BUXTON- Alan L. Barday, age 65, passed away peacefully on March 30, 2026.
Some people just have a way of making the world feel lighter—and Alan Lee Barday was one of them.
Born on June 24, 1960, in Portland, Maine, Alan grew up the way he loved best—outside, surrounded by nature, getting into just enough mischief with his brothers Ron and Tim to keep life interesting. That love for the outdoors, for adventure, and for simple, joyful moments never left him.
As a young teenager, he met the love of his life, Mary. What started then turned into a lifetime—building a love story that began in August of 1979 and never wavered. Together, they created not just a marriage, but a life full of family, laughter, and deep connection.
Alan took pride in everything he did, but he truly loved his years working as a nighttime mechanic at Coke. It wasn’t just a job to him—it was a place filled with memories, stories, and friendships that he carried with him and spoke about fondly right up until his last days.
At home, Alan and Mary built something incredibly special together with “Little Blessings Family Daycare.” For 30 years, they opened their hearts and their home to so many children. Alan could often be found cooking up special lunches or heading out early to the bus stop just so the kids could play and laugh a little before starting their day. He didn’t just help run a daycare—he helped create a second home for so many.
Alan was the kind of person you felt the moment he walked into a room. His smile, his kindness, his easy way of connecting with people—it all had a way of lifting others up without him even trying. He loved deeply, showed up fully, and made sure the people around him knew they mattered.
He leaves behind the love of his life, his wife Mary Barday and their three beautiful daughters: Alisha Ruginski and her husband Jason, Sherry Durgin and her husband Shawn, and Kayla Croteau and her husband—and Alan’s best friend—Ryan. He was a proud and loving grandfather to Gavin and Lauren Ruginski; Mary Eli and Roland Durgin; and Aubrey, Isaac and Lincoln Croteau.
He is also survived by his sisters Gloria Murphy, Diane Kelley, and Debbie Gould, and his brother and best friend Tim Barday and his wife Martha, along with many friends who were lucky enough to know him.
Alan is reunited with those who went before him—his parents, Wallace and Annie Barday; his brothers Jeffrey and Ronald Barday; and his niece’s Heather Barday and Kimberly Irvine.
Alan went to heaven peacefully on March 30, 2026, but the way he loved, the joy he brought, and the memories he created will continue on in every life he touched.
If you knew Alan, you know this—he wouldn’t want to be remembered with only tears. He’d want the stories told, the laughter shared, and for everyone to hold their people just a little closer.
Visiting hours will be held on Saturday April 4th from 10 AM - 12 noon, follow by a time of sharing memories of Alan at 12 noon, at the Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service Chapel, 498 Long Plains Road (Rt. 22) in Buxton.