Doug, counsel in BLG’s Calgary office, and a titan in the business, sports and legal worlds, passed away peacefully on July 20. Doug joined BLG as an articling student and grew a practice focused on corporate and commercial law, commercial real estate and sports law. He was instrumental in the foundation of BLG and a leader in the merger which formed the Firm in 2000. His distinguished career saw him rise to be the Firm’s National Co-Chair, and he also served as Managing Partner at the Calgary office for several years. His loss has been widely felt.
Among his many accomplishments and recognitions, Doug was a member of the Order of Canada and the Alberta Order of Excellence. Before practising law, Doug played professional football with the CFL’s BC Lions. From 1984 to 1989, he took a leave of absence from law to serve as the Commissioner of the CFL. Doug was also a member of the NHL’s Board of Governors from 1980 to 1984. Doug was a highly regarded champion of sport in Canada and of male and female university athletes, and was recently inducted into the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame and the Canadian Football Hall of Fame.
Doug was an inspiration to all who knew him and we will continue to share his dedication to building a strong future for Calgary, Alberta and Canada.