(CP) – 1 day ago

CALGARY — Longtime Calgary Stampeders executive Tony Anselmo, who was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame this fall, has died. He was 91.

Anselmo died Tuesday night, the Stampeders announced Wednesday.

Anselmo was first elected to the Stampeders board of directors in 1967 and served the football club in numerous capacities over the next 40 years, including as president in 1973-'74. As president of the McMahon Stadium Society, he was instrumental in the major improvements to the stadium in the mid-1970s.

Anselmo was recognized for his long service to the Stampeders and CFL in September when he was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame as a builder.

A native of Michel, B.C., Anselmo served with the Royal Canadian Air Force during the Second World War. In 1975, he received the Order of Canada.

Anselmo also served on several committees for the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary as McMahon Stadium was the site of the opening and closing ceremonies for the Games.

"Tony certainly left a big print wherever he went," Stampeders executive vice-president Stan Schwartz said in a statement. "From his rise through the business world to his dedication to football to his amazing spirit of volunteerism, he was an amazing person and I'm proud to have had him as a mentor and as a friend."

Added CFL commissioner Mark Cohon: "On behalf of our Board of Governors and the entire Canadian Football League, I want to express our sympathies to the family and friends of Tony Anselmo, a true gentleman who did so much to build the Calgary Stampeders, strengthen our league and lift the spirits of those of us who had the pleasure of meeting him."

Anselmo is survived by his wife, Minerva, son Garry and daughters Dale and Toni. Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.

Copyright © 2009 The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.

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