William Alexander; Wealthy Arts Benefactor Lived Simply

William Alexander, an architect and philanthropist who supported myriad Southern California arts groups, has died. He was 87.

Alexander, an unassuming millionaire who became wealthy investing in real estate, died Monday in Los Angeles.

Despite his wealth, Alexander lived simply in a small house in the Hollywood Hills and drove a station wagon that had seen better days.

“I don’t care for gilded luxuries,” he told The Times in 1989 when he was honored by one of his many beneficiaries, the America Israel Cultural Foundation. Among other contributions, Alexander set up an annual $25,000 scholarship for promising Israeli artists.

Then-Mayor Tom Bradley sent him a certificate commending him for “enriching the city of Los Angeles.”

Alexander, however, eschewed formal accolades as much as an extravagant lifestyle. He even disliked hearing about his habit of “giving,” calling the word too one-sided.

“I’d rather call it personalized sharing,” he said. “All the leftovers keep me rich--the vibrations I get from the people and the music and art they create.”

Gordon Davidson, executive director of the Mark Taper Forum and the Ahmanson Theatre, commented a few years ago on Alexander as a benefactor: “He doesn’t do it for ego, or for self-aggrandizement at all, but because he has a true generosity of spirit.”

Alexander did far more than donate money. He volunteered his energy and enthusiasm for whatever was needed--allowing a struggling artist to live in his home, pouring drinks at a reception or mopping the floor.

For several years, Alexander ran a shop called the Mart in West Hollywood that sold crafts made by local artists and folk art he bought on his travels around the world.

Among the groups touched by Alexander’s generosity were Friends of the USC School of Music, the Arnold Schoenberg Institute at USC, the UCLA Design for Sharing, the American Youth Symphony, the Los Angeles Mozart Orchestra, the Craft and Folk Art Museum and the Thai Arts Council.

Asked once how he should be characterized, Alexander told a reporter: “As a classic. That’s how I want to be remembered.”

A memorial service is scheduled for 11 a.m. Sunday at Theatre West, 3333 Cahuenga Blvd. Donations can be made to Theatre West or to the UCLA Design for Sharing, which introduces inner-city youths to the fine arts.