DENVER (AP) -- The longtime manager of Denver's water utility has died in an accident on his farm in Hawaii just weeks before his retirement.
Denver Water spokeswoman Stacy Chesney says 66-year-old Chips Barry was killed Sunday. No details are available.
Barry had been in charge of Denver Water since 1991. He planned to step down at the end of the month.
“This is a terribly sad day for Colorado," said Gov. Bill Ritter after learning of Barry's death. "Hamlet ‘Chips’ Barry was a Colorado original. Chips probably understood Colorado water better than anyone alive today. He revolutionized Denver Water, making it a national leader in conservation and a better partner for everyone who cares about this state. Chips cared about the state and in his role leading Denver Water, he took the broadest view possible. Chips will be remembered and respected for his long public service. History will remember Chips as one of the giants of our time. We will remember Chips as a warm and wonderful friend. Our hearts go out to his family, to his colleagues and to his many friends.”
Denver Water serves about 1.3 million people in Denver and some suburbs. Barry was widely credited with revitalizing the utility and changing its approach after federal regulators rejected its plan to build the massive Two Forks dam and reservoir in 1990.
Barry produced macadamia nuts, honey and coffee on the Hawaii farm and had planned to spend more time there after retiring.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Gov. Ritter's quote provided by Office of the Governor.
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