The biggest challenge that Fritz Crone faced over 27 volunteer years on the Natural Gas Co-0p 52 Ltd. board was helping to get the original pipelines in place to bring gas to this part of rural Alberta.

Crone, who was also the chairman of the board for 17 intermittent years was recently recognized for his work.

The co-op was formed in 1973 while Crone was elected to the board in January 1976 and became instrumental in the construction of approximately 1600 kms of pipeline now serving over 800 customers.

The system serves people from south of Bodo, north to Highway 14 and from the Saskatchewan border to the Battle River.

Crone, who was honoured by directors at an appreciation dinner in Provost on February 12 also became a “strong respected voice within the Federation of Alberta Gas Co-Ops” local manager Brenda Stempfle stated in a written message handed to The News.

Also recognized at the supper meeting was former resident and retiring director Norbert Holzinger who served for the past decade and now lives in Camrose.

Crone said in an interview that he recalls another big challenge was when it was discovered that about 100 miles of bad pipe was put into the ground throughout the gas system. The pipe was replaced and paid for by the Alberta Government.