John Alan Mann passed away on July 28 from injuries sustained in a cycling accident while visiting family in Jacksonville, Florida. He was 70 years old.
Alan, who lived in West Valley City, Utah, was born in Bountiful on March 8, 1950 to David Horace Mann, a journalist, and Mary Hadfield Mann, a homemaker. He was the third of six children. After graduating from Viewmont High School in 1968, Alan served a mission from 1969 to 1971 for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Missouri and Kansas, known as the Central States Mission. He graduated from Brigham Young University, Provo, in 1978 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Product Design. He worked as a designer for the Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) for 38 years before retiring in 2017.
Alan married Deena Daniels on July 9, 1976, in the LDS temple in Salt Lake City for time and eternity. They were married 44 years and had four children. He was a dedicated father and spent his retirement years traveling between Alaska, California and Florida visiting his children and grandchildren.
Alan was a stalwart man of faith and well-respected community church leader, serving in the Bishopric, High Council and Sunday School Presidency for his local LDS ward. He was a missionary throughout his life and could often be found serving others in different capacities, ranging from helping with home repairs to administering priesthood blessings. He and Deena loved attending the temple and did so on a regular basis. He enjoyed studying gospel principles. He truly was a Disciple of Christ. He sought to emulate Him in all that he did.
A gift unbenounced to him was the ability to have meaningful conversations with the one that would otherwise have felt to be a stranger at a gathering.
Alan had a passion for classic cars and spent many hours fixing engines, restoring a 1940 Ford Pickup, and frequenting car shows with his beloved wife. A talented illustrator, classic cars were his favorite subject.
Throughout his life, Alan enjoyed playing basketball, cycling, swimming and staying physically fit. As a young man, he raced dirt bikes. In later years, when weather allowed, he and Deena cycled nearly every day. Throughout the winter months they could be found together at the local recreation center. He took pride in having competed in and completed multiple triathlons.
Alan is survived by his wife; children Alan Reid (Megan Christopherson), Aaron Tyler, Melanie (Justin McGinnis) and Benjamin Scott (Jessica Wathen); and eight grandchildren.
Jackson, Aiva, Charlie, Sloan, Harvey Wyatt, Bridger, and Kennedy.
Sister Roberta (Kraig) Fox, Brothers; David (Terry) Mann, Mark (Karen) Mann, Paul (Becky) Mann and Don (Janene) Mann.
Take time in your life to Love and Eat M&Ms, Good and Plenty and Chocolate Chip Mint Ice Cream and Remember, always Remember to be Kind.
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