Pete (Norman) Allen

MARQUETTE, Mich. — Pete (Norman) Allen, of Ewen, passed away on Feb. 24, 2014, at 4:30 a.m. at Marquette General Hospital, following a courageous and valiant battle with colon and liver cancer. Never losing his dignity or good nature, he is an unforgettable example of good character and the true definition of a friend.

Pete was born in Ewen to Robert and Ethel (Hicks) Allen on June 6, 1956. He attended Ewen-Trout Creek School and graduated in 1974.

He was employed at J.W. Toumey Nursery in Watersmeet for more than 20 years as a bio-technician. In this role, he wore many hats and performed duties such as field supervisor of weeding crews and intermittent staff. He also routinely operated all types of cultivating equipment. In later years, he trained as a wildland firefighter and worked as a radio operator with the communications unit, dispatching fire crews.

Pete was very dedicated and happy to serve, traveling around the U.S. to fire sites, and worked with hand crews on chopping lines around fires. During these firefighting trips, he made many lasting friendships with people across the country.

He headed up the Stress Test Lab for tree seedlings during the spring lift, and conducted public tours of the Watersmeet facility. Pete especially enjoyed this aspect of his job as he had an engaging personality and was able to communicate well with people. He was sincere in his relationships and worked well at all levels of his job.

Apart from his many years with the Forest Service, Pete’s other great passion was working in his flower gardens and caring for his dogs, Animal, Otis and Sable, over the years.

He is survived by his brothers, Robert (Gayle) Allen, John (Marie) Allen and Patrick (Mary) Allen; his sisters, Frances (Bernard) Kuehnl, Rose (Jim) Larson, Sue Uebe and Polly (Michael) Rampanelli; and numerous nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

Pete was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Ethel (Hicks) Allen; and sister-in-law, Sheila (Store) Allen.

A spring memorial service and interment will be scheduled when weather permits.

Pete will be missed by all who came to know him, and the void that is left by his passing will not go quickly. He was an honest and caring person, and genuinely loved and cherished the lasting friendships he made.

Special thanks to very close friends, John Robl, Sue Scott, Greg Hansen, Mark Miller, LaVonne Malnar and John Lindsey, Aunt Jean, cousin Carol Maki ... and so many more.

Pete will be sadly missed by all. (Love ya, see ya, bye.)