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EDMONTON — Former Alberta premier Don Getty passed away Friday at the age of 82. While most Albertans remember Getty for his life in provincial politics, he was also an outstanding athlete.
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READ MORE: Former Alberta Premier Don Getty dies at 82
Getty was born in Quebec in 1933. He attended Western University in London, Ont. where he played football and basketball.
A photograph of Don Getty in his football uniform from the 1950s.
Courtesy: JP Metras Sports Museum
In 1955, he headed west to continue his football career as a professional with the Edmonton Eskimos.
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Getty was a quarterback with the Eskimos from 1955 to 1965, winning two Grey Cups in 1955 and 1956.
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In 1959, Getty was named Outstanding Canadian in the Western Canada Football League and was a finalist for the league’s most outstanding player.
READ MORE: ‘A great Albertan’: Tributes to former premier Don Getty pour in
During his CFL career, he threw for 8,952 yards and 58 touchdowns.
He was added to the organization’s Wall of Honour at Commonwealth Stadium in 1992.
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Getty played with the Edmonton Eskimos from 1955 to 1965, winning two Grey Cup championships in 1955 and 1956. His name was added to the Eskimos Wall of Honour at Commonwealth Stadium in 1992.
Dave Carels, Global News
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Getty played with the Edmonton Eskimos from 1955 to 1965, winning two Grey Cup championships in 1955 and 1956. His name was added to the Eskimos Wall of Honour at Commonwealth Stadium in 1992.
Dave Carels, Global News
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Don Getty's name on the Commonwealth Stadium Wall of Honour in Edmonton, Alta. February 26, 2016.
Erin Chalmers, Global News
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Don Getty's name on the Commonwealth Stadium Wall of Honour in Edmonton, Alta. February 26, 2016.
Erin Chalmers, Global News
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Former Alberta Premier Don Getty reminisces about his Edmonton Eskimos teammate quarterback Jackie Parker in the Edmonton Eskimos locker room, Tuesday November 7, 2006. (CP PHOTO/Jason Scott)
CP PHOTO/Jason Scott
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Former Alberta Premier Don Getty reminisces about his Edmonton Eskimos teammate quarterback Jackie Parker in the Eskimos locker room, Tuesday Nov. 7, 2006.
Jason Scott, CP PHOTO
Getty leaves behind his wife Margaret and four sons.
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