Obituary of Rogers H. LEHEW

1928 - 2021

After a life of 92 years, Rogers Lehew passed away on March 16, 2021. As a former coach and General Manager of the Calgary Stampeders (1960-1974) and former Vice-President of the Detroit Lions (1974-1977), Rogers’ public accomplishments were significant and lasting. His place on the Calgary Stampeders Wall of Fame as a builder, and in the University of Tulsa Hall of Fame as a player and coach, are testaments to his skills and dedication. His lasting Stampeders legacies include the conception and adoption of the white horse symbol, the development of the Quick Six Touchdown Horse, and (most important to him) the development of the President’s Ring award presented annually to the Stampeder chosen by the players for both on and off-field excellence. It is difficult to find another person who was so pivotal in the development of football culture in southern Alberta.

To his family though, Rogers was simply “Dad” or “Papa”. He was born the youngest of three in a small rural oilfield community. When Rogers was still young, the town was rocked by an explosion at the local school caused by a gas leak which killed over 310 students and teachers, including his sister. In the aftermath, Rogers learned the value of close friendships, a tight-knit community and the opportunities provided by education. These lessons translated well to the football and baseball fields and lead to a university scholarship. These values were taught at an early age to his children and grandchildren between bouts of good-natured teasing and jokes. His pride in his family was always evident through his regular attendance at everything from soccer and football games to ballet and drama performances. Regardless the venue, he never ceased coaching his family to love what they did, and to do what they loved.

While his skill and intelligence on the field would shape Rogers’ future career path, it was a decision at university to try to copy notes off the pretty girl who sat in front of him in botany class that had the most profound effect on his life. Like many people, Joann was drawn to Rogers’ wit, real-world common sense, and dedication. They quickly fell in love and were married in 1950. For more than 70-years they were unwavering partners through the birth of their three children, a “temporary” move across the continent (including Rogers’ parents and niece JaNa) to Calgary, a Grey Cup win in 1971, a subsequent move to Detroit to join the NFL, and finally a permanent return to Calgary in 1978.

In his post-football years, Rogers’ dedication to his friends and impact on his community continued when he became Vice-President of Can-Tex Drilling, and later as the President of the D’Arcy Ranch Golf Course. Throughout his life Rogers maintained an active role in the community as a charter member and past president of the North Hill Rotary Club, Chairmen of the 39th Oilmen’s Golf Tournament, board member of the Calgary Petroleum Club, and a long-time member of the Calgary Golf and Country Club. Rogers also was a founding supporter and board member of EducationMatters and founded the Lehew/Wyman Fund in support of extra-curricular school programs. Throughout his life he continued to be an avid golfer, hunter and connoisseur of good margaritas.

In 2019 Rogers was tragically predeceased by his son Garry, followed by Joann a year later as he sat by her side. Rogers is survived by his daughter Lora (Terry) Wyman, son Larry (Marcia) Lehew, and daughter-in-law Cathy Lehew. He is also survived by ten grandchildren and three great-grandchildren who will miss his teasing dearly: Daniel (Alyssa) Wyman, Joanna (Ryan) Wyman, Rogers (Jodi) Lehew, Thomas (James) Wyman, James Lehew, Kevin (Emily and Lachlan) Lehew, Molly (Patrick and Gianna) Wilding, Kristine Lehew, Louise (Brian and Ruth) Brzezina, and Julie Lehew. Rogers was predeceased by his sisters Billie Kirk and Mary Ellen Lehew. The Lehew and Wyman families would like to thank the Calgary Stampeders, the Calgary sports community and numerous friends for their thoughtful tributes to Rogers. They would also like to thank the Staff of UAL Garrison Green for all their support and care of Rogers and Joann over the past 7 years.

A Private Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, June 19, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. Family and friends are invited to join Mr. Lehew’s service streamed live (see below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted. Condolences, memories and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

Any memorial tributes may be made directly to the EducationMatters-Lehew/Wyman Fund supporting extra-curricular school programs at https://www.educationmatters.ca/remembering-rogers-lehew/ or by mail to 1221 8 Street SW, Calgary AB, T2R 0L4.

In living memory of Rogers Lehew, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.

Rogers' memorial card can be viewed with this link

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