This past week Fernie lost one of its own, a local legend known as the visionary for the local ski hill, Heiko Socher will be mourned by all who knew him and know of him. Rarely does someone’s passing affect such a wide, and diverse group of people. Socher’s passing will leave a hole in the community that will never be filled.
Socher took over as manager at Fernie Snow Valley in 1973 and never looked back. After retiring in the late ‘90’s Socher spent much of his time building and maintaining his trail – Heiko’s Trail, and renovating the Castle on 1st.
It’s always sad when someone passes away but with the passing of Heiko Socher not only has his family lost a loved one important to them, all of Fernie and area has lost someone special,” said Fernie Mayor Mary Giuliano. “Heiko is a legend. He is responsible for so much in so many ways. The ski hill, trails, Griz emblem, Heiko and his wife Linda had a vision and they made it happen and along the way they took Fernie along for the ride.
“This community wouldn’t be the same had not these two made it home. Now the man who physically never stopped working on trails or even mentally imagining new projects to benefit Fernie has gone to a better place where he is no doubt telling God as he told me a year ago, ‘I wish I had more time here because there is so much more I want to do.’
Heiko was an ambitious, intelligent visionary, he will be greatly missed. But he is our legend and so he will live forever in our hearts and minds in the present and in the future, said Giuliano.”
Socher passed away on Oct. 7 at the age of 86.
