Hero Story

Barry Givens was a native of Hancock CIty, MI and poured his life and career into the communities of Hancock and Houghton. By trade he was a Civil Engineer for over 25 years, along with Barry's professional experience he was well known in the community for his civic duties. He was the Hancock City Mayor for four years (2004 to 2008) and served on the Hancock City Council. He was an MTU Smart Zone LDFA Board member, a Portage Lake Water and Sewage Authority Board member, and served on several committees for the City of Hancock including: Master Plan Steering Committee; Planning Commission; Personnel and Finance Committee; Recreation Commission; Houghton County Arena Fundraising Committee; and Hancock Public Schools YES Committee. Barry was a founding member of the Hancock Transit Authority; a Copper Country Junior Hockey Association Volunteer; and provided tremendous support for all of the athletic programs at Hancock High School. Additionally, Givens took over as city manager in early 2019.

Barry passed away in March 2020 and in his honor the Houghton community has established "Giv's Box" in honor of Barry's memory. Giv's boxes are placed throughout both Hancock and Houghton City parks to make sporting equipment available for people to borrow while visiting them.

https://abc10up.com/2021/04/26/borrowing-sports-gear-in-houghtons-city-parks/

This nomination is to honor Barry's lifetime of service to the Hancock community!