Airdrie’s East Lake Athletic Park was renamed the Ed Eggerer Athletic Park in honour of the longtime resident and businessman, Feb. 3.
City council voted to rename the facility after Rod Gerla and Helen Shields of Westmark Holdings spoke to council, highlighting many of Eggerer’s accomplishments and contributions to Airdrie.
Ed moved to Airdrie in 1980 and became president and co-owner of Century 21 Castlewood Agencies, with partners Milt Brandson and Keith Wilson.
After selling the business in 1997, he was active as an agent/associate with Century 21 PowerRealty.ca
Eggerer died suddenly on March 17, 2013, he is survived by his wife Sylvia and his family Devon and Jim Sawby, Jonna Eggerer and Andy McQuade, and his grandchildren Carter and Davis Sawby.
“Ed’s involvement in the Airdrie community was well known,” said Shields.
“The list of his contributions includes his work as a founding member and past president of the S.O.S Society at George McDougall High School, which raised over $60,000 for athletic supplies, his dedication and involvement with athletics makes him a great candidate to have this park named after him.”
The list of awards and accolades Eggerer has received during his time in Airdrie, include the Rotary Club’s Paul Harris Award and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Award in 2012.
He was involved with the Airdrie Tennis Society and was a supporter of basketball and volleyball in the community as well.
“Ed was always very involved and dedicated to athletics in the community,” said Alderman Allan Hunter.
“With the Summer Games coming to Airdrie this year, I can’t think of a better person name our athletic park after.”
Sylvia spoke to council about what it meant to have her late husband honoured.
“I just want to say thank you so much to Mayor Brown and council for this,” said Eggerer.
“This is such a huge honour for me, Ed’s family and grandchildren.”
Mayor Peter Brown was choked up by Eggerer’s comments, but added, “I’m happy that we can do this for the Eggerer family. Ed was a great man and a great friend and I miss him dearly.”
