It was an emotional night for Airdrie City Councillors as they voted to memorialize a long time volunteer and long-serving board member.

Rob Van Biezen was a dedicated volunteer and served on several City of Airdrie boards for 26 years.

Van Biezen, who was known for his smile and his big heart, passed away in 2015 after a battle with cancer.

Monday night City Council voted in favour of having him memorialized in the Community Builders Tree Grove in Nose Creek Park.

On March 6, 2017, Council approved a process for honouring citizens who have gone above and beyond to make Airdrie a great place by establishing the Tree Grove.

Kim Van Biezen said it’s an honour her husband would have truly appreciated.

“He always loved his parks and his grass, so to have a bench in his honour down in the park just down from his house, is just a wonderful thing,” Van Biezen said.

“He was a kindhearted man and he just wanted to get out there and meet people and do what he could for them and be part of the city and make it a good place to live,” Van Biezen said of her late husband. “He was a number one Airdrie promoter.”

 

Mayor Peter Brown who got choked up during the meeting while talking about Van Biezen said it’s the least they can do to recognize the contributions he made to the city.

“Rob Van Biezen is an exquisite person to recognize, the man was involved in everything, he was always engaged,” said Brown. “He’s just an example of who we need to continue to recognize going forward.”

The City of Airdrie will be planting a tree and installing a bench in Van Biezen’s memory.