Edmonton Elks owner Larry Thompson has passed away.
The CFL club announced the news Thursday, saying the Alberta businessman had complications after surgery. Thompson was 65.
Thompson was unveiled as the Elks owner in August 2024 after the team was community-owned since its inception.
The club says the ownership of the team will remain with Thompson’s wife, Deb.
“Our family is devastated with the loss of our anchor,” Deb Thompson said in a statement. “Larry was a legend and our family will continue his legacy far beyond our lifetimes. Owning EE was a life long dream, my only regret is he isn’t here to enjoy it. I will continue to support the club and community as it has become my dream as well as of our family.”
Thompson previously ran Thompson Construction Group for four decades.
A lifelong fan of the team, Thompson attended his first CFL game in 1972.
The team, which had been community-owned since it was founded in 1949, reported a $3.3 million deficit in 2022. It was the fourth straight year the club ran a deficit.
“Although I had the privilege of working with Larry for less than a year, his impact on me — and on our entire organization — was profound,” Elks president and CEO Chris Morris said. “Larry’s toughness and direct nature were matched only by his genuine care for every person connected to the Double E. He led with clarity, courage, and an unwavering belief in people. We will do everything in our power to carry his example with us as we rebuild this franchise in his honour.”
Before falling on hard times, Edmonton’s franchise was a cornerstone of the CFL. The team has won 14 Grey Cups, including five straight from 1978 to 1982.
The Elks have a home game Saturday against the Saskatchewan Roughriders.