BILLINGS, Mont. — With deep sadness we announce the death of Alan Serafin on Jan. 30, 2020, at the age of 49. Alan died tragically after crashing his truck near his home in Billings, Mont.
Born April 22, 1970, to David and Linda Serafin in Burlington, Vt., Alan was the third of four children — little brother to both Deborah and David Jr., and big brother to Gail.
Alan attended Bristol schools through sophomore year, at which time he became a member of the Middlebury Union High School graduating class of 1988. Alan enjoyed soccer, football and lacrosse team sports but much preferred a solitary hike, a long ride on his bike or motorcycle, or quiet time on a local lake. Alan’s adventures on Vermont ski slopes led him to the mountains of Colorado. For many years Alan explored the west, eventually settling in Montana, where the mountains are taller and the rivers wider, and the hunting and fishing spectacular.
Alan’s life was blessed with the birth of Victoria E. Bliss in 1993 and again with the birth of his son Joshua Alan Serafin in 1996. A happy and fun-loving father, he supported his children in all of their activities. His easy-going energy and immense love allowed Tori and Josh to explore and create adventures of their own, knowing they always had a safe place to land with Alan.
Alan was a well-respected businessman throughout Montana. A master electrician, Alan used his skills assisting many area churches, most recently volunteering to update the electrical system at Camp on the Boulder in McLeod, Mont. With Faith Chapel, Alan completed three mission trips to Ethiopia, installing solar pumps to provide the children of New Hope orphanage and the people of the surrounding community with clean drinking water. Alan helped complete the building of a boy’s dormitory and was looking forward to his fourth mission and the chance to reconnect with the children with whom he had formed a close bond.
Alan continued to enjoy his time on the slopes as a volunteer with Eagle Mount Adaptive Program, which provides individuals with a range of disabilities the opportunity to ski. He rafted the Yellowstone, took road trips throughout Canada, and was comfortable setting up camp anywhere in the mountains. Alan was continuing to strengthen his faith, sharing his humor and sense of adventure with his church family, and welcomed new relationships.
Alan leaves his children Joshua and Tori of Billings Mont.; his mother Linda of Shoreham; sister Deborah and Mike Orvis of Bristol; brother David and Julie Serafin of Mont.; and sister Gail and Bill Barrett of Brandon. Alan was uncle to Tony, Doug, Ben and Rachael Orvis, and Max, Nicholas, and Charlie Serafin. He also leaves several uncles, aunts and cousins, his ex-wife Nikki, and the David and Sheila Lathrop family. His father David Sr. predeceased Alan, in 2016.
Alan’s Memorial Service was held at Faith Chapel in Billings. A celebration of his life will take place this summer in Vermont. In lieu of flowers, a scholarship has been established in Alan’s name to send a volunteer to Africa each year with Faith Chapel. Also, it is encouraged to always wear your seatbelt and to support organ donation.◊