Alan “Speck” Strand died peacefully at home on January 17th, holding the hand of his loving wife of 55 years, Nancy. Brought into the world by Virginia and Arne Strand in Puyallup Washington on May 24, 1945, he was raised in Bothell Washington, with older brother, Norman, and younger sister Nancy (deceased). Speck loved sports! He excelled in basketball, baseball, and football. As part of Bothell High School’s “fearsome fivesome”, he loved the camaraderie and brotherhood of the team and continued those friendships until his death. 

(Note: Dad made every attempt to excel at golf also. It was a hilarious thorn in his side that he never made a hole in one and that Mom had TWO!) 

Speck graduated from Bothell H.S. in 1963 and went on to join The Army National Guard in the mid-60s. After serving his country, which he dearly loved, he finished his degree in Health & Physical Education at Central Washington University. In 1968 he married Nancy (Haining) Strand, after professing his love on their third date! By 1969, they welcomed daughter, Kimberly (Blackburn) and in 1971, daughter Kelli (Daniels) joined the family.

In 1970, Alan joined the faculty at Bellevue High School, where he taught and coached football, baseball, and basketball for 8 years. Impressed by his work ethic and effectiveness, he accepted a promotion to Athletic Director. It was in this role that he made a difference in interscholastic athletics for the entire State of Washington. He always insisted, that whatever rule was made, it had to be what was best for the kids. For all his achievements, he was awarded The Athletic Directors Service Award, KingCo Conference Athletic Director of the Year, and was inducted into the WSSAAA Athletic Director Hall of Fame in 2000. While it was an honor to be recognized, one of the joys of his life was staying in touch with many of his former students, meeting for lunch, and “shooting the breeze”. Alan retired from B.H.S. in 1999.

Giving back to the Northshore community, that supported him, was always a priority. After retiring from teaching, he worked for Daktronics selling scoreboards and reader boards to schools. Pop Keeney Field, near his childhood home in Bothell,desperately needed a new scoreboard. He partnered in a community fundraiser and raised the money for a new one. Today, the Northshore Schools that share this field have a reminder that shows what we can do together! Speck also served Woodinville, WA. as the Recreational Commissioner for the City. His purpose was making sure there were plenty of places for kids to play.  Alan had another passion, to honor Northshore School District students, teachers, and volunteers who have made an outstanding contribution to their community and beyond. This led him to establish the Northshore School District: Wall of Honor. A beacon for all to see as you walk into Pop Keeney Field. Thanks to Speck, local thought leaders, businesspeople and friend George Selg, there are over 100 inductees proudly displayed there today.

“The last 20 years of his life Speck was the most happy and complete.”, says his wife, Nancy. He could now turn his full attention to his family, neighbors, and friends. He relaxed and found great joy in the global adventures of his daughter Kelli and her husband Tim. Daughter Kim and husband Scott were always there to help with chores an “old couple” couldn’t do and brought two strapping grandsons into our lives. Christian and Connor provided hundreds of reasons to gather at baseball and football games, wrestling matches, science fairs, and school plays. It never mattered whether they had one line of dialogue, or were on the injured reserve list, The Strand (Blackburn and Daniels) Family showed up!  “Pop” was so PROUD of his family and the memories shared cheering on those two boys, will fill the space left by his passing. Oh, how Dad, Grandpa “Pop” Speck was loved! 

“Bigger than life” is a phrase used to describe Alan “Speck” Strand. He lit up every room he entered and left it better than he found it. The light that will continue to shine is his legacy of family, friendship, and community. Above all, we find immense comfort in the assurance of our shared faith and knowledge that Speck is in the loving arms of his Savior, Jesus. 

A Celebration of Life will be held on March 1, 2024, at 1:00pm at The Presbyterian Church Bellevue (1717 Bellevue Way NE). All are welcome to come celebrate Alan’s life and support his family.

Donations may be made in Alan Strand’s name to: The Northshore School District Wall of Honor 

https://northshorewallofhonor.org 

or to Evergreen Health 

https://www.evergreenhealth.com/about-us/ways-to-give/