Dyann Mae Kahny Alexander was born on January 4, 1932 in Pierce, Nebraska, the youngest child of Frank and Emma (nee Kolterman) Kahny. Her lifelong walk of faith began with her baptism on January 24, 1932 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Pierce.
Born on the cusp of the dust bowl, Dyann was not in Nebraska long before her family lost their farm and headed west in May 1937. They arrived in Springfield, Oregon later that summer. When she was 11, her family moved north to Gresham. They joined Immanuel Lutheran Church in Sandy where Dyann was confirmed in her faith on May 20, 1945. Upon arrival in Oregon, Dyann began piano lessons and her lifelong enjoyment of music. She eventually crossed over to organ and served as a church organist at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Sandy, Redeemer Lutheran Church in Gresham, and was a reliable fill-in organist at other churches in the east Portland area. Her musical gift was much appreciated and will be greatly missed.
On May 19, 1949, Dyann graduated from Sandy Union High School and almost immediately went to work for the school as the attendance secretary. It was clearly a community of which she was proud to be a part. She worked there for 28 years and was beloved by staff and students alike. Anyone who graduated from Sandy High during those years will remember Dyann fondly.
In the early 50’s, a mutual friend introduced Dyann to a good-looking young man. Dyann remembered that the man drove a nice car and looked “pretty good” in his navy uniform. She invited him to church and in time, the sparks flew. On May 29, 1954, Dyann married this handsome young man, the love of her life, Richard (Dick) Alexander. They made their home in Gresham and in 1958, purchased their home on Northwest 4th Street where they lived for over sixty years until Dick’s passing on March 31, 2021.
After her retirement from Sandy High School, Dyann pursued her interest in graphoanalysis, the study of handwriting and its association with personality traits, which she began in 1969. In 1986, she and her co-author, Ellen Hoygaard, published “Investigative Handwriting Analysis: Traits and Psychology” and that same year, Dyann became a lifetime member of IGAS, the International Graphoanalysis Society.
Dyann promoted handwriting analysis through seminars, lectures, classes and television. She taught an adult education course at Mt. Hood Community College and worked with counselors, teachers, clergy, attorneys and in the private sector. On occasion, she was asked to testify for legal cases as a handwriting analysis expert.
At this point it may be safe to reveal that Dyann acted as the Mt. Hood Community College school mascot, Barney the St. Bernard, at sporting events and other school functions, which was a well-kept secret for many years.
In retirement, Dyann and Dick enjoyed traveling around the country in their motorhome, especially to their property in Prineville, Oregon with their beloved dogs, first Aries and later, Charlotte.
Dyann will be remembered as a woman of strong faith, a bright smile, a sassy sense of humor and an encouraging word for anyone she met.
Dyann is survived by her nephews Steve Binger (Theresa) and Jim Kahny (Doray), and her nieces Joan Kahny Yoder (Alan) and Marilyn Kahny Sippy (Martin), and her brother-in-law Rod Binger.
Dyann was preceded in death by her husband, Dick; her parents, Emma and Frank Kahny; her brother Eldon Kahny, her beloved sister, Helen Binger; and her sister-in-law Emily Kahny.
Memorials may be sent to the Salvation Army of Gresham, Guide Dogs for the Blind, or Bristol Hospice.