UNSUNG HERO: A Warren man wrote us about what he called “an
unsung hero” who apparently made a difference not only in the local
oilfields but also in the ordinary lives of many.

The “unsung hero” is Mahlon “Fat” Alexander who passed away in
recent days.

The tribute comes from Craig A. Steinkamp of Warren.

He writes, “Back in the ‘dark ages’ of welding and fabrication
in the oil fields, weld shops, or refinery work in the Bradford,
Warren, Oil City area, this man was most instrumental for laying
the ground work for many young welders to continue their
careers.”

“Fat labored for many years in the welding field, lying in the
mud, high on top of a tank installing a lid, or on his knee for
hours as he did many days.

“Fat would never turn his back to anyone nor would he say, ‘I
don’t have time,’ and he never knew the meaning of ‘I don’t know.’
He would figure it out regardless of the extent of the problem.

“My field was not welding but non-destructive testing of the
welds. That, too, Fat was well versed in.

“A good example was in the 1990s we were installing two new
units in United Refinery, Warren, Pa. We phoned Fat on the average
of five times per day for his remedies, to solve our problem, and
not once did he shy from the problem. He felt it was his problem
until he solved it.

“In addition to his technical and welding skills his greatest
love was his family and friends, dedicated to all. …

“To know Fat was to love him. Many times he would tell stories
of his golden retrievers. He really had a way with animals. He even
had a pet grouse that would ride on him (I saw that with my own
eyes).

“It is because of unsung heroes like Fat Alexander that today’s
welder/fabricators of our area are what they are.

“He quietly stayed in the background but I am sure he derived
much satisfaction from the knowledge he helped so many in such a
large way to form the basis of many young careers in our area.

“As often happens, it is not until someone passes on that we are
reminded of how much we owe them. Fat Alexander may be gone but his
memories will linger on with many of us.”