The University of Calgary is mourning the passing of former long-time men’s basketball coach Gary Howard.
“Howard is a pillar of Dinos men’s basketball, leading the program for an incredible 20 years from 1974-82 and from 1983-95. Over that span, Howard led Calgary to a 187-160 record, with his leadership launching them to the forefront of Canada West and (then) CIAU basketball with a pair of conference titles and four Final 8 appearances,” stated the University of Calgary in a news article on their website.
“Howard coached three of the four players in the Dinos Hall of Fame from men’s basketball, with Tom Bishop, Karl Tilleman and Richard Bohne being the first three Calgary players to be named Canada West Player of the Year. In all, Howard coached 11 All-Canadians and 42 Canada West All-Stars during his incredibly impactful time on the UCalgary campus.”
Howard was a basketball player at the Brandon University. He turned his focus to coaching with the Bobcats before making his way west to the University of Calgary in the mid-1970s.
“During his time with the Bobcats, Gary helped establish the foundation for the program’s future successes,” said Basketball Manitoba in an online statement.
“He will always be remembered for leading one of the most iconic games in Canadian basketball history: the 14-13 loss to the University of Manitoba Bisons in February 1971, now known as the ‘Stall Ball’ game.”
Basketball Manitoba added: “His fiery coaching style and memorable storytelling made him a true legend in Canadian basketball. Our deepest sympathies go out to his wife, Ann, his entire family, his many friends, and all the players who had the privilege of being coached by him.”
The Calgary Booster Club recognized Howard as an Honoured Athletic Leader in 1995.
Howard, 85, died on Dec. 10th in Oliver, British Columbia.
Related Link: https://godinos.com/news/2025/12/10/mens-basketball-dinos-mourn-passing-of-gary-howard.aspx.