Calgary has lost a great leader and one of the greatest community contributors of the past century.
With great sadness, this morning the Calgary Flames, or rather the entire city, received news that philanthropist, businessman, Flames owner, and community leader Harley Hotchkiss lost his battle with cancer at the age of 83.
To Flames fans Hotchkiss will forever be remembered as one of the primary contributors that helped bring the Atlanta Flames to Calgary. He worked tirelessly throughout the lean years to ensure that our city would retain its professional NHL team. He would later become an important contributor to the league itself acting as chair to the board of governors working during tough times such as the most recent lockout.
Mr. Hotchkiss became companion of the Order of Canada, an inductee into the Hockey Hall of Fame, the Canadian Petroleum Hall of Fame, and the Alberta Order of Excellence.
His list of community achievements are impressive, something that prominent business men and women could learn from.
A small snapshot of his contributions include contributing to the endowment fund at the Calgary Brain Institute with a $15-million donation, the institute was later renamed the Hotchkiss Brain Institute. The International Hockey Centre for Excellence in Calgary received his support and the support of other Flames owners, and helped lead the Partners in Health Campaign, a $50-million fundraising project to support health-related initiatives in the Calgary area.
The man behind the Flames will be missed. His contributions to this city are immense and will continue to act as his legacy for generations to come.
