The Calgary Stampeders organization is deeply saddened to learn of the death of Calgary Colts founder and longtime general manager Keith Evans.
“Keith was synonymous with junior football in this city and his passion for football and his dedication to the Colts were unmatched,” said Stampeders president and general manager John Hufnagel. “The Stampeders and Colts have enjoyed a great working relationship over the years and we witnessed firsthand the hard work Keith put into the sport. On behalf of the entire Stampeders organization, I offer my condolences to Keith’s family and friends.”
Evans was involved with the Colts junior program since its inception in 1965 and he served as the team’s general manager from 1969 to 2019. Calgary won back-to-back Canadian Bowl championships in 1989 and 1990 and sent a number of players to the Canadian Football League including Stampeders Darcy Kopp, John Forzani, Scott Deibert, Pat Hinds, Harry Kruger, Travis Arnold, Tyler Lynem, Johnny Forzani, Spencer Wilson and current team member Richie Sindani.
The Colts were one of the major beneficiaries of the Stampeders’ 50/50 draw proceeds over the years and the organizations worked closely together in a number of ways including coaching exchanges, equipment support and the use of Colts players at Stampeders practices.
Evans received a number of honours over the course of his career including the Canadian Junior Football League executive of the year in 1987, the Calgary Booster Club Sportsman of the Year in 1988 and induction into the Albert Sports Hall of Fame in 2018.
