Alexander McConnell

Thank you Alex for everything you did for us international students and for myself. I wondered why there was such a kind person in this world, too kind to a fault, but now I realize that was how you wanted to lead your life, selfless, quiet, lowkey, but left us with much sadness when you left this world. I am forever grateful for the memories I had with you, rest in peace Alex.

Posted by Anonymous on April 24, 2023

Thank you Alex for everything you did for us international students and for myself. I wondered why there was such a kind person in this world, too kind to a fault, but now I realize that was how you wanted to lead your life, selfless, quiet, lowkey, but left us with much sadness when you left this world. I am forever grateful for the memmories I had with you, rest in peace Alex.

Posted by Anonymous on April 23, 2023

Alex was one of the most genuine most kind most wonderful person I had a chance to meet. I would never forget his generosity to give me a home during my senior year. Because of covid, me and several international students could not come home. Alex welcomed us into his house and made us feel like home. He was so thoughtful and wonderful. I remember all the meals we cooked together and all the prays we made before eating. He loved all the food that we made. He always offered his help whenever we needed it. He drove me to my grad school and even gifted me a set of kitchenette because he knew I loved cooking. I will never forget Alex and his kindness. His way of living inspired me to be a better, kinder person. Rest in peace Alex. You will always be loved.

Posted by Anonymous on April 23, 2023

My brother Roo was one in a million. Selfless, loving, kind to a fault. There were no strangers, just memories and friends to be made. My family and I loved him unconditionally. There was never a time that he did not call to check on us, see a need, fill a need. No questions, just doing. It was his way. His gifts were endless, the ability to make furniture from memory, build projects from scratch. He was amazing. Such gifts are a blessing and he was.

Posted by Jae (KB) on April 22, 2023

I'm Nancy Goulde and worked with international students at Randolph College (and R-MWC). I was always amazed by Alex's kindness and generosity toward the international students at the college. The testimonies on this page by the students show me that I underestimated what he did for them! A few have wondered if there is a service and, if so, if it could be live streamed. Because many are back home in their own countries, they will not be able to attend. I hope the family will consider this if at all possible.

Posted by Nancy Goulde on April 22, 2023

I'm one of many international students that Alex helped and stayed in his house many times. One of the best memories I had at RC was the time I spent in his house, during the summer research and I can't believe how warm and happy I felt during that time. I really missed it. It just felt like a lost past now that I heard Alex passed away. I treasured what Alex did to me and to other international students like me. You are really missed by all of us. Rest in peace, Alex

Posted by Anonymous on April 20, 2023

Alex, You made an unforgettable piece in my memory. I am so grateful for knowing you and your kindness. You made me realize how selfless and caring one can be to others, helping me in more than I could ever ask for and never asking for anything in return. You drove us to places, opened your home to us, and became a family member to us all. I still remember the summers when I stayed at your basement for my first internship or after graduation, when you would enjoy every messy meal that I made, or when you even prepared all the food containers before we moved in. All the little things that you did for us are well treasured. I wish I have said this to you. Please know that you are dearly loved and missed by all of us. Rest in peace, Alex.

Posted by Mai Dam on April 19, 2023

Uncle Derm, I'm still in disbelief that you're gone, so soon after mother passed away. I like to think that mom came to get you so that all of the McConnell family could be together again. I will miss your kindness most of all; the many messages left here by the students in Lynchburg who stayed with you over the years are a testament to that. I hope you, mom, Grammy, and Granddaddy can take care of each other now and rest easy. I love and miss all of you so very much.

Posted by Liam Moore on April 19, 2023

I am forever grateful to have met Alex during my college years. He was always there for us international students, giving us not only shelter, but a home away from home, a friend we can always count on. Alex and his cozy, welcoming home will always have a special place in my heart. I am so glad my family have had the chance to meet and welcome Alex into our home in Vietnam. Thank you for everything, Alex. We love and miss you so much.

