Even if you've just moved to Mid-Michigan you've probably heard of the Eyde family, because the name is on so many pieces of real estate.
The family is mourning the death of company founder George Eyde this week. Eyde had been on life support after going into cardiac arrest Thursday. He died Saturday surrounded by his wife and six children.
FOX 47 had the chance to talk to his son Matt Eyde. He says the family is now just trying to focusing on all the great memories they have of him and his legacy.
"He had a very big personality and he really loved people..and he would always like to give gifts so he would have bananas on him all the time and pens...so when he'd go around town he was very excited to pass out bananas and pens to everybody", said Matt Eyde.
Eyde and his brother Louis founded Eyde Company back in 1958. Over the last six decades the company has built thousands of apartments, office, and retail spaces, becoming one of most successful development firms in Mid-Michigan.
Eyde was also a member of the Spartans 1955 National Championship football team. His family says he had always had a love for Michigan State and never missed a game.
"He'd break things down because he'd want to apply that..you know these winning concepts into what he would do as an individual with his own business", said Eyde.
Aside from business, having a strong sense of family was very important to Eyde. Four of his six children work for the company. After trying different career paths, Matt knew one day he would come back to Lansing and work with his dad.
"Growing up both of my parents said you need to learn the value of a dollar and do some of the things that you want to do so that when you do come back you're ready and you're seasoned to be able to carry on a legacy of contributing to this city", said Eyde.
Matt shared with FOX 47 News that his dad had a love for food and enjoyed telling stories from his childhood, and that if he could, Matt would ask him to tell just one more story.
"If I had the chance to talk to him again you know id have him make me a a sandwich and talk a little bit about stories..and uh yeah", said Eyde.
Matt also shared with us that just a few days before his dad's passing he told another one of his sons he was proud to see the family working together and that he was happy and at peace. Matt says it seemed like he knew it was his time to go.
The Eyde family says the company plans to create something in George Eyde's memory in the future.
Mr. Eyde's visitation will be held Tuesday from 5-8 pm and funeral services will be held Wednesday at 11am.
Both are at Saint Thomas Aquinas Church in East Lansing.
