Alexander McGregor
Alexander McGregor died at home on August 5, 2020. He was 71.
Alex was a native of Chattanooga. He graduated from Notre Dame High School and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga where he was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity. He began his career as a machinist and worked in several machine shops locally including his father’s business, Jemco Inc., in Fort Oglethorpe. While living in Cincinnati, he met his wife, Leslie Ann Smith. He worked there remodeling houses and as a manager of the Cincinnati Food Co-op. Upon returning to Chattanooga in 1985, he established Walden Farm on Signal Mountain. He studied bio-intensive growing and soil management at Ohio University. He became well known locally as an organic farmer and was a pioneer in this area in sustainable agriculture and farmer’s markets as well as CSA (Community Supported Agriculture). It was his joy to share his knowledge informally and in workshops as well as classes at Chattanooga State Community College.
Alex was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence A. and Rebecca F. McGregor and his brother, Gregor McGregor.
He is survived by his wife, Leslie Smith, his daughter, Rowan McGregor, his son Benjamin (Carla) Gale and grandchildren, Carter and Lauren Gale, his sisters, Lucy (Peter) Robinson and Sarah (Jeff) Streiff, nieces and nephews, Molly Green and Cameron Robinson, Parker Norton, Jordan, Micah and Cory Streiff and Keely Anderson.
A private memorial service was held in his garden. Our resident curmudgeon and social critic will be missed for his wit, his infectious laugh and his gentle kindness.
In his memory, donations may be made to the Chattanooga Community Kitchen or the Chattanooga Area Food Bank.