Pete (Norman) Allen of Ewen passed away on February 24, 2014 at 4:30 am 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 in 1974.

He was employed at JW Toumey Nursery for over 20 years as a bio-technician. In this role, he wore many hats and performed duties such as filed supervisory of weeding crews and intermittent staff. He also routinely operated all types of cultivating equipment. In later years, he trained as a Wild Land 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 US 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 forestry service, Pete's other great passion was for 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, Patrick (Mary) Allen, and by his sisters: Frances (Bernard) Kuehnl, Rose (Jim) Larson, Sue Uebe and Polly (Michael) Rampanelli; also 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 Memorial Mass will be held Saturday, May 31, 2014 at 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church in Ewen. Visitation will take place from 10-11 a.m. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery.

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.

Sadly missed by all. (Love ya, see ya, bye)