Dr. Alan Edward Bland, 74, died at his home on July 7, 2022, in Laramie, WY. He was born in Norwich, NY on April 22, 1948. Al grew up in Symrna, NY.
Dr. Bland graduated high school from Sherburn Central School in 1966. He went on to receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology with Honors from St. Lawrence University in 1970. He graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1972 with a Master of Science degree in Geology and Geochemistry. In 1978, he earned a Doctorate of Philosophy degree in Geology and Geochemistry from the University of Kentucky. His dissertation was on Trace Element Geochemistry of Volcanic Sequences of Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina and its Bearing on the Volcanic Evolution of the Central Appalachians.
At the beginning of his career, Dr. Bland worked at the Kentucky Energy Cabinet Laboratory from 1978 -1988. As program director, he oversaw the formulation, staffing, equipping and research management of multidisciplinary research and development program in the areas of coal and mineral processing as well as clean coal fuels.
In 1988, he started his own business called Ash Management Engineering. It focused on renewable resources and alternative uses for coal, oil and gas byproducts.
For over 20 years, Al worked at Western Research Institute (WRI) at the University of Wyoming until his retirement in 2016. As Vice President of WRI, Dr. Bland was responsible for developing and commercializing technologies in the areas of waste and environmental management.
Dr. Bland was a brilliant scientist, as demonstrated by his authorship of more than a dozen patents on scientific innovations. His insights and discoveries were published in professional journals and presented at national conferences. During his distinguished career, Al earned the respect and admiration of his peers.
Alan Bland loved his family, his pets and his research. His sense of humor and big heart were legendary. He enjoyed politics, sports, fossils, and spending time with his friends and family.
Dr. Bland is survived by his wife of 41 years Brenda Bland; his two children Amber Bland of Laramie, WY and Bryan Bland of Laramie, WY; his sister Sally Brooke of Binghamton, NY; and nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his mother and father, Irene and Robert, of Smyrna, NY; and his brother Robert Bland, of Lambertville, NJ.
A celebration honoring Al’s life will be held on Tuesday, July 12 at 2:30 p.m. at Montgomery-Stryker Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Greenhill Cemetery.
I was stunned to hear that Al passed away- one of my most favorite people. My family had the joy of having Al come back from UK and live with us 1summer. Late nights he used the UNC computer and days/early evenings we all hung out. And oh what fun we had! He made everyone fee special. A highlight was you all making the trip to our wedding- we were so touched. Sending all my love and keeping you guys in my thoughts. - grace kirchgessner
Bren, so sorry to hear of this. Al was a good and decent guy, awfully smart, and a pleasure to be around (as are you). Our best to you and the kids. Our thoughts are with you.
Brenda and family. Our thoughts are with you during this sad time. Al was a wonderful guy. He will be missed. Tom and Laura Gaddis
Dear Brenda - It was sad to hear of Al’s passing and we want to express my condolences to you and your children, Amber and Brian. It’s been quite a while since we were all at UK’s IMMR, but I will always remember Al for being an enthusiastic, accomplished researcher; and a cheerful, fine and decent person. May he Rest In Peace and may his memory be a blessing. Marshall Margolis and Carol Drake
Thank you for honoring Al by commenting. He was a great guy to the end
Brenda, Amber and Bryan, we are sorry to hear of Al's passing and offer our condolences. Al was a great guy.
Brenda, I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
They say "the good die young". Those years were just not enough for those who knew Al and especially for those who cherished him in their hearts. To his beloved family, I extend my deepest condolences. May his fine memories, and all the good he did for humanity, forever bring smiles to your faces. Now, in God's care, he rests. Is.26:19; Ps.37:11,29
Dear Brenda: Sorry to hear Al’s news. He was a great friend and an excellent colleague. RIP BKP
Very sad to hear about Al’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with Brenda, Amber, Bryan, and all that knew Al. Al had a heart of gold. The world lost a very great guy. If you guys need anything we are right across the street. Our thoughts and prayers are with you guys during such a difficult time.
Brenda, Amber and Bryan, the world will be a poorer place without Al’s special smile. He was such a wonderful man. Tom and I are thinking of you all at this very sad time. I know that as time passes, you will be sustained by your fond memories of life with a great husband and father.
Dave and I are so sad to hear of his passing. He was one of our favorite people. So fun and loving. Our 3 girls adored him.Our thoughts are with you. Dave and Gracie Kirchgessner
Bland family, Al was quite a gentleman. I always enjoyed visiting with him at the Ivinison Memorial Hospital Therapy Department. I enjoyed listening to him talk about his projects, patents, and family. He used to share his professional magazines with me. I was always impressed with his ability to talk and discuss issues so that everyone could understand. The community has lost a valuable scholar. Thinking of you and your family, and wishing you peace. Dale
Dear Brenda, I am so saddened to learn of Al's Passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and with Amber and Bryan. Al was a brilliant scientist. I have fond memories of us being office mates, and working together on fluidize bed coal combustion technology at the Kentucky coal laboratory and then here in Laramie. May he rest in peace!
He was quite a guy. You and your family are in our thoughts.
Brenda, All my love to you and the kids. He was a great guy and will be missed. Kathy Roberts
Brenda, I am so very sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and your family, and wishing you peace. Sincerely, Marla D’Andrea
OMG I am so sad to here of Alan’s passing. I was a classmate of his all through Junior and Senior Highshool. We played sports together and always had a good time together at sports and after school parties along the way. I last saw him at our 50th Class Reunion in 2016. The first and last time I saw him since graduating. I am so glad to read he had such a rewarding career and a loving family life. May you Rest In Peace my Friend 🙏 Bob Huey Stilson 😎
I am so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Love you guys
Brenda, I was so sorry to hear of Al’s sudden passing. He was a genuinely kind and wonderful man. He always had a twinkle in his eye and smile on his face and you knew he was happy to see you. Please know Steve and I are thinking of you and the kids and sending love and light to help you all maneuver through this difficult time.