Alvin was born in Bennington, Idaho 1 June 1892. He was the ninth of ten children. He was schooled in Bennington through the 8th grade. He was sixteen when his father died. He told of seeing his father after his death, that he came to him in his bedroom. He didn't speak but Alvin said he could see him.
After finishing school he worked on the family farm until he was drafted into the army in 1918 at age 26. He was in the army six months. When their training was complete and they were ready to go to France, the war was over. He was discharged in Virginia and started home. He made a stop in Denver, Colorado and bought a Model T Ford and drove the rest of the way home.
He went back to work on the family farm until he married. Alvin met Denia Inez Hulme when she was teaching school in Bennington. She was living across the street from where Alvin lived with his mother. Alvin and Denia rode with his sister and her husband Earl and Marilla Sessions, to Salt Lake City, Utah where they were married 21 May 1924 in the Salt Lake Temple.
Their first home together was in Bennington where their first two children were born; Alvin Eugene on 17 May 1926 and Edna on 21 May 1928. Edna only lived for one hour and was buried in the Bennington Cemetery.
The family moved into Denia's brother Ezra Hulme's home when Ezra was elected sheriff, and Alvin took care of the farm for two years. Their third child, Evelyn, was born there 22 July 1929.
The family then moved from Bennington to Bancroft where Alvin farmed and worked in a service station. The family then moved to Bloomington with Denia's mother, Ann Maria Hulme, who died 5 March 1932. Their last two children were born there: Russell Hulme on 11 February 1934 and Robert William on 19 August 1937.
Alvin farmed for John Hulme, George Ward and others but a move was in order for employment to support his family. With the help of Earl Sessions, a brother-in-law, employment was found in the Ogden Arsenal, and the family moved to Clearfield, Utah 7 August 1942. They moved into a home at 395 West 300 North, Clearfield, Utah, where they lived until Alvin died 13 April 1970.
Alvin was always a hard worker whether it was farming for someone else or working for the government. He worked at the Ogden Arsenal and later at Hill Air Force Base, Utah.
His family was the most important thing in his life. He was a man of great integrity and unfailing honesty. He taught his family by example. Alvin was so patient and loving, so supportive of Denia in her various church callings. She often had meetings to attend at night. Alvin would drive her there and come back to pick her up. Sometimes waiting up to an hour in a cold car. He never complained. There was never a crossword between Alvin and Denia. He was so proud of the achievements of his children and their families.
Alvin and Denia spent many hours in their garden so their family would have food. They always raised a large amount of vegetables and fruit. He always helped with the canning. They picked raspberries and knew where the huckleberries grew.
Alvin loved the Lord and the gospel. He set a shining example for his family. He served as superintendent of the Sunday School in Bloomington and many other positions when he was called. He was serving as a veil worker in the Salt Lake Temple when he died. He had just gone through one session when he told his companions he wasn't feeling well and needed to go home. When they reached the car, he suffered a massive heart attack and was gone in five minutes. He died 13 April 1970.
A good friend, former Bishop Orland Fackrell, had prayed for strength in dedicating the grave. He called the family together and told them it had been made known to him that Alvin had been called home to assist in the monumental task of ushering in the millennium. That was solace to them.
His spiritual example, his gentle manner and love for others will live on with friends and family.