It is with deep regret that the Calgary Stampeder Football Club learned of the death of former team president William (Roy) Jennings. He was 79.
 
A native Calgarian, Jennings was a long-time member of the Stampeders’ board of directors and served as president from 1975-76. He was added to the Stampeders Wall of Fame in the builders’ category in 2001.
 
“Roy contributed so much to Calgary and he truly had a passion for the club,” said Stampeders executive vice-president/consultant to the executive committee Stan Schwartz, who served as a special assistant coach with the Stampeders during Jennings’ term as president. “He exemplified the spirit of volunteerism when the team was community-owned.”
 
Jennings was also part of the group that, in 1977, brought Jack Gotta to Calgary as head coach and general manager and turned the franchise’s fortunes around. After missing the playoffs for six consecutive seasons, the Stamps were 9-4-3 under Gotta in 1978 and reached the West final.
 
A successful businessman, Jennings is a former manager of the Chinook Centre, a Calgary landmark that was developed by a group that included his father Reg. The Jennings family pioneered the development of Calgary’s Heritage Park.
 
Jennings is survived by his wife Amy, sons Gary and Bill, daughters Lynn and Karen, six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
 
Funeral services will be held at First Alliance Church (12345 – 40th St. SE) on Wednesday at 2 p.m. The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Heritage Park.