August 17, 2011
Mrs. Connie Casanova and the Casanova Family
Dear Connie,
On behalf of the Calgary Stampeder Football Club’s Ownership Group; Chairman, John Forzani; Governor, Doug Mitchell; President and Chief Operating Officer, Lyle Bauer; Head Coach and General Manager, John Hufnagel; management; coaches; players; and the entire Calgary Stampeder family, we are deeply saddened by the loss of your husband Bill.
The Casanova family will be faced with enormous and profound adjustments. These adjustments will be such that they affect the whole being. The path of grief, hurt and finally acceptance will take time and is one that each member of the family must travel alone. You are fortunate that your family and friends are close and each in their own special way will help others.
I, like so many, was fortunate to have Bill Casanova as a coach, a mentor and most importantly as a friend. Bill is one of those special people who helped me see the value of sports and the importance of sports in society. He helped shape my life.
While serving as my coach at Mount Royal College, he quickly showed his love for the game and commitment to his players. We learned to work hard and appreciate how much preparation it takes to win. He taught the right values in the right way to his players. To him, everyone on the team was important. His consistent philosophy gave shape and meaning to sports and life. He disciplined the players when they deserved to be disciplined, he encouraged the players when they were down and pushed them to improve. He cared about his athletes on and off the playing field. The people that he coached were more important than the athletes he coached. He “earned the respect that is embodied in the hallowed name – COACH.”
Bill Casanova touched my life and my future by helping me become who I am. I will always remember his ongoing support, wisdom and most importantly the friendship that he provided me from Mount Royal College to and through the ranks of professional football. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of my family and people like my friend, Bill Casanova.
I found Bill to be a true gentleman and a person who found time to show a genuine interest in the people that he met. However, a more important statement about Bill and the kind of person he was is what he left behind. Bill is such a lucky person to have a caring family and friends. He is so proud of you; his daughters Patti Rose and Anne Marie; his granddaughter Bonnie; his nieces and nephews; his family and friends. What greater satisfaction is there in life? People are better off today for knowing Bill Casanova.
Knowing all to well the tough times that lie ahead, empathy for the Casanova family is strong. Remember the good times that will always be there to remind you, for they will help you through the many hurtful moments. Hold these memories fast. Soon they will help you remember with a smile. Bill lives on in you life and the lives of others who knew him.
Our sympathy and prayers are with you and your family.
Your friend,
Calgary Stampeder Football Club
Stan J. Schwartz
Executive Vice-President/
Consultant to the Executive Committee
