Ice arena to bear Menard name

WASILLA -- The Wasilla City Council passed a resolution Monday to name the ice arena at the upcoming Wasilla Multi-Use Sports Complex after Curt Menard II. The official name of the area will be the "Curtis C. Menard II Memorial Ice Arena."

The resolution noted Menard's status as an "exemplary athlete, student and citizen," and his recognition of the "athletic, civic and educational assets of this community."

In his youth, Curtis Menard played hockey under the tutelage of Jim Brett, for whom the ice rink at Wasilla High School is now named. In later years, he became president of the Wasilla Rotary Club, an organization that was instrumental in planning and supporting the upcoming sports complex.

Wasilla City Council members expressed appreciation for the resolution to name the arena after Menard, as did his father. "The family is very excited about this decision," said Curt Menard Sr. "It's a wonderful gesture toward Curt's legacy of public service." Menard remembered his son's life of involvement in the community with fondness, and expressed sorrow at the memory of his untimely death.

Curt Menard II died Aug. 9, 2001, in a small plane crash, leaving his wife and four children, all between the ages of 10 and 3 years. He was 38 years old.