Alan Dennis Stine of Helena, Montana passed away on March 17, 2024, at home surrounded by his family. He was 65 years old.Alan was born on January 21, 1959, in Alton, Illinois, to parents Calvin “Denny” and Carolyn Stine, arriving minutes before his identical twin brother Brian. Their younger sister Cheryl joined the family 3 years later. He had fond memories of his childhood, including biking to his favorite fishing holes with his brother Brian, tomato fights in the garden, sailing the family boat on the Mississippi River, and attending baseball games for his lifelong favorite team, the St. Louis Cardinals.
Montana beckoned Alan to move west to attend the University of Montana in Missoula with an intended major in Forestry. After his first geology class, Alan changed his major and found his life’s calling, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Geology in 1981. During his time in Missoula, Alan embraced Montana’s outdoor lifestyle where he learned to backpack, hunt, camp, and ski.
Following graduation, Alan worked for a gold mine exploration company in Alaska. He also worked in the oil industry as a geologist and mud logger in the Williston Basin and western Oklahoma. He returned to Montana following mass layoffs in the oil industry and spent the winter in Bozeman as a proud member of the “Governor’s Ski Team,” where he and his friends drew unemployment and skied every day.
Alan attended Montana State University in Bozeman and received a Master of Science in Earth Sciences in 1986. During this time, he made lifelong friendships with fellow geologists at Traphagen Hall and as a fly-fishing guide across Montana.
In 1986, Alan was hired to open the Helena branch of Olympus Environmental Inc. Alan was passionate about his work as a professional geologist and was personally involved in cleaning up some of the Rocky Mountain region’s largest and most challenging environmental sites. In 1999, Alan and two other managers made the bold decision to buy the Montana and Idaho branches and start the employee-owned company, Olympus Technical Services, Inc. (OTS). He spent 15 years as the president of OTS, and under his leadership it became a thriving small business that developed a reputation for excellence.
After 35 years in the industry, Alan stepped down as president of OTS in March 2021, but continued working on projects he enjoyed. Throughout his time at OTS, Alan was recognized as an outstanding mentor and leader. In both his personal and professional life, Alan was known for his kindness, patience, humor, and strong sense of ethics.
Alan had a love for adventure and exploring all that life had to offer. Alan’s greatest adventure began with his marriage to Elizabeth “Liz” Lodman on September 9, 1995. They welcomed daughters Carolyn Ann “Carrie” in 1997 and Nicole Isabel in 2000.
Alan and Liz raised their girls with an appreciation for nature and exploring the outdoors, taking them backpacking, whitewater rafting, camping, and skiing. Alan loved to ski and spent many years as a coach for the Great Divide All-Mountain Ski Team. He organized several trips with family and friends to ski resorts across Montana and Canada, and later in life became a frequent backcountry skier.
Alan loved to bird hunt with his first labrador Tajmo and more recently with Addy the wonder dog. Alan was also a skilled oarsman with a love for floating and fishing Montana’s rivers. Some of his most memorable floats were through the Grand Canyon and twice on the South Fork of the Flathead River with a band of his friends. He departs this lifetime with a perfect record for never flipping a raft.
Each time Alan learned a new activity like windsurfing, bow hunting, making cider, back-country skiing, growing tomatoes, or woodworking, he was determined to do it the right way, with extensive research and the proper gear. Alan spent years landscaping and remodeling the family home where he built custom cabinets, a fireplace mantel, Adirondack ski chairs, and a pergola for his “cider nook” in the garden. His woodwork and craftmanship are a lasting reminder of his care and attention to detail.
Alan’s diagnosis of pancreatic cancer on February 14 was a shock, but he faced his final weeks with calm, peace, and no regrets, befitting his life motto: It is what it is.
Alan is survived by his wife of 28 years Liz, their children Carrie and Nicole, mother Carolyn Stine, brother Brian Stine (Mary), sister Cheryl Hill (Rob), brother-in-law Mark Lodman (Emily), nieces Anna Stine and Katie Volner (Sam); nephews Christopher Hill (Kate), and Chris Lodman; and his beloved canine companion, Addy. He is preceded in death by his father, Calvin “Denny” Stine.
The family suggests donations in Alan’s name be made to the Great Divide All Mountain Ski Team, KGLT radio, or the donor’s choice.
A celebration of Alan’s life is set for 12:30pm on Friday April 5, 2024, at the Myrna Loy in Helena, immediately followed by a reception at The Confluence/Brothers Tapworks. Additionally, a memorial service will be held Thursday April 4, 2024 at 4:00 pm at the St. Peter’s Episcopal Cathedral in Helena.
Oline guestbook may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com.
