A Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op (PIE&G) director who was known for his ready smile, willingness to help others, and enjoyment of life, passed away on July 25, surrounded by his family.
Allen Barr, 63, served on the PIE&G board for nearly 29 years. He was elected chairman for two years, with many more as vice-chair, and served four years as the Co-op’s representative on the Wolverine Power Cooperative board.
“Allen was a concerned, caring director that always sought to act in the best interest of the Co-op and its members,” notes CEO Brian Burns. “But even with the serious business nature of decisions in the boardroom, he always managed to bring his easygoing personality and be professional at the same time. He enjoyed talking to our employees and always supported them in their role of keeping the lights on for the members at the end of the line. Allen’s presence inside and outside the boardroom will be missed.”
Allen was pictured with his partner of 18 years, Chris Hart, on the cover of Michigan Country Lines magazine in 2008 as part of a story about the rising interest in riding motorcycles. Allen rode his to work almost every day, and sometimes to PIE&G meetings.
A Cheboygan native, he entered the Army in 1971. Returning home in 1973, he worked on the family farm, and then at Cheboygan Cement Products until his passing.
Memorial contributions in his name may be made to Hospice House or the Allen Barr Community Project Fund, and condolences posted at stonefuneralhomeinc.com
