Alan Dale Springer, 54, loving father, son, uncle, grandfather, brother and friend passed away from lung complications Monday, Sept. 29, 2008, at Benefis Health Care in Great Falls.
Cremation has taken place and his memorial service will be 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, 2008, at the Fifth Avenue Christian Church with Chad Leathermon officiating. A fellowship hour will be held at the church immediately after the service. The interment will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions in Alan’s honor may be made to Alcoholics Anonymous. Services and arrangements have been entrusted to Holland & Bonine Funeral Home. Alan was born Oct. 8, 1953, to Clyde and Ruth Springer in Havre. He attended Havre schools graduating from Havre High School in 1972. He then attended Northern Montana College. Alan married Vicki Peterson in 1979 in Lima and from that marriage came two beautiful daughters. Although they called Lima home, Alan, Vicki and the girls traveled throughout the state while Alan worked construction jobs. Alan and Vicki divorced in 1988. Alan’s career continued to center around the big construction machines that he liked so much, and his work took him throughout Montana, Wyoming and Idaho. He worked sometimes as a welder and a mechanic, and added certified blasting expertise along the way, but climbing aboard anything huge with a big motor, giant tires or tracks, and that could move a lot of dirt was always his favorite. Two big projects he was proud to have worked on were a railroad converted to a bicycle trail across Idaho and the Old Works Golf Course near Anaconda. Sadly, an accident involving one of his favorite big machines left him injured and began the decline in his health. He never lost his fascination for the heavy equipment, though, and worked toward staying connected to the industry. Just a few months ago he had completed design of small equipment that could be pulled behind an ATV and had hoped to begin production later this year. His struggle with health issues brought that project to an end, but Alan had held out hope he’d be able to complete the project right up to a couple of weeks before his passing. He married Veronica Strong a few years ago but they later divorced in 2008. He was preceded in death by his father, Clyde Springer. Alan is survived by his mother, Ruth Springer of Havre; his brother, Gary Springer of Havre; two daughters, Brittanee Springer of Peachtree City, Ga., and Lindsey Springer and grandson, Tevon, both of Great Falls; a niece, Jenna Springer of Billings; nephew, Cory Springer of Saginaw, Texas; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and many good friends.
