Alan Scott Rupp

I worked for one of the many distributors of Derby pie; I guess that made me Alan's customer. I realized what a special guy he was after seeing him on the dock making the deliveries for Kern's Kitchen. He could have been home just collecting his check as president of the company, but he never did that. He was hands-on involved in every aspect of the business and I never heard anything negative from him or about him.

Really an extraordinary guy who didn't try to get you to see that quality in him; it was just there. He had a sense of humor as well, even when guarding his treasured trademark. I once told a friend at work that my wife had made Derby pie and shared how I explained to her that she did NOT make Derby pie as that could only come from Kern's Kitchen and was a registered trademark. I made a comment that I wasn't going to let her call her creation Derby pie as I did not want to hear from Alan's attorneys. Yes, the next day, I received a call from Alan saying that he heard that I was claiming to have Derby pie made in my home and that the letter was in the mail.

The kentucky restaurant association had their annual golf scramble at oxmoor country club for many years and I once had the pleasure of playing in the group in front of the Kerns group, which was headed up by Alan. After hitting my shot over water,and onto the rocks guarding the green,then bouncing onto the green near the hole, I heard Alan scream from behind "great shot lucky"now make that putt! Which I did, and afterward in the clubhouse, Alan made sure I had a cold beer as he told the story of the lucky shot, to all at the table. Just a fun loving wonderful guy and certain to be missed by all who knew him!

On behalf of the Brookhaven Neighborhood Association in Hikes Point we are all deeply saddened about Alan's passing. Alan was always so kind and generous and he so graciously donated pies for our annual chili supper for the last 13 years. May his memory always be a true BLESSING and the spirit of "The Pie Man" will live forever in our hearts!! Rest in Paradise, Alan and we all extend our deepest most sympathy to your family.

Alan may have only been a client of mine, but certainly one of my favorites in all my years in sales. I´d enjoy seeing his number pop up because I knew I´d hear the most wonderful voice greeting me on the other end. Seeing is picture in the corridor in the Louisville airport would bring me so much joy, I´d wave at his picture and say "hi" to which I´m sure other travelers thought I was a loon. We would trade pies for popcorn when I´d visit Kern´s. He was always such a positive supporter for any nonprofit I´d call and make a request for. I can´t think of a single time when he wasn´t fully invested in anything we had to discuss, whether it be work, charity, or family. He was the salt of the earth, and I will always cherish my memories of him. Rest easy, friend. Maybe we´ll get to catch up for golf in the great beyond.

Every single time I saw the guy he made me laugh and smile. That is one of the things about him that made him so special. He never failed to greet me with a huge smile, strong handshake, and saying in his booming voice "Daaaan. How's it going?" I cherished the chance to see him, just for that greeting alone. But when you really got to talking with him, that's when you really began to understood what a special person he was. His optimistic outlook on everything was so damn refreshing. Being a scientist I am surrounded by skeptical cynics, hell I am a confirmed one myself, but for Alan cynicism seemed to be a foreign word. Every person was a good person, every day was a good day, and every single time I saw him, I came away filled with hope and optimism no matter what was going on in my own life at the time. The guy is one of the greats. Louisville never had a better friend, and I am so thankful that I became his friend, and for all the time I did get to spend in his presence. He made me a better person, and I know I can't be the only one. Next time I see you buddy, the Manhattan is on me. I promise you that.

Our hearts go out to you all. Losing a sibling or a parent is just so hard, there are no words for the sorrow you are all feeling. Time becomes so frozen & everything seems unreal. Alan will truly be missed by all. You are all in our thoughts & prayers during this sad time. Big hugs. Bruce & Kathy Garrison

Whenever he stepped into the room he always would say in a loud voice "Hey Luke how's it going!!"

I was Alan´s neighbor for many years before we moved. It didn´t matter if it was a holiday, I was sick, or had a baby he was always bringing me a pie. He had a great laugh, and was just a wonderful man. I´m so incredibly sorry for your loss.

Sorry to hear of Alan's passing. I started buying Derby pies for my catering business in 1994. I also put the mini pies in my KY Corporate gift boxes for client's the same year. I still drop off Derby Pies to people to thank them. Alan, you really left a legacy. Peace be with you.

Sorry to hear of his death, I am a Ledges Drive neighbor; wish I had known him better.

I was one of 2024 KY Derby Festival Princesses and we were lucky enough to meet Alan during our reign at the Kern’s Kitchen headquarters and at the Pegasus Parade. He and his sister did so much to make our experience feel special including giving us a special tour of Kern’s Kitchen, sending us home with so many pies + merch, and hosting us for a sit down Derby Pie tasting. We had a wonderful time learning about the history of Kern’s Kitchen and how to properly serve a Derby pie (scoring and all). The afternoon we spent with Alan was on one of my favorite Derby experiences and I was struck by his knowledge and hospitality . It’s clear he cared a lot about the company and family. So sorry for your all’s loss.

My brother Mike was one of the river rat buddies and in their high school years and early twenties, Alan would spend a lot of time at our home, so needless to say he became like one of my brothers. I´m so sorry for Ruth and the family. Such a terrible loss for all. My prayers are with you.