Calgary Stampeders announcer and renowned radio host Dan Carson dies at 60

Dan Carson, a legendary sports radio host and longtime Calgary Stampeders announcer, died at 60.

A longtime Calgarian, Carson was born in Smithers, B.C., in 1962, where he began his career in radio at 16. He started professionally with Country 105 in the mid-1980s.

He worked with them as a radio host for 30 years and took a short hiatus to work as a radio presenter for CKO.

Carson was part of the Odd Squad radio show on Country 105 with Robyn Adair, Charley West, Ray Grover, Doug Veronelly, and Roger Rhodes.

“The Oddest of our little Odd Squad radio show at Country 105 for decades, Dan was as sharp as a tack and outrageously funny,” a Facebook post from Adair reads.

“Dan was like a brother to me, and just like family, we spent a great deal of time bickering, but God help you if you ever spoke to Dan the way I did.

“The original Country 105 team was a tight-knit group, and I have spoken to some of the gang who are equally devastated at the news, but all of us are thinking of Dan’s kids and his family, and we are sending you love and strength.”

The Odd Squad has been considered for the Personalities of the Year award at the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music in Nashville, Tennessee, and they were the recipients of the International Broadcasters of the Year Award from the Country Music Association in 2015.

He remained with the Odd Squad until 2019 and started with CityNews 660 in 2020 as a broadcaster on the weekends, where staff at the station say “he pretty much did everything.”

Carson is also known for his familiar, “constant and reassuring voice” as the Calgary Stampeders announcer for the past 31 years.

It is with great sadness the Calgary Stampeders learn of the passing of Dan Carson, who was public-address announcer at the Red and White’s home games for the past 31 years.

He will be sadly missed and the Stampeders organization offers its heartfelt condolences to Dan’s family… pic.twitter.com/bbhOM6AS7E

— Calgary Stampeders (@calstampeders) June 28, 2023

“For a couple of generations of fans attending games at McMahon Stadium as well as Stampeders players, coaches, and staff, the sound of Dan’s voice was constant and reassuring, and he was an important part of the game-day experience,” said Stampeders vice-president of business operations Jay McNeil.

“He will be sadly missed, and the Stampeders organization offers its heartfelt condolences to Dan’s family and his many friends.”

He celebrated his 30 years with the team in 2022, and his last game for the team was Saturday, where the Stamps played the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

Carson was also known for his charitable work, as he participated in the Country 105 “Caring for Kids Radiothon,” which raised money for the Alberta Children’s Hospital.

Tributes for Carson pour in

Many in the sports and radio community took to social media to grieve the loss of the longtime radio host.

It’s sad to hear of the sudden passing of Dan Carson, Calgary Stampeders’ public address announcer for over 30 years. He just worked the Stampeders game against Saskatchewan on Saturday night. He also worked for more than 3 decades on air at Country 105 and 660 News. pic.twitter.com/U7vZ2kXE22

— Daryl Slade (@Stampeders1945) June 28, 2023

“It’s sad to hear of the sudden passing of Dan Carson, Calgary Stampeders’ public address announcer for over 30 years,” reads one tweet from Daryl Slade.

Sad to learn #Calgary radio legend Dan Carson has passed away. He was with @Country105_FM for decades & I was fortunate enough to have him on the team when I was ND @citynewscalgary. He was also the longtime PA announcer for the @calstampeders. Condolences to all who knew him.

— Tim Parent (@timparent) June 28, 2023

“Sad to learn #Calgary radio legend Dan Carson has passed away. He was with @Country105_FM for decades & I was fortunate enough to have him on the team when I was ND @citynewscalgary,” reads a tweet from former CityNews 660 news director Tim Parent.

Sorry to hear of the passing of Dan Carson.
The longtime morning show host was deeply rooted in the Calgary sports community and was the in-house voice of Stampeders games for decades.
Will miss ya pal.

— Eric Francis (@EricFrancis) June 28, 2023

“Sorry to hear of the passing of Dan Carson. The longtime morning show host was deeply rooted in the Calgary sports community and was the in-house voice of Stampeders games for decades. Will miss ya pal,” reads a tweet from Sportsnet’s Eric Francis.

Many who knew Carson described him as a joy to be around, a friend, and a “great mentor.”

Incredibly tough news in the radio and CFL community. Dan Carson, the longtime PA announcer for the Stampeders, has passed away. Over the past two years we got to become great friends working at 660. He was a great mentor and a joy to work with. He will be deeply missed

— Ian Busby (@buzrbe) June 28, 2023

I have no words to describe how heartbroken I am to have learned of the passing of Dan Carson. Dan taught me what it meant to be a good broadcaster, human, and leader. Whenever I was having a bad day he always made me laugh. I don't think he knew the impact that he had #yyc

— Tiffany Goodwein (@CityNewsTiffany) June 28, 2023

Just terrible news about Dan Carson.

As the Stampeders’ PA announcer for 31 years, Dan was such a vital part of the experience of watching football in our city

Was also just an amazing man who brought happiness to so many people. All my thoughts and prayers are with his family.

— Danny Austin (@DannyAustin_9) June 28, 2023

A very sad morning in the Calgary sport community. I'm incredibly grateful for the three years I had to learn from Dan Carson in the McMahon press box. I know he will be greatly missed at Dinos and Stamps football games; sending love and thoughts to his family and loved ones.

— Cait Finley (@caitlinefinley) June 28, 2023

Carson is survived by his sons, Matthew and Kyle, and his former wife, Tracy.