Allan Slye, age 82 of Ontonagon, passed away Sunday, February 8, 2015 at Aspirus Long Term Care, having been a resident/patient for a month.

Allan was born in Escanaba to Wilbur and Elsie Slye on December 31, 1932. He completed most of his schooling in River Rouge but returned to Escanaba to graduate in 1950. He attended college at Northern Michigan University, spent two years with the US Air Force in New Mexico, then returned to Northern and graduated from Michigan State University in 1960 with a degree in animal science. He was a loyal Spartan fan.

Al then worked on several farms in Lower Michigan and Illinois before moving to Ontonagon in August of 1966 when he began his employment with the Michigan State University Extension as the Ontonagon County Extension Director. In 1999, he received the Oreste Chiantello Public Service Award for his involvement and service in community work.

Al was an active member of the Upper Peninsula Livestock Cooperative and served as secretary-treasurer for many years, working extensively with the annual livestock sale in Paulding. He reactivated the Ontonagon County Fair and helped relocate it to Greenland. He then served as secretary for many years. Al also served three terms as an Ontonagon County Commissioner and was a member on the Board of Review. He was a member of the Ontonagon Lions, serving as secretary for many years, and was also a member of the Ontonagon United Methodist Church. Allan was a volunteer observer for the National Weather Service, for which he recorded daily local temperatures, precipitation and snow depth for over 40 years.

The lifestyle of farm living appealed to Al, so shortly after moving to Ontonagon he purchased several shorthorn cows to begin his farming experiences. Upon his retirement from the MSU Extension in 1990, he continued his enjoyment of farm life with haying and the shorthorn cattle.

Allan is survived by his wife Mary; son Brian (Debbie) Slye; daughter Barbara (Greg) Rotter; granddaughters Kara (Todd) Ghormley, Erin (Max) Gardner, Mary Ann (Steve) Boniface and Rebecca Rotter; and great-grandchildren Jack, Reese and Aubrey Ghormley.

Allan was preceded in death by his parents.

A Memorial Service will be held Monday, February 16, 2015 at 12 Noon at the Cane Funeral Home in Ontonagon, with Pastor Bruce Steinberg officiating. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service. Burial will be held in the spring.