Alan J. Ruark of Lake Havasu, Ariz., passed away Thursday, Jan. 2, 2014, in Las Vegas, surrounded by his family. Alan was born April 28, 1943, in Lewiston, to Ivan and Mildred (Martin) Ruark. He attended grade school in Golden, Idaho. His family relocated to Grangeville, where he graduated from high school in 1961. Alan married Gail Frazer on Nov. 17, 1962. Alan and Gail soon welcomed two daughters, Chris and Cheryl. Alan resided in Grangeville and Elk City, working for Ida-Pine Mills and the state highway department. In 1966, he was transferred to Deary with the state highway department.
Alan later went to work for Alan Whitcomb Trucking, and then Richard Johnson Trucking. Alan purchased his own logging truck in 1972, which was the start of Alan Ruark Trucking. He enjoyed a long career in the logging industry. Alan and Gail relocated to Lewiston in 1985 and added a second logging truck to their trucking business. Due to health issues in 1995, Alan and Gail sold their trucking business and pursued a new career purchasing a recreational vehicle park in Quartzsite, Ariz. They owned and managed Kofa Mountain RV Park for 13 years, meeting many new friends. Alan also was a partner in Little Idaho LLC, developing residential lots in Arizona and Idaho. In 2008, Alan and Gail permanently retired. They moved to Lake Havasu in 2010, where they resided at the time of Alan's death.
Alan was active for many years in the Associated Logging Contractors of Idaho and served on the Board of Governor's for the Associated Logger's Exchange of Idaho. He was a member of the Lewis-Clark Moose Lodge.
Alan enjoyed vacationing and socializing with family and friends. He enjoyed spending time on the desert four-wheeling, at bonfires and golfing. Alan was most happy supporting his daughters and grandson in any activities they pursued.
Alan is survived by his wife, Gail, at their home in Lake Havasu; daughters Chris Zwerneman of Lewiston, and Cheryl (Steve) Culton of Buckley, Wash.; grandson Zac Zwerneman of Lewiston; and niece LeeAnne (Doug) Gabica of Ferdinand.
Alan was preceded in death by his grandparents, John (Pa) and Grace (Ma) Martin; parents Ivan and Mildred Ruark; and sister Leslie (Ruark) York.
Viewing will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. Friday at Malcom's Brower-Wann Funeral Home, 1711 18th St., Lewiston. A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at Mt. Idaho Cemetery outside of Grangeville. A memorial service will follow at 2 p.m. at Malcom's Brower-Wann Funeral Home, with a dinner reception immediately following at the Clarkston Moose Lodge, 814 Sixth St.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to the Associated Loggers of Idaho, Heart Flight Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 671, Coeur d'Alene, ID, 83816 or the Ronald McDonald House.
Service Information
- Date & Time
- Saturday, January 11, 2:00 PM
- Location
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Malcom's Brower-Wann Funeral Home
1711 18th Street
Lewiston, ID 83501
Get Directions - Additional Details
- Viewing will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. Friday at Malcom's Brower-Wann Funeral Home, 1711 18th St., Lewiston. A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at Mt. Idaho Cemetery outside of Grangeville. A memorial service will follow at 2 p.m. at Malcom's Brower-Wann Funeral Home, with a dinner reception immediately following at the Clarkston Moose Lodge, 814 Sixth St.
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1711 18th Street