The long-time general manager of the Community Food Sharing Association is being remembered as a “champion for the hungry and those who needed a hand up.”

Senator David Wells paid tribute to Egbert Walters following word of his passing on the weekend at the age of 77.

Wells presented Walters with a medal recognizing his service to the community in 2017.

He told The Tim Powers Show that Walters was a fixture in the community for his efforts in ensuring people had access to food banks.

Wells recalled Walters’ reaction when he called to tell him he was getting an award.

“And he said very specifically, ‘I don’t do this for recognition, I don’t do this for what you’re giving me.’ And I said “Eg, that’s the exact reason why you are so deserving.'”

Premier Tony Wakeham says Walters wasn’t one for the limelight and described his impact while speaking to reporters in the House of Assembly yesterday.

“When we think back of how that whole system changed, with his leadership,he turned that into something. He made sure that Food Bank was not something to be ashamed of, that (the) food bank was something that people need from time to help them out,” he said.

“I’m sorry to hear about his passing, but he was a tremendous person.”

A celebration of Eg Walters’ life will take place on Monday, May 11 at the Mazol Shriners on Topsail Road in St. John’s from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.