It is with great sadness that the Calgary Stampeder Football Club learns of the death of former owner Sig Gutsche.

Family has confirmed that Gutsche (1949-2013) passed away on Saturday.

“The Stampeders and football fans in Calgary will forever owe a debt of gratitude to Sig for his passion and commitment to the franchise,” said Stan  Schwartz, the Stampeders’ executive vice-president and consultant to the executive committee. “He came on as owner at a very crucial juncture and helped the Stamps through very difficult times. We offer our deepest condolences to Sig’s family.”

Gutsche’s six seasons as owner (1996-2001) of the Stampeders were a success both on and off the field. The franchise was in financial difficulty when Gutsche took over the club on Apr. 3, 1996, but through his dedication and personal sacrifice he brought the stability necessary to put the team back on solid footing.

Between the lines, the Stamps posted a combined 67-40-1 record under Gutsche’s stewardship, finished first three times, reached five West Division finals and won Grey Cups in 1998 and 2001.

In addition, he was instrumental in the establishment of the Calgary Stampeder Alumni Charitable Foundation. As a token of appreciation for everything he had done for the organization, Gutsche in 2001 was given permanent possession of the Keith Spaith Memorial Award, a trophy that previously had been presented to the team’s most valuable player as voted by the fans.

Gutsche was added to the Stampeders’ Wall of Fame in the builders’ category in 2012.