Condolences
Dear Connell family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss and send my sincere sympathies.
As you have heard countless times, Warren was a treasured community leader. To me he represented everything a human should strive to be: calm, committed, caring, and generous. I met Warren when at the Stampede Foundation and I sincerely enjoyed working with him. His voice was something you never forget, I always used to stand a little straighter when I heard him speak. He will be missed by many in the community.
Warren, you believed in me enough as an employee to send me over to Operations from HQ to ensure your department was met with a strong Admin and as you called me “ a spitfire first impression”. I hope I did you proud. You were such a mentor to many of us and I will miss your charm and rare smiles and that booming voice. Your will forever be our leader. And I will be grateful for my years at stampede under your watchful eyes. Happy Trails Mr Connell you’ll never be forgotten
I was honoured to work with Warren for 10 years as a member of the board of directors for the Stampeded. He had a remarkable, even unique, level of credibility and trust with all those he dealt with. Often with very few words Warren could convert suspicion and conflict to trust and cooperation in every arena. This quality reflected who Warren was and combined with vision nad diligence made him a great leader whose legacy will benefit our community for decades to come. Warren was also a very dedicated husband and father who often expressed his affection for and pride in his family.
Warren will be missed by many but his influence will live for many years to come.
Please accept our deepest sympathies at this difficult time. May you ever treasure the wonderful times you shared and our prayers are with you and your whole family.
~ Mark and Ruth Little
I was greatly saddened to hear of Warren's passing. I worked with Warren at the Stampede 20 years ago and was very impressed with his energy, honesty and integrity. He was a joy to work with and always had time for the people who worked for him and wit him. He was trusted and respected by his peers and his staff. My heart felt condolences go out to his wife, children and friends. It was a privilege to work with Warren and I will remember him with great respect.
-Barry Wood, Cranbrook BC
(05 January 2020)
Adine and Family
Please accept my heartfelt condolences.
Knowing Warren has been a great privilege and it has been an honor to serve on the Calgary Stampede Board of directors with him as its CEO. Warren was an 'authentic' leader. He 'walked the talk' on western heritage and values and wore his cowboy hat with pride!
He was respected by elected officials and senior representatives of all three levels of government and earned their admiration and trust by consistently speaking truth to power, creating win, win outcomes, being fair and leading with integrity. He advanced the Stampede's Master Plan - the Youth Campus, Elbow River Camp, and the BMO Expansion are just a few examples of his ability to 'get the job done' and create a legacy that benefits the community and organization. His vision, energy, commitment and passion for the 'greatest outdoor show on earth' will be missed.
Warren was a leader, mentor, coach and friend to many. I look forward to a time when we can gather and celebrate his life.
Respectfully,
Kate Thrasher
As a part of Warren's extended family we knew him not as the CEO of the Calgary Stampede, but as a brother, uncle and friend. He truly was an exceptional person who was always thinking of others and doing what he could to make life better for everyone around. We will miss him beyond measure. Our hearts are broken for Adine, Reagan, Colton, Brittany, Sierra and all Warren's family.
With Love,
-Robert and Lennette and family
Blessings and Prayers go to Warren's family and the Calgary Stampede Family. Warren was a great leader and has done lots for the CS and City of Calgary. He will be missed. Whenever you met Warren's he always had a smile and Hello. May his memories life on with the children and grandchildren.
Blessings,
-Heather MacKay
I knew Warren a long time ago in junior high and high school. We all hung out in a fairly tight knit group and had nothing but good times together. Warren was always a bit more serious than the rest of us and the success he accomplished, and the people he impressed, showed that was a big positive for him.
I also worked with Warren when he started at stampede park. Good times were had.
Although we lost touch a long time ago, I am saddened by the loss of a great guy who I called a friend.
I always knew he was destined for greatness and he proved me right.
To everyone who knew Warren, know that we all grieve for him. RIP buddy.
Sad news, especially at this time of year. I had the opportunity to work with Warren on a few different Stampede projects alongside his lovely wife Adine (big hugs for you dear). He was usually a quiet man, however you could always sense his dedication to creating the greatest outdoor show on earth! Thank you Warren. Gone much too soon. Condolences to all your family, Lynda Valliere.
