JUNEAU -- Gov. Sean Parnell has ordered that state flags be flown at half-staff Friday in honor of the late Alaska state Rep. Michael Beirne.

Beirne died last month at the age of 86.

Parnell says Beirne was a gifted doctor whose dedication to advancing medical services and personnel in Alaska remains one of his legacies. Beirne established the first Blood Bank of Alaska and founded the Anchorage Neighborhood Health Center.

Beirne served two stints in the Alaska Legislature. He served one term following his election in 1967, and he served from 1975 to 1981, after initially being appointed to the seat vacated by Anchorage Rep. Tom Fink.