Allan M. Hegland

Allan Martin Hegland, 78, of Penn, ND, passed unexpectedly March 19, 2015 in Mercy Hospital of Devils Lake, ND. Born the second child of Martin and Gladys Martin Hegland on August 17, 1936, he was baptized and confirmed in the First Lutheran Church of White Earth, ND. He attended grade school at the Boyd School No. 2 of rural White Earth and graduated from Stanley High School in 1954. Allan joined the USAF in 1955 until 1963 where he studied foreign languages, and was nicknamed “Ghost” by his fellow airmen for his extreme attention to detail. Later, he received a Bachelor of Arts in Modern Languages, Minor in Physical Sciences from the University of North Dakota, graduating magna cum laude in 1965. He received his Master’s degree in 1966 from the University of Pennsylvania. He was the only person at that time to ever complete the Master’s program in one academic year. Although he completed the oral exams for a Ph.D., his desire to work in his profession kept him from obtaining it. He married Delima Cavanaugh in 1965 and had four children: Florence Ann (Devils Lake, ND), Martin Thomas (Penn, ND), Sandra Olivia (Fresno, CA) and Alicia Faye (Bismarck, ND). In 1974, he adopted Emerson Philip Bigtrack, Thomas James Bigtrack, and Lydell David Bigtrack, all of St. Michael, ND. In 1991, he married Ning James of Dipolog City, Philippines and they had one son, Lawrence Allan James (Bismarck, ND). In 1997, Rodney Aguilar, son of Ning, (St. Michael, ND) was welcomed officially into his ever-growing family. As a young man, Allan enjoyed riding horses, reading books, and working cattle on the farm. Music was a large part of his life. He had a beautiful voice and enjoyed singing and playing with his siblings and children. He taught his children and grandchildren how to play the guitar. Allan was fluent in over 20 languages. His work was in translation for companies such as medical manufacturers, technology companies, private contractors and inventors. Allan loved to write. He authored several pieces including two books and several theories. A few inventions still have patents pending. When he wasn’t working, he enjoyed walking, gardening, raising chickens, cooking and helping others. Allan wore many hats: musician, artist, author, philosopher, inventor, scientist, teacher, husband, father, son, grand-father and friend. He is survived by his wife, nine children, several grandchildren and great grand-children and by his siblings; Carole Hegland Rosencrans of Hettinger, ND, Janice Hegland Hanson (Omar) of McGregor, ND, Robert (AnneMarie) Hegland of West Chester, PA, and James (Janet) Hegland of Tioga, ND. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Alice (Alfred) Hegland Anderson, and one niece Erika Hegland. Allan was known and loved by so many that two ceremonies are being held to celebrate his life: on March 26 in Devils Lake at Gilbertson Funeral Home at 1pm, and March 27 at First Lutheran Church in White Earth at 1pm followed by internment at Kristiansand Cemetery near his childhood home with Military Honors. Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake and Springan Funeral Home, Stanley, ND in charge of arrangements.