Alexander Herman Wellbrink

Alexander H. Wellbrink (Tuffy) Feb. 2, 1959 - Apr. 22, 2026 

Alex Wellbrink, 67, of Spokane, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones after a two+ year battle with cancer. He was born in Spokane to parents William and Renet Wellbrink and is their oldest of five children. After graduating high school, Alex began a career in cable television construction as a Lineman, at the height of that industry's growth, allowing him to travel, live and work in California, Oregon, Arizona, Texas, Virginia and New York throughout the 1980s and 90s, many of those years alongside his brother Darrell. Upon returning to Spokane, Alex really enjoyed working as a groundskeeper for Manito Park and did so for over 16 years. He enjoyed the outdoors and assisting park patrons, who often commended Alex for being good-natured, polite and helpful, it was a fitting job for a figurative "groundhog", (his self-proclaimed title of "Chief Groundhog"), as his birthday was February 2nd. Alex will be greatly missed by our family, more than we can express, and friends he stayed in touch with for many years. He was preceded in death by his father, William Wellbrink Sr and older half-brother William Wellbrink Jr. He is survived by his mother Renet, son Trevor, and his siblings Winnie Woodard (Curt), Darrell Wellbrink (Anna), Misty Denmon (Anthony) and Cindy Wellbrink (George), nieces Lindsie, Tawny, Isabella, Olivia and Jalana, nephews Chase, Amonte and Azriel and Stephanie O'Byrne, mother of Trevor and beloved friend, as well as uncles, aunts, and numerous cousins. Though given the nickname "Tuffy" as a youngster, Alex was a kindhearted and loving son to his mother and for many years helped care for her even while managing his own health issues. He enjoyed classic rock music, was an exceptional left-handed frisbee player and a devout fan of the Seattle Seahawks and Mariners. He especially loved spending time with his son Trevor, teaching him to work on cars, attending concerts together, or just chillin' to Van Halen on frequent drives, they also shared many fond memories of their time together during summers spent at Priest Lake. There will be a gathering to celebrate Alex's life on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 3:00pm at Orchard Christian Fellowship located at 312 E. 3rd Street Spokane, WA.