Allen Perkins Spaulding Jr.

March 30, 1943 - June 5, 2013

Allen Perkins Spaulding, Jr., founder of WTG Energy Systems, died tragically on June 5 in a plane crash on Cuttyhunk Island, part of the Elizabeth Islands off the coast of Massachusetts near Martha's Vineyard. He was 70.

Born in Louisville, Kentucky, Mr. Spaulding was the son of Anne Wood Spaulding and the late Allen Perkins Spaulding, Sr. After graduating from the Park School in 1962, he served in the US Army and was stationed in northern Italy for three years. He later attended and graduated from the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore.

A creative trailblazer, he founded WTG (Wind Turbine Generator) Energy Systems in 1974 in Buffalo, well before alternative sources of energy were considered viable and necessary. His company erected several windmills in Vermont, Oregon, Nova Scotia, and Soth Wales, where he served as chief designer and passionate advocate with a team of engineers who shared his vision for harnessing wind power.

During the last decade of his life, he dedicated himself to the design and building of a home that would exist entirely off the grid. He was within just a few months of completing this life project when he died.

Survivors include his wife, Holly; his mother, Anne W. Spaulding; sister Anne S. (Alan) Rose; two brothers Frederick A. (Karen) Spaulding and William V.R. Spaulding; nieces Hilary, Anne, Alexandra, Eliza, Kate, and Emily; nephews Zachary and Michael; great-niece Claire and great-nephew PJ.

Visiting hours will be on Friday, July 19, at Dengler, Roberts, Perna Funeral Home, 3000 Delaware Avenue, Kenmore, 5-9 pm. A Memorial Service will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church, 371 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, at 11 am on Saturday, July 20.