Alan Layne Siddoway

Alan Layne Siddoway passed away on October 11 at the age of 62 in his home at Rockport, Utah, while surrounded by loved ones after a brief but valiant fight with pancreatic cancer.

Born at Dugway Proving Grounds in May 1964, Alan and his parents, Merlene and Francis (Fritz) Siddoway, moved to the family farm in Rockport when he was 11. He continued the 100-year-old family legacy of farming and ranching for the next 51 years of his life. He was deeply passionate about his family’s history and the history of the town of Rockport.

He married his “dear” LouDean McNeil on March 28, 1987 in the Echo Church and was later sealed to her in the Salt Lake Temple on June 17, 1991.

In January 1985, Alan joined the Summit County Sheriff’s Office, where he worked for nearly 42 years as a peace officer and held positions as Captain and Lieutenant. During that time, he also served as a Medical Death Investigator for three decades, providing comfort and compassion to families during their darkest hours. He briefly left the Sheriff’s Office in 2008 to work as the Chief Investigator at the Utah State Medical Examiner’s Office. With the Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Team (DMORT), he helped identify the remains of disaster victims and reunite them with loved ones for Korean Flight 801 in Guam, the World Trade Center Terrorist Attacks, and Hurricane Katrina.

Alan especially treasured his role as sheriff’s liaison to Summit County Search and Rescue, where his calling and mission was to serve tirelessly with dedicated volunteers, coming to the aid of lost and endangered individuals in all kinds of weather, all hours of the day and night.

In spite of his many achievements and years of service, Alan preferred to stay out of the spotlight, valuing service itself above recognition. Before his passing, he was overwhelmed and honored to learn that the Search and Rescue Building in Kamas was dedicated as the Alan Siddoway Mountain Rescue Center.

When not farming or responding to SAR calls, Alan enjoyed traveling and spending time with family and close friends, whether it was a road trip, a picnic in the Uintas, Disneyland, or a cruise. He collected antique farm implements and horse-drawn carriages “just to love.” Among every role he had, he cherished being a grandpa to his two granddaughters more than anything else, and was a devoted husband, father, son, uncle, and friend. His legacy is one of love, compassion, hard work, faith, and service.

Alan is survived by his wife of 39 years, LouDean, his son Derek and “daughter” Brianna, their daughters, Everly and Melody, siblings Connie (Kelly) Whiting, Judy (Farzin) Goran, Michael (Cheri) LeFevre and mother, Merlene. He was preceded in death by his father, Fritz.

A viewing will be held at the Old Church in Rockport State Park on Friday, October 16 from 6-8 pm and on Saturday, October 17 at the LDS Stake Center in Coalville, Utah from 10:30-11:30 am. Following the viewing, funeral services are scheduled for 12 pm at the Coalville Stake Center or streamed online through Walker Mortuary.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests trees be planted in Alan’s memory.