Posted by Hanh Doan on April 19, 2023

Alex was a kind and gentle soul. He's that quiet trusted friend I could always count on to show up when I called. Whether it was a short trip to the grocery store or a draining long drive up I-95 to my immigration appointment, Alex was always there. I was not the only one who relied on Alex to navigate my life in America, a strange land far away from home. He opened his door and his heart to many of us international students, making us feel like we belonged. He let us cook the food we loved. He let us fill his house with the smells and flavors familiar to us. He loved having family meals around the table, asking us about our day and thinking of ways he could help us feel a bit more at home. And he did. I graduated almost 10 years ago, but whenever I visited Lynchburg, I could always find a home at Alex's. He kept things pretty much the same over the decades, and he stayed in his way–a simple, selfless man who would go out of his way to help make others' lives a little bit better. I wish I had a chance to say goodbye to Alex and tell him he had a special place in my heart.

Posted by Phuong on April 19, 2023

Alex was a kind and gentle soul. He's that quiet trusted friend I could always count on to show up when I called. Whether it was a short trip to the grocery store or a draining long drive up I-95 to my immigration appointment, Alex was always there. I was not the only one who relied on Alex to navigate my life in America, a strange land far away from home. He opened his door and his heart to many of us international students, making us feel like we belonged. He let us cook the food we loved. He let us fill his house with the smells and flavors familiar to us. He loved having family meals around the table, asking us about our day and thinking of ways he could help us feel a bit more at home. And he did. I graduated almost 10 years ago, but whenever I visited Lynchburg, I could always find a home at Alex's. He kept things pretty much the same over the decades, and he stayed in his way–a simple, selfless man who would go out of his way to help make others' lives a little bit better. I wish I had a chance to say goodbye to Alex and tell him he had a special place in my heart.

Posted by Phuong on April 19, 2023

I am one of the international students who were lucky to meet Alex. Thank you so much for opening your door and your heart for the young kids who traveled across the world for education! The moments we shared with you were one of the sweetest memories in Lynchburg. Please rest in peace knowing that you have influenced and warmed more hearts than you could imagine. We love and miss you!

Posted by Kelly Pham on April 18, 2023

I'm Alex's brother-in-law, Bill. His sister, Judi and I were married in 1969 while Alex (AKA Dermet to family) was serving in RVN. My Judi died last month after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. I'll always believe that her untimely death hastened the passing of this exceptionally kind and generous soul. I am gratified how well Alex is remembered by the students he so unselfishly helped over the years. Our family is proud of him and thankful to have known him. My wife Judi approved this message -- Rest in Peace, Derm.

Posted by William W. Moore, Jr. on April 18, 2023

Alex was one of the kindest and most selfless human beings I have ever crossed paths with. When I first started staying with Alex, I mentioned to him how I walked from his place to Randolph. The next day, he bought 2 brand new bicycles so that I and my housemate could use these to bike to Randolph, instead of walking. This is just one of countless examples of how incredibly supportive Alex was. It\'s been almost 10 years since I graduated from Randolph College, but the memories of how he supported international students at Randolph and me personally still warm my heart to this day. He let us stay with him for virtually nothing, cooked us meals, and welcomed our loved ones and friends into his home. Some of my best memories at Randolph are ones I shared with Alex. He has made the life of many international students vastly better with his presence and kindness. I am so thankful to have been able to cross paths with Alex in my life and be inspired by his virtual. May you rest in peace. We love you.

Posted by Penny on April 18, 2023

Hi, I am San Hoang, Vietnamese alumni at Randolph who graduated in 2020. I am so sad to hear that Alex passed away and feel sadder not to be there to attend the funeral. Alex helped me and many other international students so much during the time we stayed at Lynchburg. He definitely will stay in our hearts. Hope he rests in peace. Thank you and miss you, Alex.

Posted by San Hoang on April 18, 2023

Alex, I cannot express how much you meant to all of us international students who were lucky enough to have crossed paths with you. You were always there for us, offering us a home away from home, cooking us meals, and driving us around whenever we needed. You never asked for anything in return, and your selflessness was a true inspiration to us all. Your kindness and generosity made a huge difference, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have known you. It is so hard to believe that you are no longer with us, you will always be remembered with love and admiration. Rest in peace

Posted by Anonymous on April 18, 2023