Allan M. Blad

Allan Meldrum Blad, 48, passed away January 25, 2015 peacefully in his home after a valiant battle with cancer. Born May 25th, 1966 in Payson, Utah to Merlin and Lois Blad, he grew up in Panaca, Nevada until his family moved to Pocatello, Idaho in 1975. He was the oldest of eight children, proud to be the A of the A-B-C-D-E-F-G-H. As a child he was the mastermind of the mischief that he and his two younger brothers would cause. Growing up, and into his teenage and adult years, playing sports was one of his passions. While attending Highland High School he played football, basketball, volleyball, ran track and cross country, eventually becoming an All-State cross country runner his senior year. He played saxophone (both tenor and alto) in the marching band, and was a member of Highland’s all-male drill team, Blackwatch. His love for music extended beyond playing saxophone, as he played the guitar and was a DJ from high school until shortly after the birth of his first child. Listening to and sharing great music was something he will always be remembered for. In 1984, Allan graduated from Highland, and a year later served a full-time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Saints in the Italy Rome Mission from 1985 to 1987.
The fall of 1988 would turn out to be a magical one, as he met Janet Olsen while attending Idaho State University. After chasing her, he proposed, and they were married for time and all eternity in the Idaho Falls Temple on February 10, 1989. Their small family moved to Cache Valley in November of 1994 to open up a branch of the family business, Merlin’s Insulation, where Allan worked as manager and part owner until his illness. He enjoyed working with his father, brothers and his uncle Dale, and could figure out how to insulate anything. He took great pride in his work, always seeking to do the best job possible and charge a fair price.
As a father of six, he spent countless hours teaching and coaching his kids in soccer, baseball, basketball, music, and whole host of other activities. Active in the LDS church through his entire life, he spent nearly a decade working with young men (including 4 of his sons), serving as the 11 year old scout leader, Assistant Scoutmaster and finally the Scoutmaster of Troop 357 for 8 years. Service was one of his trademarks, as he was happy to lend his skills for any neighborhood or ward project. His handiwork can be found all over his ward, as well as his own home. Solving problems and getting things done right was something he enjoyed, and passed onto his sons. He continued actively playing sports (and being one of the best on the court or field) until his illness slowed him down. He made many great friends through all the softball, basketball and volleyball he played over the years.
Above all, Allan’s greatest joy was his family. His wife and kids were his number one priority, and each family member felt his love for them personally. Two of his sons have followed in his footsteps, serving LDS missions. He and Janet were able to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary last February, as well as the marriage of their first son in the Boston Temple in May. Whether traveling, attending his children’s activities, or simply being at home, Allan always had a smile on his face and laughter in his voice. His greatest legacy will be the happiness that he spread to so many others.
Allan is survived by his wife Janet; children Allan Jr. (Ashley), Josh, Mike, Sam, Laralyn, and Levi; parents Merlin and Lois; younger siblings Brian (Laura), Cory (Bonnie), Darlyn Harvey (Chris), Elaine Lewis (Jay), Felicia Bawden (Shaun), Gus (Melanie), and Hailey Miller (Kyler); father and mother-in-law Jim and JoEllen Olsen; and many wonderful brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews, uncles, aunts and cousins. He was preceded in death by both sets of grandparents, Carl & Loueda Blad and Fred & Alene Tuttle.
The family wishes to express thanks to the Huntsman Cancer Institute, especially the clinic 1a staff and doctors for their kindness and diligence in helping Allan and his family through this awful diagnosis and battle. Thanks also to the Cache Valley Foundation of Hope for their tremendous support and help, and all the wonderful family members, friends and community members who have rallied to the family’s side from the diagnosis to now. They were showered in so many act of love, service and kindness throughout Allan’s illness. As he put it, “Truly we [were] surrounded by God’s angels.”
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Huntsman Cancer Research Institute or the Cache Valley Foundation for Hope.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, Jan. 31st at the Providence Stake Center (180 South 485 West in Providence). A viewing will be held Friday evening, 6-8pm at the Allen-Hall Mortuary, 34 East Center St. in Logan, and Saturday morning, 11 am-12:30 pm at the stake center. Allan will be interred in the Providence Cemetery. Condolences and thoughts may be expressed online at www.allenmortuaries.net .