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In Memoriam: Alan Trusler and Gary Smith

In Memoriam: Alan Trusler

Alan Trusler, a longtime contributor to the hearth industry, passed away on October 8, 2025, at the age of 70. He began his career in the late 1970s in northeastern Washington, where he co-founded Aladdin Steel Products. Working initially out of a small shop, he and his colleague, Dan Henry Jr., began fabricating stoves for the growing Cedar Creek community. In 1979, Alan developed what became the patented Quad-Burn system. This technology helped establish the performance and identity of the stoves that later evolved into the Quadra-Fire line within today’s Forge & Flame brand family. 

As Aladdin Steel expanded, Alan relocated the business to Colville, Washington, in 1987 and served as its president during a period of steady growth. When the company was acquired by HON Industries in 1998, he remained in a leadership role and helped guide the transition as the business became part of Hearth & Home Technologies. His work during this period focused on maintaining local operations in Colville and on supporting the construction of a new manufacturing facility that enabled increased production and continued employment in the region. 

Alan spent many years working within Hearth & Home Technologies and stayed engaged with the industry throughout his career. His early technical developments, business leadership, and long tenure with HHT reflect a career shaped by hands-on problem-solving and company building. He is survived by his wife, Esther, their three children, and several grandchildren. 

Read more about Alan.  

In Memoriam: Gary Smith

Gary Smith, who served for many years as a lobbyist for the Northwest Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association in Washington State, has passed. Gary spent his career working on behalf of small businesses and trade associations, focusing on policy issues that affected day-to-day operations for contractors and service providers. In addition to his work with the hearth, barbecue, and outdoor living sector, he served as Executive Director of the Independent Business Association and represented several industry groups in Olympia. 

During more than a decade of advocacy work, Gary regularly engaged with state agencies and lawmakers to address regulatory proposals, economic considerations, and legislative priorities. His efforts focused on ensuring that small and independent businesses were included in policy discussions and that their perspectives were clearly communicated to decision-makers. He monitored bills, provided testimony, and offered guidance to association leaders navigating complex state processes. 

Gary’s long-running involvement in Washington’s policy environment left a mark on the organizations he served, and his work contributed to efforts to strengthen the business climate for contractors and service professionals. He is remembered by many in the Northwest region for his years of service to the industry. 

Read more about Gary.