Alan Taylor Black

Alan Taylor "Buddy" Black, born on March 20, 1956, in the historic town of Fort Monmouth, New Jersey, to Calvin and Carolyn Black was a beacon of adventurous spirit and strength to all who knew him. On January 4, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family, Buddy peacefully passed away in West Jordan, Utah, after a brave journey with Alzheimer's Dementia.
Buddy, as he was affectionately known, graduated from San Juan High School, where he laid the foundation for a life characterized by hard work and determination. His career began deep in the earth as a uranium miner, where he learned the value of perseverance. Later, he navigated the country's vast highways as a truck driver, before finally settling down as a motel manager-owner, where his entrepreneurial spirit shone brightly.
Buddy was a devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, a man of deep faith who lived his life as a testament to the values he held dear. He was a pillar in his community, often sharing his wisdom and compassion with those around him. His life was a living example of LDS virtues, and his legacy is a reflection of his unwavering belief in kindness and service. Buddy was a volunteer for the Blanding fire department for years and later in life he joined San Juan Counties search and rescue where he worked beside many selfless people who would go the extra mile to help their fellow man.
Buddy's love for the outdoors was boundless. He found solace and joy in hiking canyons and riding motorcycles and four-wheelers with his family and friends. One of his favorite sayings was
"Born to live, live to Ride" The ridges and valleys of Elk Ridge were like a second home to him, where he would camp under the stars, roasting marshmallows to the perfect golden brown, sharing stories and laughter with his loved ones. Hunting was more than a pastime; it was a passion, and he relished every opportunity to venture into the wilderness in search of adventure.
Family was the cornerstone of Buddy's life. He was a devoted husband to his wife Luanna of almost 50 years, and a loving father to his children: the late Taylor Black, married to Marci; Todd Black, with his wife Lizi; Natauni Black Sedillo; Katerina Nicole Black; and Tason Black. He was also a cherished grandfather to fifteen grandchildren, who will carry forward the lessons and love he imparted.
Buddy will be remembered as a man who was as handy with tools as he was with words of encouragement. His courage was evident not only in his battle with illness but also in the way he approached life's challenges head-on. Those who knew him were touched by his adventurous spirit and inspired by his ability to find joy in every moment.
Today, we celebrate the life of Alan "Buddy" Black, a man who lived fully, loved deeply, and left an indelible mark on the hearts of all who were privileged to know him. As we bid farewell to Buddy, we take comfort in the knowledge that his spirit lives on in the memories we hold dear and in the beauty of the natural world he so loved to explore.