Obituaries
Alexander Banks
Alexander “Alex” John Banks, 93, passed away on Sunday, February 26, 2023, at Mountain View Living Center at the Veterans Administration in Sheridan, WY.
Alex was born on January 31, 1930, to Alexander John and Edith (Cox) Banks in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Alex grew up in a family of performers. His Mother and Father were a very popular dance team performing in exhibition performances throughout the Grand Rapids area. Following in their parent’s footsteps, in their teens, Alex and his sister Peni formed a dance team performing at every opportunity.
After his parents divorced, Alex now 14, left Michigan with his mother for California, settling in Los Angeles. His sister, Peni stayed on with Mr. Banks Sr. in Michigan for a period of time then joined Alex and their mother in California.
After high school graduation, Alex worked in retail for the Sears and Roebuck Company.
According to Alex, the day I turned 21, “I woke up with my sister Peni standing at the foot of my bed crying. She was holding my draft notice.” Alex served with the U.S. Army in Berlin Germany from 1947 to 1951 upon his honorable discharge he returned to Los Angeles.
Soon after, Alex was employed as a dance instructor at the Veloze Yolanda Dance Studio. The dance team of Veloze Yolanda was one of Hollywood’s most popular tango dancing teams in films at that time.
An opportunity came along for Alex to work for the Western Costume Company, a costume supplier to movie studios. Alex once commented, “I had no experience working for a costume company, I didn’t feel I was qualified, but as I toured the company’s racks of costumes and started to identify which costume was worn in which movie and by what actor I was hired on the spot.”
During his career at Western Costume, Alex met numerous film stars of the time. For example, during a Sheridan Press interview, Alex recalled an amusing anecdote, “I once told James Coburn how much I enjoyed his performance in the film musical, ‘Paint Your Wagon.” James Coburn replied with a big laugh, “Alex, that wasn’t me—that was Lee Marvin!” Years went by before James Coburn came into Western for a fitting, as soon as he saw me, he laughed and gave me a hug, he was such a good guy!”
After retiring from Western Costume Alex then moved to Sheridan with friends where he opened Coffeen Antiques and returned to his greatest love, singing, and dancing. His first appearance at Sheridan’s WYO Theater was in the role of Victor Valsco in Neil Simon’s Barefoot in the Park. His stellar performance subsequently led him to produce 4 variety shows at the WYO Theater starring Alex and his friends.
He taught tap and ballroom dance lessons at Studio 48, appeared in several short films shot in and around Sheridan, volunteered as an entertainer having performed at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Green House Living for Sheridan, Emeritus at Sugarland Ridge, and taught weekly tap classes at the HUB.
Alex once explained, “When I was 7 years old, my mother gave me her old records from the 1920s and 30s, although it was a little before my time, that type of music became my favorite. Music during that time was written for singers to tell a story.”
Alex will always be remembered for his voice, his hugs, and his ability to tell a great story. He will be missed.
Alex is survived by his Nephew Mike Aron, wife Gloria, and family.
In Lieu of Flowers, Alex requested “give a hug”
A Gathering to honor Alex will be held at a later date. Online condolences may be made to www.sheridanfuneral.com. Arrangements are under the care of Sheridan Funeral Home.
Cindy Butler
March 7, 2023 at 8:44 pm
Deepest sympathies. Alex was always fun to watch dance. He was so smooth.
Diane Davis
March 7, 2023 at 10:14 pm
A hug. That’s Alex. So sad to see him gone, he was a bright ray of sunshine. I will always miss him and the joy he brought everywhere.
Mary Geertz
March 8, 2023 at 2:41 am
What a wonderful friend and patient he will always be missed in the short time I knew he changed the way I see life. Thank you Alex!
Jana davis
March 8, 2023 at 8:50 am
Loved Alex!!! Such a bright Light
Robin Humphrey
March 8, 2023 at 9:14 am
My Mom, daughter and I spent many pleasant hours chatting with Alex and shopping at his store. He will be missed!
Janell Glantz
March 8, 2023 at 9:48 am
So sorry to hear Alex had passed. I first met Alex when my son rented his home on Coffeen Ave. Alex was such a joy to be around. Always a big smile and a hug. He had the best stories. For a while we always met him at the bagel store in the morning before I went to work. The stories he told about his life always made my day. Such a joy to be around. We should all be like Alex. He will be missed.
Sylvia Bruner
March 13, 2023 at 9:25 am
the bagel shop! I worked there years ago and always looked forward to days when Alex came in. He made you feel special and like the world was a special place.
Robby Smith
March 8, 2023 at 9:49 am
Rest in Peace Alex. We’ll miss your bright smile and big hugs. I’m sure you will be forever dancing.
Kathy Hier
March 8, 2023 at 7:01 pm
Alex. You will Greatly Missed.
Your Smile could make Anyone’s Day Better..
My Heartfelt Sympathy to Aron & Gloria..And to All the Many People who’s Lives he Touched
Kristy Bellew
March 8, 2023 at 7:46 pm
ALEX!!! You will ALWAYS hold a special place in my heart. We spent some WONDERFUL hours together. You are such a special person and anyone who knew you LOVED you!
TWEEDY FORTUNE JOHNSON
March 9, 2023 at 8:37 am
Alex was in our mom’s swim class and sang at her 90th birthday celebration. He was such a character! He will be missed.
Meshelle Cooper
March 9, 2023 at 12:25 pm
Dear Alex…a friend to everyone and always a hug!
Heaven has gained a special person – sing and dance on, Alex!
I cannot be sad, as I had the privilege to know Alex in my life for a bit…
Joyce Inchauspe
March 10, 2023 at 9:37 am
Sheridan has lost one fabulous artist. Rest in peace Alex.
Linda McCoul
March 11, 2023 at 2:32 pm
Oh how I will miss your great hugs Alex, you were such a darling man and we had so many smiles I know Peg is happy to be reunited with her long time neighbor and friend … you will be missed by so many….. the jewelry you gave me years ago is one of my most cherished items
Connie Kukal
March 12, 2023 at 1:04 pm
Rest in peace Alex. You were always a bright ray of sunshine on a gloomy day. You will be missed my friend.
Mark Curley
November 27, 2023 at 3:21 pm
I knew Alex at Western Costume. He was a warm, funny man who never took the world too seriously. And he always had a moment for you. A notable light has gone out.