Gov. Orders Flags Lowered for Former Lawmaker
August 16, 2012, Juneau, Alaska – Governor Sean Parnell ordered state flags to fly at half-staff on Friday, August 17, in honor and memory of former State Representative Dr. Michael Beirne, who passed away on July 30. He was 86.
“Dr. Beirne was a gifted physician whose service to Alaska began before Statehood,” Governor Parnell said. “His dedication to advancing medical services and personnel in Alaska remains one of his legacies for which all Alaskans can be thankful. Sandy and I will keep his family in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”
Beirne served one term in the Legislature after being elected in 1967. He was later appointed to the seat vacated by Anchorage Representative Tom Fink in 1975. Beirne was re-elected to that seat and served until 1981. Among his many accomplishments, Beirne established the first Blood Bank of Alaska and was the founder of the Anchorage Neighborhood Health Center.
Flags will be lowered on Friday and raised to full-staff the following morning.
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