Balgach entrepreneur Edgar Oehler died
Death
« He emotionized people »: Balgach entrepreneur Edgar Oehler died – a politician in Eastern Switzerland remembers
Edgar Oehler, a formative figure of the Swiss economy, died at the age of 83. The long-time head of the AFG Arbonia-Forster group leaves traces in the Eastern Swiss industry and politics. SVP National Councilor Michael Götte looks back on his time with his mentor Oehler.
Edgar Oehler died at the age of 83.
The entrepreneur Edgar Oehler died on Thursday night. This is confirmed by a person close to him. How The Rhine Valley writesrecently suffered from Alzheimer's disease. The Balgacher led the AFG Arbonia Forster Group for many years and made the company an important player in the building supplier industry. Oehler was known for his entrepreneurial foresight.
In addition to his work in the economy, Oehler was also involved politically, including as a center of national council, and was committed to the concerns of Eastern Switzerland. His entrepreneurial work still has an impact in the region.
SVP National Councilor Michael Götte: « His traces can be found across Eastern Switzerland »
A person who was very close to Oehler for a long time is Michael Götte. The SVP National Council found out from Edgar Oehler's death at around 3 a.m. this morning. « The first news of the family came at night, afterwards I told it to the most important people from the political environment after consultation, » he says. For him, Oehler was not only a mentor, but also a close companion in different stages of life. «I was already titled by your newspaper as his pull son. It was a compliment to me, I always put it positively, »says Götte.
Michael Götte, SVP National Council and Tübach Mayor.
« My first job was with him, I was 19 or 20 years old at the time, » recalls Götte. «I have worked in various functions for twelve years – both in his company and privately. Today you would say I was a personal employee. » Oehler also supported him in his political beginnings, although they were not in the same party.
Oehler's influence in Eastern Switzerland was enormous. « His traces can be found across the region, » says Götte. « He has gotten various things for decades – economically and politically. » His companies worked worldwide, but it was always clear to Oehler that his headquarters would not stay in Zurich, but in Eastern Switzerland.
His influence was also not to be underestimated political. « Personally, I had the first discussions when I planned to found a local party – Oehler always gave me his incredibly great experience, » recalls Götte.
Oehler's passion for FC St.Gallen
Not only in business and political, but also in football, Oehler left his tracks. « With his company, he was the largest single shareholder of FC St.Gallen for years, » said Götte. « In the beginning, Arbonia-Forster was only a normal sponsor, but Oehler wanted to make more of it. » He actively participated in the club, which also resulted in the right to name at the AFG-Arena (today Kybunpark), which had the name for eight years.
His commitment to the traditional association was not always undisputed. « When the FCSG was in a crisis, he supported him with loans – but he also called for changes and insisted on a change of management. » Oehler was always there with passion, which sometimes also caused large waves.
Michael Götte summarizes the essence of Edgar Oehler in a few words: « He has emotionalized people. »
