The Calgary sports and business communities are mourning the loss of Alvin Libin, the longtime co-owner of the Calgary Flames and one of Alberta’s most influential philanthropists and corporate leaders, who passed away at the age of 95. The Calgary Flames announced his death on Monday. No cause of death has been publicly disclosed.
Libin’s passing marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in Calgary’s history. A respected businessman, community builder, and generous philanthropist, he played a pivotal role in shaping not only professional sports in Calgary but also the broader civic and economic landscape of Alberta.
Born in Calgary in 1931, Alvin Libin built a distinguished career spanning real estate, oil and gas, and financial services. His business acumen and leadership earned him widespread respect throughout Canada, while his commitment to giving back to his community established him as one of Calgary’s most admired figures.
Libin joined the Calgary Flames ownership group in 1994 and became an instrumental force behind the growth of the Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation (CSEC). Under his co-ownership, the organization expanded beyond the NHL’s Flames to include the CFL’s Calgary Stampeders, the WHL’s Calgary Hitmen, and the National Lacrosse League’s Calgary Roughnecks. He also witnessed significant milestones, including the relocation of the AHL’s Wranglers to Calgary and the beginning of construction on a new event centre that will replace the 43-year-old Scotiabank Saddledome.
His influence extended far beyond sports. Libin served on numerous corporate and community boards and was widely recognized for his dedication to philanthropy and public service. In 2001, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada, one of the nation’s highest civilian honors, in recognition of his contributions to business and community development. Three years later, he was inducted into the Alberta Order of Excellence, further cementing his legacy as one of the province’s most distinguished citizens. He also received an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Calgary.
Tributes have poured in following news of his passing. CSEC Board Chairman N. Murray Edwards remembered Libin as a trusted partner and dear friend whose passion for the Calgary Flames and the organization’s teams was unmatched. CSEC President Robert Hayes described him as a visionary leader, a generous philanthropist, and a respected figure whose impact on the organization and community will endure for generations.
Those who knew Alvin Libin remember him not only for his remarkable business achievements but also for his humility, generosity, and unwavering commitment to Calgary. He was a man who believed deeply in community, leadership, and creating opportunities that would benefit future generations.
Though Alvin Libin has passed away at the age of 95, his legacy lives on through the organizations he helped build, the countless charitable initiatives he supported, and the lives he touched throughout his remarkable lifetime. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his family, friends, colleagues, and the entire Calgary community.
