Alan Ext

Alan W. Ext, 69, former Cleveland native and business owner, passed away March 3, 2025 in Asheville, NC. Born in 1955, he was the son of Dr. Heinz J. Ext and Gisela A. Ext Cordes of Massillon, Ohio.

He is survived by his wife and best friend of 18 years, Lian Latham of North Carolina. He was a wonderful father to sons Christopher (Micki) Ext of Westlake and Scott (Jenny) Ext of Seattle, Pops to his dearest grandchildren Ava, Colin and Oliver and Uncle Alan to his beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, an older brother Hans J. Ext of Solon, and an older sister Astrid G. Soules of New York.

In his early life, Alan was active in Boy Scouts as an Eagle Scout, a member of National Honor Society and a Boys State Delegate. A proud high school graduate of Massillon High School, he continued to follow the Tiger’s football success throughout his life.

A graduate of Case Western Reserve University in Communications and an M.B.A. as a post graduate, Alan was the owner of Focus One Photography based in Rocky River, Ohio. He raised his family in the Westlake area, serving on the Westlake Planning Commission and other local groups. He then moved to Chagrin Falls in 2006. A business opportunity took him to North Carolina in 2012 where he lived for the rest of his life.

Learning model railroading as a young child, it was a hobby that followed Alan throughout life. He was a devoted follower of the Cavaliers, the Guardians and the Browns, often attending games with his sons and other family members. His other favorite past times included kayaking, hiking, live music and world traveling with his wife Lian. Together, they were active members and volunteers with The Pisgah Conservancy, Friends of Dupont Forest and the Waterfall Keepers of Western North Carolina.

People who worked with Alan remember him as an honest, respectful man known for his level of integrity and willingness to help others. His family knew him as a kind, gentle soul with a witty sense of humor. He was the favored wrestling partner for his young grandchildren and no one could beat him at chess or word games. He will be painfully missed.

Alan’s public visitation services will be held 10-11 a.m., Saturday, April 12, 2025 at Clifford-Shoemaker Funeral Home, 1930 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. A private family service will follow at the funeral home. Interment will be at Northlawn Memorial Gardens in Peninsula.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Pisgah Conservancy, Brevard, North Carolina at www.pisgahconservancy.org