Alan Ferris

Alan Edwin Ferris Alan Ferris, cherished husband, father, grandfather and uncle, died unexpectedly on April 30, 2014. He earned a B.A. degree in Chemistry from Dartmouth College where he graduated Phi Beta Kappa, and a MBA degree from Harvard Business School. During the Vietnam War, he served in the Defense Intelligence Agency where he was awarded the prestigious Joint Services Medal for his outstanding contribution in intelligence operations. He later joined Exxon's venture capital unit evaluating technologically oriented businesses. Along with Madeleine, his wife of 46 years, his father and brother, he co-founded Arruth Associates, Inc, a real estate acquisition, management and development company of multifamily residential rental communities along with the development and sale of high end condominiums and retail space. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, since 1979, Arruth has participated in the acquisition and development of nearly 6,000 units located in multiple states in the South, Midwest, and Southwest. With 120 employees, half of whom have been with Arruth for more than 5 years, some as long as 40 years, Arruth is a business family - not merely in words, but in performance and deeds. To anyone who ever met Alan Ferris for even the most fleeting of moments, he was among the smartest and kindest of men. He was a quiet, understated force of nature - not a tornado brandishing power, but more like the ocean - quietly, and in an unassuming and gentle way, supporting and guiding everyone in his ambit. His brilliant mind was never used to brag, but rather to analyze, find solutions, direct, share, guide, mentor and teach with limitless patience. While Alan and his wife, Madeleine, have worked tirelessly together at Arruth, the center of their personal universe revolved around each other and family - their two children , Greg and Katie, their spouses, three grandchildren, nieces and nephews.There will be a memorial service in Houston to celebrate Alan's life at a date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The American Heart Association or Life Gift.