It is with regret that the Stampeders learned of the passing on Thursday of Bill McKenna, who played six seasons with Calgary between the years 1955 and 1963. He was 79.

McKenna had three different stints with the Stampeders — 1955-56, 1959-61 and 1963 — and accumulated 88 receptions for 1,436 yards and 10 touchdowns as a receiver. He was a two-way player and also saw action on defence.

In 1955, he set a league record with a 104-yard reception on a pass from Don Klosterman. The mark has since been topped but it remains the fourth-longest passing pass in franchise history.

A native of the Boston area, McKenna settled in Calgary after the conclusion of his playing career and worked as a geophysicist for Texaco Canada for 35 years.

Prior to turning pro, McKenna starred at Brandeis University and was the Waltham, Mass., school’s first All-American in any sport. He established school records for most points and receiving yards in a career and was inducted into the Brandeis Hall of Fame 1993.

He was chosen in the seventh round of the 1955 National Football League draft by the Philadelphia Eagles.