HAYDEN — People describe Ron McIntire in many ways.
Hayden Council President Matt Roetter sees him as “a man whose name is synonymous with integrity, generosity and community spirit.”
“His true leadership is about generosity, humility and (is) deeply rooted in love,” said former councilor Roger Satterfiel. “He will always be my mayor.”
McIntire, who served as Hayden’s mayor from January 2000 to December 2015, opened his first grocery store in the city when he was 33 years old.
Today, he signs the checks of thousands of employees across 15 Super 1 Foods locations in Idaho and Montana. His philanthropic spirit has benefited schools, Kootenai Health, the Festival of Trees and has touched countless lives.
The park next to Hayden City Hall was renamed to honor McIntire in 2016 — and is now home to a statue of the man himself.
McIntire, 88, didn’t know about the project until Saturday’s unveiling and true to form, he was humbled as he shook hands, embraced, and took photos with those in attendance.
“I’m shocked,” he said.
Created by artist Terry Lee, the 350-pound bronze figure took about three months to create and an additional six months to cast into bronze.
“This was a big deal for me because I know Ron so well,” Lee said.
The statue is complete with McIntire’s trademark white shirt, black bow tie, Super 1 apron and friendly smile.
A plaque positioned next to the statue lists McIntire’s many accomplishments and contributions and describes him as “a man of deep faith and unwavering integrity.”
About 100 people gathered at McIntire Family Park for a surprise unveiling that was kept well under wraps thanks to the work of Stephanie Saterfiel, who was instrumental in the project coming to fruition.
“This event was built on a vision I had for over a decade, and it came to life because of the love, respect and generosity of so many,” Saterfiel said.
Saterfiel also said that in her many years of fundraising, she has never seen such overwhelming support.
“It speaks volumes about what Ron means to this city,” she said.
Ron McIntire was all smiles Saturday as he shook hands with a community member at a surprise unveiling of a statue made in his image, now on display in Hayden’s McIntire Family Park.
The bronze statue features McIntire’s trademark white T-shirt, bow tie, Super 1 apron and friendly smile.
The bronze statue of Ron McIntire and a plaque listing his many accomplishments and contributions to the community is now on display at Hayden’s McIntire Family Park.