The outstanding contributions of a man who served Airdrie with his volunteer work, on city council and through his love for sports were honoured yesterday (December 9).

The Gold Ice surface at the Ron Ebbesen Arena was officially named the Murray Buchanan Ice yesterday with a puck drop ceremony featuring members of the Buchanan family and Mayor Peter Brown. 

Peter Buchanan, Murray's oldest son, says his dad, who passed away on New Year's Eve, 2015 at age 59, would have liked the ceremony.  Well, he says, he would have kind of like it.

"He probably would be mad because we're making such a big deal of it," laughs Peter.  "I think he would have wanted to fly under the radar more and say, 'give it to somebody else,' but I think he's probably smiling down right now and happy that we're recognizing him."

Peter says the ceremony was very special to the Buchanan family.  "It means a ton to the family.  The city council and the City of Airdrie, Michelle Lock and Michael McAllister, we couldn't thank them and their team more for this.  It's incredible all the work that actually went into doing this.  So appreciative.  It's a great way to recognize his contribution and we couldn't be more grateful."

Prior to the puck drop ceremony, Mayor Peter Brown spoke glowingly of Murray Buchanan's work for the city, as a councillor for 21 years, as the President of Airdrie Minor Hockey for five years and as a volunteer with the Airdrie Food Bank and CARES, an organization that raised money for more ice surfaces in Airdrie.

Buchanan was awarded the Alberta Centennial Medal in 2005 that was given to Albertans whose achievements had benefitted their community.  In 2010 he received the Soul of Airdrie award for his outstanding contributions as a volunteer in the community.  

When asked about his dad's love for sports, Peter said "He was a farm boy growing up in Ontario so he was always involved in hockey, lacrosse and football.  He was a big Red Wings and Hamilton Tig-r Cats fan.  When he moved out here he quickly became a big minor hockey fan moreso than pro sports at that time."

But, most importantly to Peter and his siblings, Murray was a good dad.  "He was pretty easy going as a dad.  I think a lot of people get away more with their dads than their mom.  He was a great dad."

Questions, comments or story ideas? Email us at news@discoverairdrie.com