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Sep 28, 2023

Hagan Hetz, president and CEO of Fairview Evergreen Nurseries, dies

From the Erie Times-News: Hagan M. Hetz, age 50, passed away on August 4, 2023, surrounded by his family at his home in Fairview, Pennsylvania after a courageous ten-year battle with a brain tumor

From the Erie Times-News:

Hagan M. Hetz, age 50, passed away on August 4, 2023, surrounded by his family at his home in Fairview, Pennsylvania after a courageous ten-year battle with a brain tumor that cut short his young life.

He was born in Erie, Pennsylvania on August 31, 1972 to parents D. Garth and Peggy Hetz and was the youngest of their three children.

Hagan was grateful to have experienced his childhood and youth in Fairview. The friends he met at St. Stephens pre-school as a four-year old became the cherished friends who shared their lives as the Algonquin Council ever since that beginning nearly 50 years ago. Hagan was a 1991 graduate of Fairview High School in the school system that prepared him and his friends for successful careers across the country.

After earning an MBA from Vanderbilt University in 2001 and working in the insurance industry for four years in Nashville, Tennessee, Hagan returned to his hometown and the family business, Fairview Evergreen Nurseries, Inc., established in 1911 by his great grandfather, Frank C. Hetz. He was a fourth-generation nurseryman. At Fairview Evergreen, he found early success in his position as Vice President of Sales and Marketing, having trained for the dual roles under the guidance of his father. His rapport with nursery industry colleagues, wholesale customers, and clients throughout the eastern and midwestern United States and Canada was evident in the respect and friendships he garnered during his years in sales and marketing.

Following in his father’s footsteps, Hagan was elected President/CEO and Chairman of the Board of Fairview Evergreen Nurseries, Inc. He spent nearly ten years at the helm of the company. He proudly dedicated his working days to the family business and nursery industry, having served several years on the Pennsylvania Landscape and Nursery Association’s government relations committee and its local Western Regional chapter. He was a member of the Hamot Board of Corporators and a longtime supporter of the Horticulture Research Institute.

In his youth, Hagan was a fleet-footed athlete, a rabid sports fan, and a fierce competitor. He devised some of the best pick-up games ever created including “Street Hockey Slapshot” and the “Rickey Henderson Sleeping Bag Slide.” Hagan played Fairview High School football, soccer, and baseball, was an avid skier, and provided live color commentary at Fairview High School Basketball games. And then there was hockey…Hagan was passionate about hockey and heavy metal music (specifically bass guitar played by his brother Hans). He attended Erie Blades/Otters games with family and friends and enjoyed playing hockey competitively for most of his life. Hagan was a loyal fan of the Washington Capitals, the Oakland A’s, the Philadelphia 76ers, and he never ever gave up on his Washington Redskins. His enthusiasm for sports and competition continues in his three children, whom he coached in both hockey and soccer.

Hagan is survived by his wife of twenty-two years, Kelly Sawyer Hetz whom he met, fell in love with, and married in Nashville on July 28, 2001. Hagan will be greatly missed by his adored children Hollen Hope, Harper Julie, and Henrik Gunner Hetz; his sister, Heidi Zomnir (Rick), and his brother, Hans-Erik Hetz (Amy), and many beloved nieces and nephews. Hagan was preceded in death by his infant son, Hayden Sawyer Hetz, and his father, D. Garth Hetz.

Family and friends may call at the Edder Funeral Home Inc., 309 Main St. East, Girard on Tuesday, August 8 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

A funeral service will be held at the Fairview Presbyterian Church on Wednesday, August 9 at 10 a.m.

Burial will be in the Fairview Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the American Brain Tumor Association.

To send condolences go to edderfuneralhome.com.