Alan was born 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 KOA 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 was preceded in death by his grandparents, John (Pa) and Grace (Ma) Martin; parents Ivan and Mildred Ruark; and sister Leslie (Ruark) York.

Lewiston Tribune January 8, 2014