"We always referred to Jim as the mayor of the off leash ... he was the mayor of the Cochrane dog park," said Mayor Jeff Genung to a crowd of pooches and their people gathered together to celebrate the legacy of Jim Uffelmann on the morning of June 16. Uffelmann, 58, died suddenly last September, after sustaining injuries during an accident while volunteering in a Kananaskis area park. Uffelmann was a longtime Cochranite and vocal supporter of the off-leash dog park in Riverview. In recognition of Jim's efforts to preserve, maintain and expand the pristine and popular off-leash area, during election season Genung vowed that win or lose, he would move to name the park the Jim Uffelmann Memorial Park. His motion was easily supported by council last fall. "Jim left me with something ... he changed the way I think about dog parks and off-leash areas," said Genung, giving a nod to the advocacy of the Off Leash Advocacy Group that Jim helped spur and that dog parks are a top of mind consideration among town planners and area developers. Jim's beloved Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, Lulu, was there for the event with Jim's partner, Patricia McDonald. Several members of his Waterloo, Ont. family flew out for the naming - father, Fred, and sisters, Maris and Sarah Uffelmann, among them. Town staff members and Couns. Marni Fedeyko and Tara McFadden were also in attendance. Sarah shared some words to reflect on her brother's memory and character - his early years caring for dogs, birds and even orphaned squirrels; his enthusiasm for outdoors and cycling, skiing, as well as his boundless energy - to be outmatched only by Lulu. Jim faithfully walked Lulu at the park twice daily. Maris shared some words on behalf of Pat, on how the park was more than a spot to walk dogs - that it was a space to connect with the community and develop friendships. Family also joked about Jim's passion for putting politicians in their place - or grumpy runners with a distaste for dogs at the park. "I was very pleased to see that the citizens of Cochrane appreciated him," said Fred.
