The pathway around East Lake will be renamed the Tim Harriman Legacy Loop during a dedication ceremony on June 15.
Harriman was a longtime resident of Airdrie who battled cancer four times in his short life. He rode his bike across Canada in 2007 to raise money for childhood cancers and he lost his battle last September at the age of 22.
“Tim Harriman was a true champion in everything he did,” said Airdrie Alderman Murray Buchanan, who coached Harriman in Atom hockey.
“This is something the City wanted to do, to dedicate this pathway to someone who is inspiring to people of all ages. He had a heart of gold and certainly was an inspiration to me. He had a strong spirit and a strong faith and he was a tremendous representative of this city. He was just a perfect man.”
Michael McAllister, community developer with the City, agreed.
“Anyone who knew Tim or has heard his story is moved by it,” he said.
“This is a great opportunity to learn about an individual who gave a lot and left a legacy. It was always Tim’s goal to share his story.”
The dedication of the one-kilometre pathway will take place behind Bert Church High School on Harriman’s birthday starting at 6 p.m. A mini memorial ride will allow cyclists to bike to the dedication ceremony. The ride will start at Monklands Soccer Field at 5 p.m., stop at Nose Creek Park to pick up more riders and end at Bert Church.
“It is a great way to honour a spectacular man and to discover the pathway system in Airdrie,” said Geoff Rice, Bike Month coordinator.
Harriman’s wife Christa said she is honoured by the dedication.
“It is incredible to me,” she said.
“To one day be able to stand in front of that plaque and know it’s dedicated to him is so special.”
Christa said the pathway was a good fit for the dedication because he used it to train for his ride across Canada and the couple often walked along the path.
“It really represents him well, he would be humbled and proud,” she said.
“The area is quiet and he went to Bert Church High School for Grade 12. He left a huge legacy in the community and I think the name is a perfect fit.”
Christa said her mom Karen Boccabella came up with the name and the rest of the family felt it was right.
“It really is such a beautiful tribute and it will live on as part of Airdrie’s history. It’s what he wanted, he wanted to be sure the way he lived his life inspired people. I think this will be a place people can go when they want to be encouraged or when they have something to celebrate. They can draw from his inspiration.”
Harriman’s father Jerry said he hopes his son lives on in the community through the pathway named in his honour.
“Tim impacted Airdrie with his determination to face all challenges with such a positive attitude. Every goal he set for himself and with the support of his community, he was able to achieve many great things,” said Jerry.
“Tim was a real pioneer to Airdrie. He went to school in Airdrie, played sports in Airdrie, attended a youth group and church in Airdrie, did his cross-country bike training here in Airdrie, worked in Airdrie. Tim reflects what Airdrie is all about and Airdrie reflects what Tim is all about.”
The event will include a barbecue and all funds from the food will go towards the family of Jayden Phaneuf, a four-year-old boy with an aggressive and rare form of cancer in multiple parts of his body.
“We are encouraging people to give over and above,” said Christa.
“When we were faced with our struggle, it was the financial support from people in the community, people we didn’t even know, that got us through. Tim wanted to make sure families with children with cancer were provided for and that’s what we want to do with this barbecue.”
For more information on the dedication or a map of the route for the memorial ride, visit www.airdrie.ca
