Kaney, Inc. Donates Funds to Begin Ice Hockey Scholarship in Memory of Eric Larson
ROCKFORD, IL – As the one-year anniversary of Eric Larson’s tragic death approaches, Kaney, Inc. approached the Rockford Park District Foundation about doing something special to honor his life and passion for hockey. Larson passed away on April 8, 2022, at the age of 30. He died due to injuries received when his car was struck at Kishwaukee Street and South Street in Rockford.
Eric lived each day with joy and gratitude, and every life he touched was made better by his authentic and gentle character. He was employed at Kaney, Inc. and cherished working for a local company that always made him feel at home. When he wasn’t working, he loved giving back to the community, and enjoyed playing the game of hockey. He grew up in the ice hockey programs at the Rockford Park District, and coached many years for the Rockford Hockey Club and Jr. IceHogs program.
"Eric Larson was an important part of our engineering team, and we have been brainstorming about a variety of ways to honor his life. Internally at Kaney, Inc., we are honoring Eric’s work by etching his name on a circuit board he helped design that’s utilized on many different helicopters. When he wasn’t at work, we know Eric had a huge passion for hockey, along with mentoring and empowering young athletes. We wanted to do something that will have a lasting impact on our community and help area youth develop lifelong skills. We are proud to establish the Eric Larson Youth Hockey Scholarship, which will help continue his legacy and inspire future generations. Eric is greatly missed, but his spirit and dedication to youth sports will live on through this scholarship," said Jeff Kaney, Sr., CEO of Kaney, Inc.
At tonight’s Rockford Park District Board of Commissioners meeting, Jeff Kaney, CEO of Kaney, Inc. and Ron Soave, President and COO of Kaney, Inc., presented a check for $15,000 to the Rockford Park District Foundation to establish the Eric Larson Youth Hockey Scholarship fund.
“Eric had an unwavering passion for family, friends, his work, and, of course, youth development and ice hockey. His leadership inspired those around him to reach their full potential both in life and on the ice. He was always learning and always teaching. He saw every day as an opportunity to learn and grow, and our donation is meant to continue his legacy of helping those around him to be the best they can be,” said Ron Soave.
The scholarship will provide financial support to individuals to help cover registration fees to play hockey in the Rockford Park District or through the Rockford Hockey Club. The Rockford Park District and Rockford Park District Foundation will finalize scholarship criteria and application details before summer.
Additional donations to this fund are also welcomed. Donations can be made at the link below.