Dick Eggerding, often referred to as the male “Muse of Oro Valley,” has devoted his life to the enhancement of community art and conservation in Oro Valley. Through his unwavering efforts, he has introduced a vibrant array of art and music to the town, culminating in the vision of the Arizona Heroes Memorial, which aims to enrich the culture of Oro Valley and the broader Arizona community for generations to come.
In July of 1996, the General Plan “Focus on 2020” was established, providing a framework for a flourishing Oro Valley community. Eggerding, a pivotal member of the General Plan Advisory Committee, played an instrumental role in its development. This plan included the Cultural and Historic Resources Element, which recognized the significance of the area’s history and cultural assets, ultimately shaping the town’s future.
In 1994, a Cultural Assessment conducted by the town in collaboration with the Arizona Commission of the Arts reinforced the commitment to preserving historical sites and integrating public art into the community’s cultural identity. These foundational efforts paved the way for the development of Naranja Park and the allocation of land for the Arizona Heroes Memorial, a project spearheaded by Eggerding. The groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the memorial took place in February of 2023, serving as a testament to the community’s resilience and dedication to honoring its heroes.
At the inspiring age of 91, Dick Eggerding remains active and passionate about the remarkable landmarks of southern Arizona. His love for the arts blossomed early in his life; as a teenager, he engaged in various school and local commercial productions before receiving a voice scholarship to Washington University. Eggerding began his professional singing career as a tenor soloist with the St. Louis Municipal Opera, performing in over 50 operas during his time with the company.
After marrying Marjorie in 1954, Eggerding was drafted into the United States Army, where he served in a Counter-Intelligence Unit stationed at various locations, including Itazuke Air Force Base near Fukuoka, Japan. During his military service, he and fellow unit members contributed to establishing an orphanage for Japanese children on the outskirts of Fukuoka. Following the war, he transitioned into the insurance industry, eventually becoming the president and chairman of the board of the American Commercial Insurance Agency.
The couple moved to Oro Valley in 1988, where Dick engaged actively in local arts, cultural initiatives, and other community-driven endeavors. He co-founded the Greater Oro Valley Arts Council alongside Bob Weede.
His dedication to the community earned him recognition as one of two “Citizens of the Decade” by the Northwest EXPLORER newspaper, particularly for his work with the Greater Oro Valley Arts Council and his advocacy for open spaces and parks for residents. The inaugural Arts, Music, and Jazz Festival was held in 1995 and continues to thrive today. Furthermore, he secured funding from the Pima Association of Governments for Summer Youth Art Projects, with the first project being the Oro Valley Welcome sign on Oracle Road.
Eggerding’s commitment to community service and the arts led him to advocate for land from a local developer for the Oro Valley Library. He also served as vice president of economic development for the Greater Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce and co-authored the Oro Valley code, which mandates that 1 percent of new construction costs be allocated to public art, ensuring funding for artistic endeavors in commercial and public construction projects.
Among his many initiatives, Eggerding has held various significant roles, including chairman of the Public Arts Endowment Advisory Committee, member of the General Plan Steering Committee, chairman of the Naranja Town Park site task force, and founding member of the Citizens Land Conservation Committee, which is dedicated to preserving “Steam Pump Ranch” and addressing other land conservation issues.
After more than 36 years in the Oro Valley community, Eggerding has dedicated the past eight years to the development of the Arizona Heroes Memorial, which aims to honor the Veterans, First Responders, and Healthcare workers of Arizona. His motivation for creating the memorial stems from a combination of personal experiences, including finding the grave site of a fellow soldier in Korea who was killed shortly before the armistice in July 1953, as well as the sacrifices of his family members and the impact of events like 9/11.
He believes that the people of Arizona deserve a memorial to honor the numerous sacrifices made by those who have served. He envisions the memorial to rejuvenate patriotism, offering ceremonies, educational programs, and ongoing honorary services that will develop respect for the heroes commemorated within its structure.
Looking ahead, Eggerding and his team are actively working to raise funds to preserve and protect the memorial. With construction now completed, the community and its citizens can enjoy the site and learn about the various organizations it represents. The design of the memorial is not only beautiful and awe-inspiring but also essential for the community, as it serves to educate and honor those who have served.
Eggerding lives by the motto, “At the end of each day we should be one step closer to what we should be.” He hopes the community will recognize the debt of gratitude owed to these heroes and commit to ensuring their stories of service and sacrifice are never forgotten. His many accomplishments, including the founding of the Arizona Heroes Memorial, exemplify his lifelong dedication to service, community, and the arts.
