Long time HADS leader has recently passed. Below is his obituary and comments from fellow doctors.

Alexander James McKechnie Jr, DDS of Camp Hill PA passed away on December 25, 2014 at the age of 97. Born in Berwick, PA on August 6, 1917, he was the son of the late Alexander Sr and Martha Klinger McKechnie. Alex was preceded in death by his “love of my life” wife of 67 years, Elizabeth “Bettie” Spragle McKechnie in October 2008, his older brother Elmer McKechnie, and his close friend cousin Paul Klinger Jr. He is survived by his loving children and family: son James and wife Jeannie of Atlanta GA, son Jeffrey and wife Cindy of Stowe VT, daughter Joan and husband James Furniss of Brevard NC, and son Jon of Somerset PA; grandchildren Karen and husband Bill Southworth, Kalene and husband Justin Martin, Natalie and husband Todd Mannherz, Tyson McKechnie, Dorsey and husband Nathan Beckman, Jamie and husband Matt Kilian; and great-grandchildren Emma, Claire and Madeline Martin.

Alex’s over nine decades of life were filled with numerous achievements and adventures. After graduating from Berwick High School in 1935 and earning his B.S. in Education from Bloomsburg State Teachers College in 1939, he pursued an illustrious career in education. He taught physics and science in Shickshinny and Columbia PA Junior High and High Schools, where he was also a multi sports coach, referee, and game broadcaster. While teaching high school, he also acquired his M.S. in Education from Bucknell University in 1941.

During World War II, he proudly served in the U.S. Navy 1943-1946, as a Senior Grade Lieutenant Officer sonar and radar specialist in Anti-Submarine Warfare. He was assigned to sea duty for 33 months in the Atlantic and Pacific Theaters on 6 submarines and 126 destroyers and destroyer scouts, and was awarded 8 Service of Distinction Medals.
After serving his country, he continued his education career at Gettysburg College as Professor of Physics and tennis coach, and Professor of Chemistry at Penn State Extension. Then the G.I. bill allowed him the opportunity to fulfill his lifelong dream of becoming a dentist.

He attended Temple University School of Dentistry 1946-1950 where he was President and top student of his class. Upon achieving his D.D.S. degree with highest honors, he accepted Assistant Professorship and Assistant Dean positions at Temple Dental School, while working in a Philadelphia private practice for 3 years.

In 1953, Alex and his young family moved to Camp Hill PA, where he setup and thoroughly enjoyed a busy and successful private General Dentistry family practice for 26 years. During his time in Camp Hill, Alex was also a very active community and education leader. He was a Camp Hill School Board member for 8 years, President for 2 years, and was one of the founding originators and first board members of The Cumberland Perry Vo-Tech School and Harrisburg Area Community College. He also served on two bank advisory boards, and was a Mason for over 70 years. A long time devout member of the Camp Hill Presbyterian Church, he taught adult Sunday School and was a choir baritone both for over 30 years, and was an Elder. Alex was an avid golfer, which he pursued for 55 years playing until age 92, earning a 2 handicap and scoring 10 holes-in-one. He was a lifetime member of the West Shore Country Club, where he served on the Board of Governors as Secretary and historian for over 50 years, and is honored by an annual tournament named after him.

Alex was an active and dedicated leader in numerous Dental Professional Organizations on the local, state and national levels during his years of private practice and in retirement. He held many elected positions, including President of each: the Harrisburg Area Dental Society, the ADA 5th District Dental Society, the PA Dental Association, the PA Academy of General Dentists, the National Academy of General Dentistry, and Temple Dental Alumni Association. He was Vice President of the American Dental Association, and served as ADA trustee from PA for several years. He continued as a circuit dental clinician and lecturer. He was honored as a Fellow of the International College of Dentists and a Fellow of the American College of Dentists, was a member of the PA State Dental Council & Examining Board, and was on the Proctor & Gamble Dental Product Advisory Board. He was honored by Alpha Psi Omega, Phi Sigma Pi, Kappa Delta Pi, Omicron Kappa Upsilon, and Delta Sigma Delta Fraternities.

Also in his retirement years since 1979, Alex remained an active dental advisor and member, education advocate, and community volunteer and leader, last serving as President of the Bethany Village Residents Council. He was a volunteer dentist to several nursing homes, the homebound and for fellow dentists needing interim coverage. He enjoyed many winters in Pinehurst NC with his beloved wife, looked forward to cherished annual family reunions, played bridge, read palms, used his dental tools for woodworking and ships-in-a-bottle projects, and treasured his many friendships and acquaintances he made everywhere he went. He never met a stranger, and was always at the ready with a hearty hello, along with a joke or “true story”.

Above all Alex put his family and God first, always providing, protecting, leading, laughing and loving. He was most proud of his children, “the 4-J’s” and their families. Indeed as he often mused, “I’ve lived a full wonderful life here on this orbit, and will leave with no regrets for the paths that were opened to me and the opportunities I chose.”

The family will gather and hold a Celebration of Life Memorial Service on Monday January 5 at 11:30 am. in the Bethany Village East Community Room, 325 Wesley Dr, Mechanicsburg PA, officiated by Chaplain Brand Eaton.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that in honor of Alex’s dedication and leadership in education, that memorial gifts may be made to: The Dr Alex J McKechnie Memorial Fund, c/o The Lion Foundation, Camp Hill School District, 2627 Chestnut St, Camp Hill PA .
To leave a condolence for the McKechnie Family, please visit www.neillcamphill.com

“I was saddened to hear about the passing of Alex McKechnie. He was a true gentleman and tremendous dental statesman. I have many great memories of working with Alex on the HADS executive committee back in the 80’s as well as the PDA, PAGD, and AGD. Even if he disagreed with you on a issue,  he had a way of assuring you that your opinion was still important,although  we rarely disagreed. He was a great man and lived a great life. I feel very fortunate to have known  Alex and to have worked with him on many projects. I will reflect on those times also know how much I have missed his input at many meetings in recent years.” Dr. David R. Russell

“ Alex truly was one of very few people you meet on life’s walk where every memory is positive; always engaging, always encouraging. He was a truly great man and it was a privilege to have known him.” Dr. Bill Spruill