Alan Vern Elwood

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Alan Vern Elwood. Born on March 12, 1953, in Ogden, UT, to Vern and Uarda Hansen Elwood. He was raised in Roy, with his siblings, Jim Elwood (deceased), Betty Orton (Gary), and Lynn Elwood (Jim). Alan lived a vibrant and full life, always seeking to make the world around him a better place. He passed away peacefully on May 11, 2023, leaving behind cherished memories and a legacy of love.

He married his best friend and loving wife, Diana Glover in 1972, who stood by his side through thick and thin. Together they had three children, whom he would beam with pride and bragged about often. Alan’s legacy to date is his adoring wife, Diana, his children: Mike (Paige), Matt, Treana Williams (Kyle),  grandchildren: Eric (Desiree),  Nikoli (deceased), Shayla Allen (Tykee), Saria (deceased), Samantha Morrison (Kye Nalder), Devin, Alyssa Morrison, Brodyn Williams. great grandchildren: Brylee, Taylor, Theo, Odin and one on the way.

Alan was an exemplary resource manager at the Department of Defense at Fort Douglas, where his keen intellect and strong work ethic earned him the respect of his colleagues. His career spanned over three decades. In addition, he diligently served in the Army Reserves for nearly four decades, retiring as a Command Sergeant Major. During his time at Fort Douglas, he helped shape the lives of countless individuals with the skills that he learned from the many amazing mentors that assisted him. Alan's dedication to his work was matched only by his devotion to his family.

Alan was always straight forward with his advice. He had the ability to tell you to go to hell, and make you smile on the way there. At the same time, he empowered you to make your own decision. He gave you the confidence that your choice was correct for your situation.

Alan loved to create items from wood and his face would show sheer happiness whenever he was working with it. He was an avid coin collector, model train connoisseur and a master at computer pool. His love for music allowed him to bond with others in different ways from making speaker cabinets to relating to a song. Additional hobbies were hi-fi electronics, cruising in his Camaro, and creating a large library of music. He was a fanatical runner. He was able to keep the number tag and t-shirt from every race he ran. Alan and Diana were able to remodel two of their homes and endured to see the results of their hard work. He wasn’t the biggest fan of yard work, but he would dig in and grow yummy vegetables.

Alan was always quick to lend a hand or an ear, whichever the situation called for. His family was always appreciative of his wide array of knowledge. He knew how to bond with people, little or big, rich or poor, he was able to speak your language. He listened with an understanding and willingness to help wherever he could. Whether he was briefing the Army command at Fort Douglas, or playing with his infant grandchildren; his voice carried the weight of wisdom and ages. His unconditional love never stopped flowing. He loved to connect and bond with the people in his life.

Alan was diagnosed with Pulmonary fibrosis in 2015 and was gifted a lung transplant in 2016. We are grateful and blessed to have had an additional seven years to enjoy and learn. There is not enough gratitude to be expressed to the organ donor, and the medical groups at the University of Utah Hospital. He enjoyed every moment of his time until his body gave out. HOO-RAH!

A Celebration of Life Open House will be at 1512 W. 500 S. Layton, Utah 84041, on 20 May, from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm with military honors at 11:30. All are welcome to come share their stories as he loved to hear them. Light luncheon will be served.

As we mourn the loss of a remarkable man and celebrate his life, we invite all those who knew Alan to leave memories and upload photos to the memorial page, honoring his spirit and preserving the love he shared with so many.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Alan Vern Elwood, please visit our floral store.