Alan David Castro, 23

Alan David Castro, 23, passed away in Hungry Horse Jan. 25, 2013. 

He was born in Falls Church, Va., on April 7, 1989, to Jose and Deborah Castro.

Alan was a natural athlete, skilled in soccer, baseball, swimming, skating, skiing and beginning to learn dance. He taught himself guitar, acoustic and electric, and played in a rock band during middle school. He composed his own music and even learned classical Spanish guitar to entertain relatives in Spain. The family annually traveled to Spain or Montana, so Alan really had three homes.

During high school and college, Alan worked with his father for a catering company in Washington, D.C., catering theatrical and social affairs, international summits, the Global Nuclear Summit, U.S. presidential inaugurations and major sports events. He viewed Redskins football from the owner's box. He was selected to work at the U.S. Golf Open in Torrey Pines, Calif. 

Alan was intellectual and watched world news broadcast from all over the globe. He had compassion for mankind, and left his family with a library of books ranging from global economics, corporate policy and world power to the inner workings of the human mind and spirit. 

He wanted to make a difference in the world. He talked to people at Occupy D.C., marched in a protest with Los Indignados in Spain and longed to do something positive to improve human conditions. 

Alan had a contagious laugh, mischievous smile, and everyone who met him commented how polite and gentle he was. He was the best person in the world to share a problem with. He truly listened, considered solutions and told you the absolute truth. We only hope to attain the patience and compassion he mastered. 

Alan loved to visit Montana where he loved the mountains, eagles and wildlife around his Aunt Darlene’s home in Hungry Horse. Similar to Jesus withdrawing to the wilderness for prayer, Alan liked to free himself and walk to the river to reflect on life. On Jan. 25, he walked to the river and onto the ice of its bank, and his last step was in the water itself. 

“May he rest in peace. We loved him dearly.”

He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Virginia Parada Castro.

Alan is survived by his parents, Jose and Deborah Castro, and sister Monica of Fairfax, Va.; grandparents, Roslyn and Arvid “Chris” Kristoffersen, of Kalispell; and grandfather, Floriano Castro, of Florida; aunt, Nancy Kemnitz, and husband Dan, of Connecticut; his aunt, Darlene Wagner, uncles, Doug Wagner and wife Peg, and Deelunn Olson and wife Nancee, of Hungry Horse, and Darrell Olson and wife Christy, of Columbia Falls; and numerous cousins.

The family extends a heartfelt thanks to Flathead County Sheriff's Office, North Valley Search and Rescue, Flathead Search and Rescue, Flathead Emergency Air Resources, U.S. Border Patrol, Flathead County Sheriff's Office Dive Team, local volunteer fire departments and any persons not listed. Thank you for the speedy search and recovery of our Alan.