Alan William McNall, 54, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son and brother passed away on Monday, Aug. 8, 2011, at his home after a long battle with brain cancer.

He was born at Bonner County Hospital in Sandpoint on Nov. 8, 1956, the son of Francis and Beverly McNall. He attended schools in Sandpoint and graduated from Sandpoint High School in 1975.  

Alan married the love of his life, Robyn Lynn Halverson on May 28, 1977, at the St. Charles Church in Spokane.  

He began working at Wood’s Meat Processing right out of high school and in 1978 moved to the new meat plant and became a butcher. Alan was engaged in the farming and ranching of McNall Shorthorns since he was a teenager. He was responsible for a great deal of the genetic improvements to the McNall Shorthorn line over the years. He has run the McNall farming operations for the last 35 years. Since Alan’s grandparents, Bill and Catherine McNall brought the first Shorthorns to Sandpoint by covered wagon in 1922. The family has been exhibitors at the Bonner County Fair. Alan showed his first steer at the fair alongside his parents, Francis and Beverly McNall at a very young age.

Alan loved the outdoors immensely. In his earlier days he enjoyed horseback rides with family and friends, but more recently ATV’s replaced the horses for transportation while he was exploring the local mountains. Alan was an accomplished outdoorsman and woodsman. He grew up with a chain saw in his hand and when he was not busy with farming activities he was logging. 

Alan was an avid hunter. He hunted elk in southern Idaho, antelope in Wyoming, deer and elk on the McNall Ranch. Alan drew his moose permit in 2010 and took a near record size moose in the Selkirk’s in November.

Alan was a generous, caring and patient man. He touched many lives with his gentle soul and everyone he met became his friend. His generosity was exhibited by the countless hours he donated to the Bonner County 4-H program. He co-chaired the Market Animal Committee and was the leader of the Golden Grouse 4-H club for more than 20 years. He served as the Beef Barn Superintendent up to the time of his death.  

Alan was a member of the American Shorthorn Association, and was recognized for longtime involvement in the Shorthorn Breed.

Alan is survived by his beloved wife of 34 years, Robyn Lynn McNall; three children: Daniel (Amanda) McNall, Lindsay (Clint) Ducken and Jamie (Brad) Williams; his parents: Francis and Beverly McNall; grandchildren: Kami Lynn Williams, Brayden Clint Ducken, Maddi and Easton Alan McNall; siblings: James (Susan) McNall, Dennis (Kristy) McNall; Louise (Steve) Wood, Jan (Todd) Riley, Liz (Bert) Wood and Rose (Brad) Ropp; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be conducted at 6 p.m. today, Aug. 12, 2011, at the Events Center, 102 South Euclid Ave., Sandpoint.

The family suggests memorials be given to the Community Cancer Services, 1215 Michigan St., Sandpoint, ID 83864.

Family and friends are invited to sign Alan’s online guest book at www.coffeltfuneral.com.

Final arrangements are under the care of Coffelt Funeral service.