Alan W. Strange, Phd

Alan W. Strange, 71, best friend and loving husband of Lil Anderson, passed away on May 26, 2018, at Canyon Creek Memory Care. He was born on Jan. 5, 1947, in Pittsburgh to Alice (Bluett) and John P. Strange.

After serving in the army at West Point, Alan completed his master's degree in psychology at Indiana University of Pennsylvania and his PhD in Public Health at Johns Hopkins in Maryland.

Alan relocated to Montana in 1975 and, although he worked throughout the country, Montana was home. His career was spent working to improve health care access for rural and underserved populations. He was involved with health policy development and implementation at local, state and national levels. Leadership positions included CEO National Rural Health Association, CEO Montana Primary Care Association and numerous chairmanships at the National Association of Community Health Centers.

Alan loved animals, bird hunting, floating and fishing the Big Horn and Yellowstone Rivers. He was always ready with a joke, a twinkle in his eye - displaying his quick wit and penchant for snappy comebacks!

When Alan and Lil married in 1997, Alan gained a son, Chad (Genevieve) Anderson; grandchildren Kaelianna (Jake) Ryan, Andrew and M'Rya Anderson; great-grandchildren Hendrix and Journey Ryan; and sister-in-law Maureen Williams. He is also survived by brother Jack and nephews Jonathan and James Strange.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Canyon Creek Memory Care and RiverStone Hospice for the love, support and care of Alan and Lil throughout this difficult time.

Memorials may be made to RiverStone Health Foundation.

Cremation has taken place; arrangements through Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary. A celebration of life will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Friday, June 8, at Hilands Golf Club, 714 Poly Drive, Billings.