10/23/2026
In Loving Memory of Alan Barnard — A Life of Service, Dedication, and an Extraordinary Legacy
It is with profound sadness that the Clallam County Sheriff's Office shares the passing of our dear friend, longtime volunteer, and treasured member of our Sheriff's Office family, Alan Barnard, who passed away on October 18, 2026.
There are some people who make such an extraordinary difference in their community that it is difficult to imagine what that community would look like without them. Alan Barnard was one of those people.
For decades, Alan devoted his time, energy, and heart to making Clallam County a better and safer place to live. He wasn't someone who simply talked about making a difference. He rolled up his sleeves, brought people together, and made things happen. So many of the programs and initiatives we value today exist because Alan had a vision and the determination to see it through.
Alan is the reason we have our Olympic Discovery Trail Sheriff's Bike Patrol Team and the Disaster Assistance Response Team (D.A.R.T.) in Clallam County. He recognized the need for these programs, worked tirelessly to bring them to life, and inspired others to join him in serving our community.
Alan began developing the D.A.R.T. program in 2008, and after years of dedication and perseverance, that vision became a reality in 2017. Today, the program stands as a testament to his commitment to emergency preparedness and helping others when they need it most.
Alan also served on the Sheriff's Citizen Advisory Committee since 2010, holding the position of President for most of his tenure. He believed deeply in the importance of community involvement and worked to ensure that everyone had a voice. His leadership, thoughtful perspective, and unwavering commitment to building strong relationships between law enforcement and the citizens we serve were invaluable.
In 2021, Alan officially joined our Sheriff's Olympic Discovery Trail Bike Patrol Team, another program that owes its existence to his vision and enthusiasm.
Alan's dedication extended far beyond the Sheriff's Office.
For 25 years, he organized the annual September 11th remembrance ceremony in Port Angeles, ensuring that our community continued to honor and remember those who lost their lives. He was also a driving force behind the creation of the September 11th waterfront memorial, dedicated in 2014. That memorial will forever stand as another reminder of Alan's determination to turn an idea into something meaningful and lasting.
Alan was also a tremendous supporter of our annual Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony. For many years, he served as our photographer, capturing the moments when we came together to honor the law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice. But Alan's involvement went far beyond taking photographs. He helped with preparations, offered his time and talents wherever they were needed, and did everything he could to ensure the ceremony was a meaningful tribute to our fallen officers. He understood the importance of honoring those who served and sacrificed, and his dedication to this ceremony meant so much to our Sheriff's Office family.
And perhaps one of the most wonderful examples of Alan's character was something he did quietly, without fanfare or expectation of recognition.
For years, Alan rode his bicycle along the Port Angeles waterfront and Olympic Discovery Trail, pulling a trailer behind him and collecting trash. He personally hauled thousands of pounds of garbage off our trails and took it to the dump. Not because anyone asked him to, but simply because he loved his community and wanted to make it better.
Alan proved that one person truly can make a difference.
But as remarkable as his accomplishments were, what we will miss most is Alan himself.
His friendship. His kindness. His humor and wonderful sense of fun. His willingness to tackle any challenge, share an idea, lend a hand, or step forward whenever something needed to be done.
Alan was always there for everyone. Whether it was a major community project, a Sheriff's Office event, or simply someone who needed a helping hand, Alan could always be counted on. He gave so freely of himself, never asking for anything in return. If there was something that needed to be done, Alan was there, usually before anyone even thought to ask.
Alan was never just a volunteer to us. He was family.
He gave us so much more than his time. He gave us his friendship, his wisdom, his enthusiasm, and an example of what genuine community service looks like. He inspired others to volunteer, to get involved, and to believe that they, too, could make a difference.
As we look back through photographs of Alan over the years, we are reminded of just how much one remarkable person accomplished and how many lives he touched along the way.
On behalf of Sheriff Brian King and the entire Clallam County Sheriff's Office family, we extend our deepest condolences to Alan's daughter, Deanne, and the entire Barnard family. Thank you for sharing Alan with us for so many years. We know how much he meant to you, and we hope you know how very much he meant to all of us.
There will never be another Alan Barnard. His legacy lives on in the programs he created, the trails he cared for, the memorial he helped establish, the ceremonies he helped make special, the volunteers he inspired, and the countless people whose lives are better because of him.
Alan spent his life making Clallam County a better place, and we are all better for having known him.
Rest in peace, our dear friend. Thank you for everything you gave to our Sheriff's Office, our community, and each of us who had the privilege of calling you a friend.
You will be deeply missed, but you will never be forgotten. đź’™
We invite those who knew Alan to share their favorite memories, stories, and photographs in the comments as we celebrate his remarkable life and legacy.
