Alan Dean Harrison

Alan Dean Harrison was born to his single mother, Margaret Harrison, in the living room of a pioneer log home in Malad, Idaho, on July 20, 1937.  His schooling was in Malad. At first, he had a hard time with ADHD and a stutter. But he worked hard to overcome those challenges. He was sometimes ostracized, due to the circumstances of his birth. Gratefully, there were some significant and caring adults to help him along, including aunts, uncles, a good bishop, and his high school coach.  His mother refused to let him play football, much to his sorrow. Instead, he participated in track and field sports. The coach made him team manager for all the sports. He has been a sports fan all his life, especially for football.  

         As a teenager he got work as a cowboy at a local large ranch owned by the governor of Idaho. The rancher saw his qualities and intelligence, and urged him to go to college. Alan attended Ricks College. He also joined the U.S. Army. He was stationed on a missile base in Germany. If the U.S. President issued a go order, it was Alan’s task to assist in arming the missiles, loading them and then punching the launch button. He was on high alert during the Cuban Missile Crisis, awaiting President Kennedy’s orders. During his time in the Army, he traveled extensively in Europe.

         He married Merrilie Miner, daughter of the Mayor of Logan. They are the parents of three children, Lisa Lynn Harrison, deceased; Lance Alan Harrison (m. Kelly Ann Kiser; son Bryce Alan Harrison); and Cynthia Lynn Harrison.  

         Alan earned a degree from Utah State University in mechanical engineering, and began his career with Ford Motor Company. His first assignment was in Arizona at Ford’s proving ground. Soon he was taken to Ford headquarters in Detroit. His supervisors soon saw that his greatest talents were in leadership, where he spent most of his career. He earned a master’s degree in engineering from the University of Michigan.

         After a lengthy battle with Type 1 diabetes, Merrilie died in June 2003 in Henderson, Nevada. In October of the same year, Alan made friends with Carolyn and CD Roode. Carolyn was a former mission companion of Ann Summerhays Bushman. She connected Alan and Ann, and they were married in the Washington D.C. Temple on June 8, 2004.  

         Alan and Ann made a lovely home in Montclair, Virginia, south of Washington DC. There Alan pursued his great passion for gardening. Many neighbors stopped by to admire his beautiful gardens. 

         He was a faithful and active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from childhood on.  Although he was unable to serve a full-time mission, he was called as a Stake Missionary while serving in Germany to teach US and Canadian Military personnel. He served as a bishop twice, and with his first wife was called by President Gordon B. Hinckley to open a branch of the Church in the inner city of Detroit. There are now several wards in that area. He also served as a Temple ordinance worker in the Las Vegas, Nevada, and Washington D.C. Temples.  

         He is the longest living male in his family line, after losing Joel and Jess Harrison, his twin brothers. They are survived by their wives, Sally Harrison and Karen Harrison. He is also survived by his son Lance Alan Harrison (m. Kelly Ann Kiser) and grandson Bryce Alan Harrison, and his daughter, Cynthia Lynn Harrison; also by stepchildren, Kessa Diann Jeppson (m. Adam Jeppson); Robin Hastings (m. David Hastings); Jesse S. Bushman (m. Paralee Leonard); Nathan S. Bushman (m. Heather Lancaster); Jaron R. Bushman; Anna L. Bushman, and one grandson, 18 step grandchildren and 10 step-great-grandchildren. 

         Funeral services will be held September 20, 2025, in the Mt. Pleasant North Stake Center (461 N 300 W) at 10:00 a.m. with a viewing for close friends and family starting at 9:00 a.m. Interment will follow in the Logan City Cemetery at 3:00 p.m.  

         The family would like to thank all who helped during his final days.   

To Watch Funeral Services Live, Click Here. The Zoom Link will Activate at 9:45 a.m. MST prior to services.