DAWSONVILLE - A man who oversaw the operation of Lake Lanier for more than 20 years has died.<br />
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Erwin Topper, 72, died Saturday at his home in Dawsonville.<br />
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Topper worked for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for 28 years. For 23 of those years, he served as Operations Manager for Lake Lanier. During his tenure, the lake was recognized as the best lake in the Corps system. He retired in 2004.<br />
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"I've felt fulfilled as I look back (and I probably) could have made another dollar or two doing something else," Topper said at the time of his retirement. "(However), it's been really satisfying and I don't know what else I would have done if it hadn't been for this." <br />
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In December 2004, Topper was recognized by the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce for his tenure as Operations Manager for Lake Lanier.<br />
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"We sort of take Lake Lanier for granted (but) somebody has to look after the lake, somebody has to make sure about (the quality of the water) and make sure we behave around it," chamber President & CEO Kit Dunlap said at the time. <br />
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Dunlap went on to say Topper appreciates that water and that water quality "but he also understands what (use of the lake for) recreation means to this community and North Georgia."<br />
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Topper was a former Corps Employee of the Year and upon is retirement, he was selected for the Corps of Engineers Mobile (Ala.) District Hall of Fame. In addition, the National Recreation Society selected him as a Legend in the field of recreation. <br />
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A memorial service will be held Thursday at 11:00 at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Cumming. <br />
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(A complete obituary can be found on the AccessNorthGa.com Obituaries Page.)
