Football brings people together, but never more so than when Ed Laverty was on the gridiron or volunteering his time behind the scenes running the Ottawa-Nepean Touch Football League for five decades.

“Football, sport and community. You have this common goal to not just win, but learn a sport and build team camaraderie, build a family,” said Ed Laverty’s daughter, Tammy Laverty.

Laverty is considered one of Ottawa’s most stalwart champions of touch football. And it was his extended football family, built up over more than 50 years, that helped the Lavertys during “the best days,” as well as during “the darkest days” after their father began showing signs of Alzheimer’s six years ago.

“His legacy reaches so many from a simple love of sport,” Tammy said.

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