EPHRATA - Grant County PUD staff are mourning the loss of former commissioner Randy Allred, 62, who died of cancer at his Royal City home on Friday. Allred, a Royal City farmer, served on the PUD board of commissioners since 2003, and resigned earlier this year due to declining health issues.

"Randy was a great man and will be deeply missed by the Grant PUD family," said Tony Webb, PUD interim general manager. "He believed in giving more to his community than he took, and his many years of service were evidence."

Allred was instrumental in the Priest Rapids re-licensing process during his time as PUD commissioner, and also pushed for major capital upgrades throughout the agency, according to a PUD release.

According to the PUD, Allred was known for his wisdom and no-nonsense ability to represent the interests of Grant County residents.

During one of his final PUD board meetings, Allred made it clear that he took his role as public servant seriously.

"It's about what's most helpful for Grant County PUD," he said. "It's not about Randy, it never has been and it certainly isn't now."

Allred, a long-time Royal City resident, is survived by his wife and children.

Funeral services for Allred will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Royal Slope Chapel of the Latter-day Saints church. Burial will follow at Royal Memorial Gardens.