Moncton official helped bring U2, AC/DC to N.B.
Bono and the rock group U2 perform the final show of their 360 Tour at the Magnetic Hill concert site in Moncton, N.B. on Saturday, July 30, 2011. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Andrew Vaughan)
The Canadian Press
Date: Monday Nov. 7, 2011 8:47 AM ET
MONCTON, N.B. — The man credited with turning Moncton into a go-to destination for many of the world’s biggest music acts has died.
Ian Fowler died in hospital Saturday at the age of 53.
The cause wasn’t revealed.
Fowler was general manager of the city’s Economic Development, Tourism and Culture Department.
He is recognized as the driving force behind concerts at Magnetic Hill by U2, the Rolling Stones, AC/DC, the Eagles and others, as well as bringing two regular season CFL games to the city and the world junior track and field championships.
Mayor George LeBlanc said in a statement Sunday that Fowler was “a larger-than-life figure” who had the ability to dream big, overcome obstacles and achieve great things.
He said the city has lost a great man.
“He helped build Moncton into the leading community it has become — a city able to shine on the world stage,” LeBlanc said. “He was essential to bringing large-scale events to Moncton and positioning Moncton as the sports and entertainment capital of Atlantic Canada.”
A graduate of the University of New Brunswick, Fowler began a 31-year career with the City of Moncton in 1980 when he was hired as a recreational co-ordinator.
He worked in various positions with the city until his promotion as a general manager in 2010.
Fowler is survived by his wife Susan and two daughters.
Read more: http://www.ctv.ca