We want to extend our deepest condolences to Adine, Reagan, Colton and the entire Connell family. He was a great man and did a lot for the community. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Maria, Ed, Matteo and Carina West
To the Connell Family,
It is with great sadness and respect that I send my condolences. Warren and I went to school together way back in junior high and high school. A bunch of “army brats,” that were thick as thieves. A quiet, gentle soul has been taken way to early. May he find peace in the warm embrace of God. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Patrick Lantz
Warren was a very special person and will be missed by friends and family. I had the privilege of working with Warren on many Stampede projects and programs over the years. He was always there with support and suggestions when we needed them, and he always had the time to say Hello or have a short visit no matter how busy he was. My love and condolences go out to Adine and family.
Sincerely, Eleanor Bailey
To The Connell Family
I just wanted to send my deepest condolences to you all during this time. Although we try to prepare, the loss we feel is never diminished. May your hearts be comforted by the amazing memories of Warren and all he did to make this world a better place. They say each touch leaves a trace, and Warren truly did that. The traces are plentiful and vast.
Your Stampede family will always be here for you on the good days and the tough days. We hope our love will help give you strength as you remember this amazing person! Rest In Peace Warren.
Tracey Zehl
The passing of Warren is one that saddens me, as Warren was one of the good ones. My heart breaks for you Adine as losing a an amazing man during the holiday season is so hard. I only worked for Warren for a few months, but I remember his strength, and his grace. He always knew that every thing he did was never done alone and he was grateful for the many people that helped him take every project across the finish line. The love and pride in his eyes that sparkled in his eyes when he spoke of his wife and children showed me how much you all meant to him. Our community and your family have lost a mountain of a man. Gone way to soon. Q
Adine
It is an honor for me to write this note to you on behalf of our family, although I do so with a very heavy heart. I’ll begin with one of my fondest memories of Warren coming from the time our group went to the Cowboys game in Dallas. Although Tony Romo (quarterback) was injured, we all had a great time conversing and enjoying the game. I recall Warren leaving his seat and returning with buckets of popcorn for all us – definitely my favorite snack! As usual Warren was thinking of others when going to buy something for himself. After the game we had dinner. Warren’s very friendly and approachable personality always made it easy to have a conversation with him.
As well, our family cannot thank Warren enough for the generous donations he made to Alex’s charity for Opening Gaits, a charity which teaches children and adults with disabilities to ride horses.
Warren will live forever in our hearts, and his continuous generosity will forever be felt in the lives of people he did not meet but touched with his everlasting acts of kindness.
Adine, please know this world has been left a better place because of Warren, and we know that you and your family will forever cherish your time and memories with Warren.
Love Ron, Kim, Matt, Alex, Don and Nancy
Adine and all of Warren’s family,
Words fall short in trying to express our sadness right now. Our condolences are sincere, but we feel inadequate to the measure of this man who shown brightly as a true north for so many. Warren was so capable and professional in all he did, and for some that would be adequate; but we witnessed in his actions and words that such a gauge would not satisfy Warren. He went further, and all the time. He believed in people and in the good in people. His measured tones, his well-chosen words, his actions when he didn’t realize that folks were still watching. These will be some of the memories that I will hold of Warren. The others will be his incredible wit and the look he had in his eyes when you, Adine, were next to him. These will be difficult times for you all despite the months you’ve had to prepare. Preparing and experiencing are not the same. We hope that the emptiness in your heart will be filled with your many wonderful memories with Warren and your family. We wish you peace. And let us know if there is anything at all that you need, now or into the future.
Russ and Jill Tynan
The Connell Family
I am so sorry for your loss. I have been a Calgary Stampede volunteer for a number of years. It always made me proud and happy my interactions with tourists, exhibitors or cowboys when they would say such wonderful things about the Greatest Outdoor Show. And yet I had such a small small small part. While I didn’t known Warren, I had seen him on the grounds or at Saddle up. The Calgary Stampede is a first class, extremely well run event and that begins at the top with Mr Connell and his 37 years at the Stampede.
My thoughts are with the Connell family and the devoted team with CS.
Dear Adine:
Having had the true pleasure to work with Warren at the Stampede, this news comes as such an overwhelming shock. Warren was such a kind, smart and dedicated individual, and anyone lucky enough to cross his path knew that. After I left the Stampede, it was truly a blessing to run into you, Warren, Reagan and Colton every Christmas Eve at First Lutheran. We are thinking of all of you and will hold your family and Warren in our prayers. His legacy is retained in his children and grandchildren and that cannot be taken away. With our sincerest sympathies. The Wall Family - Carrie, Tim, Matthew and Makayla
Adine and family, words cannot express the feeling that I have for the loss of a husband and dad that you've experienced. I first met Warren in 1994 when he was Staff Liaison and I was newly appointed Director Responsible for the Indian Events Committee of the Calgary Stampede. We were facing an issue that Warren so aptly handled with his calming influence and yet powerful reasoning ability .Over the years as he rose through the ranks of the organization his negotiating abilities were remarkable as was his way of making people feel welcome and important.
