Public memorial for John Forzani Thursday night
Posted Nov 13, 2014 1:37 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Mayor Naheed Nenshi and Calgary Stampeders General Manager and head coach John Hufnagel, are among the speakers who paid tribute to John Forzani at a public memorial in Calgary Thursday night.
The 67-year-old former football star, businessman, and philanthropist passed away two weeks ago after suffering a heart attack in Palm Springs.
A private funeral was held for Forzani last week, but the memorial is a chance for the public to say their final farewells.
In many ways, John Forzani was larger than life: a homegrown gridiron star with the Stampeders and only the second Canadian named to the World Retail Hall of Fame.
Todd Birss, General Manager of the Forzani Foundation says John’s biggest legacy for many in community is the way he gave back by generating millions for health-related charities and research and even donating his brain to the Canadian Sports Concussion project in Toronto.
“It was always, what does the other person need and how can I help? That was John’s theory in life — and even after life,” said Birss.
Thursday night’s celebration of life was a joint effort between the Forzani Foundation, the Calgary Stampeders and Forzani’s family.
Members of the public were also welcome to pay their respects at the Red and White Club.
