Calgary moving fast to immortalize Whalen
By BILL KAUFMANN -- Calgary Sun
The city's wasting little time in finding a way to permanently honour
beloved Calgary broadcaster and charity champion Ed Whalen.
As early as Monday, city council could approve the naming of a public
building or facility after Whalen, who died Tuesday at the age of 74 in a
Florida hospital after suffering a cardiac arrest while on vacation.
Speculation has an unnamed arena being christened after the late Sun
columnist and long-time voice of Stampede Wrestling.
"I think it'd be appropriate that council, in a more formal way, recognizes
Ed Whalen's contribution, not only to sports but volunteerism in Calgary, and
also to children," said Mayor Dave Bronconnier, who called Whalen "the spirit
of Calgary."
While other issues before council often prove divisive, Bronconnier
predicted enshrining Whalen's name in a significant fashion will find solid
support among council and Calgarians.
The city's naming committee is expected to present a recommendation to
council on Monday.
On Saturday, the Flames plan to honour Whalen with a presentation before
the game against Anaheim. The hockey club is also looking at naming an area of
the Saddledome after the media icon.
Meanwhile, members of Whalen's family have made plans for a private service
in Canmore on Saturday. Details for a public service are still being worked
out.
"We know there are a lot of people out there that want to say goodbye to
Eddie in their own way," said Whalen's son, Tony.
Whalen's wife Nomi and stepson Monty Ghitter were scheduled to return from
Florida last night.
- - with files from Ian Wilson
