RIP Earl Hagaman

The Herald reports:

Christchurch millionaire Earl Hagaman has died.

Hagaman, a tourism pioneer and owner of the Scenic Hotel Group, died today in his Christchurch home after an illness.

Lani Hagaman, Earl’s wife and business partner of 30 years, said he died peacefully surrounded by family and friends.

Born in America, Earl Hagaman and friend Ralph Brown bought their first hotel, the 48-room Graham Motor Inn – which is now the 130-room Scenic Hotel Franz Josef – in 1980.

Lani Hagaman said her husband was “loved and respected by many, including business and industry colleagues, and our 1000 staff working throughout Scenic Hotel Group both here in New Zealand and the Pacific”.

“He put all his energies into developing New Zealand’s tourism industry, as well as bringing much-needed jobs and income into the regional economy where most other hotel companies did not want to take that risk.

“He was a visionary and loved this country.”

A real loss. Condolences to Lani and family.