CALGARY- Calgary businessman and former professional football player John Forzani died after suffering a serious heart attack in California on Thursday.
The 67-year-old had been on life support in a Palm Springs hospital.
The Calgary Stampeders announced Forzani’s passing on their website.
Forzani, who recently retired, founded the Forzani Group which is behind one of the largest sporting goods chains in the country.
He was one of three brothers who all played for the Stampeders in the 1970s, and the three won a Grey Cup together in Forzani’s rookie year in 1971.
John was an offensive lineman, Joe was a linebacker, and Tom was a receiver.
While still playing in the CFL, Forzani began a highly-successful business career, opening Forzani’s Locker Room with his brothers in 1974. That was followed by a series of acquisitions, including Sport-Chek International in 1991.
In 2001, Forzani received the Distinguished Canadian Retailer of the Year Award from the Retail Council of Canada.
In 2005, he became a part-owner of the Calgary Stampeders, leading a push to stabilize the team.
Forzani also spent a considerable amount of time raising money for local charities.
The Forzani Foundation was the driving force behind the annual Mother’s Day Run and Walk – an event that draws thousands of participants each year.
“I’m very saddened by John’s passing,” says current Stampeders head coach and general manager John Hufnagel. “He was a teammate, a friend and a hunting buddy. John was very instrumental in my return to the Stampeders organization in 2008 and I’m very proud of what we were all able to build here together.”
The Forzani Group was sold to Canadian Tire in August 2011.
Details regarding funeral arrangements have not yet been released.
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With files from David Boushy
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