AUBURN – John B. “Brad” Alexander, 74, of Auburn and Belgrade died Wednesday, Aug. 6, at the Hospice House in Auburn. He was born on April 19, 1934, in Waterville, son of John and Minna Bradbury Alexander. He attended Belgrade schools, graduating from Belgrade High School. He married Rosalind Mills on May 3, 1953.

Active in the harness racing industry for over 50 years, he held several positions at various tracks throughout the New England area including Scarborough Downs, Plainridge Raceway and fair tracks in Maine. He could usually be found in the starting gate either driving or starting the races.

Brad and Rose owned and operated Alexander Horse Supply and New England Sulky where he was a fixture at racetracks throughout the northeast for many years.

Always a “country boy” at heart, he bought a small farm in Kansas and enjoyed several years there in the 1990s raising cattle and was a familiar figure at livestock sales throughout the area before moving back to Maine.

He is survived by the “love of his life,” his wife of over 55 years, Rosalind; his sister, Marion West of Florida; two sons, Ronald and wife, Kathy, of Auburn, Kevin and wife, Mona, of Belgrade, and daughter Jackie and husband, Chuck Lowe, of Wasilla, Alaska; four grandchildren, Angela and Brad Couture, Scott Alexander and Nathan Alexander; two great -granddaughters, Sierra and Addie; and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the staff of M-1 at CMMC for their loving care and support during the past few weeks.