The Stampede organization and family share you loss, and I personally am thankful to be able to say I knew him.
Bob Dyck
Calgary Stampede HLD
Warren Connell was a great friend and Nephew . He had a heart of Gold...
My deepest Sympathies to his family....
Rosie Boel and Bill Johnston
Aldine and Family, You have been in my thoughts the last few weeks. Warren accomplished many things but the conversations that enjoyed the most was about his kids. He will be missed but please know he made a difference in many peoples lives.
Mike Brown.
Adine and family I am so sorry to hear the loss of your Husband. My thoughts and prayers are with you through this difficult time.
My heart aches for Adine and the rest of Warren's family. I had the pleasure of working alongside Warren at the Calgary Stampede. He was so kind and a true gentleman. I will never forget the long chats we used to have. May your memories keep him alive in your hearts, and may you feel the love from God and all those thinking of you at this difficult time.
Adine, I have been thinking of you so much since I heard of Warrens passing. It was so nice to meet him at our class reunion. Just looking at the two of you it was plain to see how much love you had for each other. I’m so sorry for your loss. Hugs to you and your children.
Adine, Colton, Reagan, Sierra & Brittney - We were very sorry to hear about Warren's passing. Although I only knew him in the context of hockey, he was a calm, quiet voice - in the middle of all that chaos! I have a distinct memory of Warren speaking to Derek after a game - one on one - to commend him on what he had done on defense. His point was that they wouldn't have won that game without strong defense...something that a 7-year old (very focused on scoring goals) wouldn't appreciate on his own. I loved how he quietly pointed out that all positions are required for the team to be successful. The other funny memory I have of Warren is seeing him on TV when they announced increased funding to the BMO Center. We didn't appreciate who Warren was (Stampede CEO!!) at time, and when we saw him come on the news, Derek ran around the house yelling "Colton's dad is on TV! Colton's dad is on TV!" We grieve with you and your family and will think of you in the days to come. Take care. Kim Tulloch
My family was visiting me from India in the fall of 2016. We were at the Stampede fall fair and I will never forget the kind and so gentle handshake I had with Warren and introducing my family to him. It was so lovely to have someone in his position in the company to be so happy to meet and greet the family members of one of his 100s of staff at the Calgary Stampede. He definitely lived and breathed True Western Hospitality! Such an amazing person! I am truly sorry for your loss Connell family! But Warren shall live on in your hearts and in the hearts of every Stampede staff member and Calgarian who ever met and knew him! May his soul rest in peace and watch over us all! Much love in these hard times!
My condolences to the Connell family, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult of time! May he rest in peace, he will be dearly missed !
My sincere condolences to Adine and all family and friends, who are touched by Warren’s passing. Having worked with Warren, I found him to be a gentleman, who was respectful, kind and encouraging. He was a man of passion and integrity. Warren will be greatly missed.
I was very sad to hear about Warren’s passing. I enjoyed working with Warren on the church building committee for a number of years. He had so much to offer with such a wealth of knowledge. I also enjoyed talking to Warren after church about the Stampede as I worked there for a number of years. He was a huge man and influence both at church and with the Stampede board. To his family may you remember all the wonderful times you had together as a family. May God hold you in his arms during this most difficult time.
My heartfelt condolences to Adine and all of Warren’s family and friends. Warren personified the Calgary Stampede, Community Spirit and was a gentleman cowboy. I first met Warren in 2004 working as a Summer Student and was always nice reconnecting with him over the years. Thinking of you all during this difficult time.
My heart was broken when I heard the news of Warren's passing. He was a man of great integrity and kindness. His love and respect for the Treaty 7 First Nations was instrumental in the Stampede's success with the Tipi Holders of the Elbow River Camp.
Warren was not only my manager years ago, he was my friend and mentor. I knew I could always count on Warren's support in helping me find a resolution to any problem or issue. My years working with him, were my most successful of my working career.
My heart goes to Adine, his children and extended family, they will always be in thoughts and prayers. Warren has left us all too early. Rest in Peace my friend.
Jayne Nicholson
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