Bruce Covernton

Burke Dales

Feb 15, 1977 - Jan 06, 2024

Calgary, AB

Calgary mourns the loss of a football legend as former punter Burke Dales, instrumental in the Calgary Stampeders' 2008 Grey Cup victory, has passed away at the age of 46. The Stampeders officially confirmed Dales' death on Sunday, choosing not to disclose the cause. A native of Collingwood, Ontario, Canada, Dales left an indelible mark on the Stampeders during his seven-season tenure from 2005 to 2011. Standing at six feet three inches and weighing 225 pounds, Dales earned recognition as a West Division all-star four times (2006, '09, 2010-11) and garnered league honors in 2010 and 2011. His impressive career also included stints with the Montreal Alouettes (2003, '13) and the Edmonton Elks (2012-2013) before retiring in May 2014. Hailing from an athletic family, Dales' sister Stacey achieved stardom as a basketball player at Oklahoma, later transitioning to the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) and currently serving as a reporter for the NFL Network. His cousin, Jason Arnott, enjoyed an illustrious 18-season career in the NHL. Dales, who played collegiate football at Concordia, showcased his talent beyond the Canadian Football League (CFL) with a tryout for the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers in 2002. Stampeders president John Hufnagel paid tribute, saying, "Burke excelled during his career with the Stampeders, and he brought an uncommon level of competitiveness to his position. We offer our deepest condolences to his family and friends." The football community mourns the loss of a true competitor and sends heartfelt sympathies to Burke Dales' loved ones.

Dale Hodges

May 18, 1941 - Dec 30, 2023

Calgary, AB

"Dale Hodges, the longest-serving member in the history of Calgary city council, passed away at the age of 82. He passed away on December 31st, 2023, in hospice, following an extended illness. Elected as alderman for Ward 1 in 1983, Hodges served for 30 years. Spanning 10 consecutive terms until his retirement in 2013 due to health issues. During his lengthy tenure, Calgary hosted the 1988 Winter Olympics, completed the northwest LRT line, and expanded various parks and recreation facilities. He was famous for his dedication to local green spaces. Thus Hodges was honored in 2017 when part of a northwest Calgary park was renamed Dale Hodges Park. This was in recognition of his contributions. Dale Hodges Park, situated in his former ward near Bowmont Park. It stands as a testament to Hodges' efforts in transforming a gravel pit into a well-utilized park. Despite health challenges, he expressed gratitude for his enduring career, mentioning. ""I didn't think I would last 30 years, but as it turned out, I did."" Hodges faced challenges, including a confrontation with the Hells Angels in the early 2000s. When the then-president, Ken Szczerba, plotted to blow up Hodges' home after the councillor opposed plans for a new clubhouse. Szczerba was jailed after Hodges testified against him. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Yvonne. "