I miss you terribly. Everyday I wake up hoping this is just a bad dream-I still can’t believe this is real. You were so kind and so generous. The most handsome, talented, caring and loving man.
I hope you’re in heaven no longer feeling any sadness, stress and anxiety...feeling nothing but the happiness and love you deserve and of course reunited with your best friend, grandma and pup. My heart is broken but I know one day I will see you again.
To the family, you are in my thoughts and prayers and have my deepest condolences.
Alex - you are gone too soon, as you always knew your Mom, brother and family loved you dearly.
To Angela and Jake, my family sends our condolences and prayers. We wish you strength and support during this incredible time of pain and loss.
From,
Dan... moreAlex - you are gone too soon, as you always knew your Mom, brother and family loved you dearly.
To Angela and Jake, my family sends our condolences and prayers. We wish you strength and support during this incredible time of pain and loss.
This was written by Alex for an art exhibit at Portland Community College in 2002. He must have been 15 or 16. I thought he expressed himself with such thoughtful self-awareness and maturity. I’ll try to find some of his art for this event.
Thought... moreThis was written by Alex for an art exhibit at Portland Community College in 2002. He must have been 15 or 16. I thought he expressed himself with such thoughtful self-awareness and maturity. I’ll try to find some of his art for this event.
Thought Auction
Artist’s Statement
by Alex Steckly
May 28, 2002
The emotions that are expressed in my artwork relate to what is going on with me. As a teenager, I am confronted with what many other teens are faced with...drugs, separation, pressures that I don't quite understand. In the eyes I draw or cut out, for instance, there is a sense of confusion or bewilderment. I express this in my art consciously or unconsciously as I try to make my way through the craziness of life.
Art is my outlet. Art is something I have to do. I need to do art to get by. Not to escape certain feelings—but to express them. To be as expressive as a Van Gogh self-portrait or a Ralph Steadman drawing. The expression is not to be forced—it is to be felt. less
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