Alexander Watson Hiam
The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution announces with great sorrow the death of former Corporation Member Alexander Watson Hiam on February 26, 2024. He was 66.
Born in Evanston, Illinois, on August 1, 1957, Alex spent much of his childhood in Needham and Falmouth, MA. He was the son of the late Edwin W. Hiam and Katharine C. Hiam.
A brilliant student, Alex overcame dyslexia as a child and went on to graduate from Harvard College in 1980 with a bachelor’s degree and from the Haas School of Business, U. C. Berkeley, in 1986 with an MBA.
Alex taught business classes at Western New England University, American International College, and the Isenberg School of Business at UMass Amherst. He wrote countless business books and training materials, often with a uniquely creative approach. More recently, he wrote, illustrated, and published a number of children’s books and young adult fiction books.
Inspired by nature, Alex was an artist in several mediums and also a collector and a teacher. He led art workshops and readily gave tours of his paintings, books and antiques for friends and children. He also loved music and enjoyed playing the piano, flute, dulcimer, harmonica, and ukulele with his family.
From his father, Alex developed a love of birding and had a deep interest in ornithology throughout high school and college, organizing many trips and working with the Audubon Society. He was often seen birding on the side of the road with his binoculars or hiking in the woods with Einstein, the family pup. Alex loved sailing, skiing, racket sports and renovating houses. He had boundless energy, a beloved sense of humor and unflappable creativity and kindness.
He served on boards and supported local and philanthropic organizations. Alex viewed raising a family and becoming a grandfather as his proudest accomplishments. He was happiest sharing his many gifts with his family and being involved in his children’s lives, taking on roles like coaching and substitute teaching.
Alex was a deeply devoted parent and husband. He is survived by his wife, Deirdre. He leaves behind his sons, Eliot Hiam of New Rochelle, NY and his spouse, Jessica; Paul Hiam and his partner, Mary Claire Abbot of Staatsburg, NY and their son, Paul Edwin; his daughter, Noelle Hiam and her partner, Nick Aives of Bolinas, California and their daughter, Mona; and his youngest two Sadie and Eisa Hiam of Putney, VT. Alex also leaves behind two grandchildren, two sisters, Claire Telford of California and Joan Hiam of New Rochelle, NY; and a twin brother, Jerry Hiam of Putney, VT; extended family and many dear friends.
A Service was held at the Friends Meeting House on March 2, 2024. Those who would like to commemorate Alex are encouraged to do so by donating to WHOI. Link to donate, https://www.whoi.edu/give-now. Please select ‘Honor or Memorial Gift’ on the third page of the donation form and type in “Alex Hiam.”
Information for this obituary is from the Boston Globe