History

Background

The Association was formed in 1986 by an ad hoc group of former Edmonton Eskimo football players who felt the need and also recognized the benefits which would accrue to all those who had been associated with the football club if a formal organization was created. The general intention was to initiate a group of a social nature, which would be accessible to all former players, coaches and other personnel.

History of the Edmonton Eskimo Alumni Association

The three in a row Grey Cup team of the fifties assembled to hold a major reunion during 1984 Grey Cup week in Edmonton. Although that was the beginning, it wasn’t until a couple of years later that the drive to establish a formal Alumni structure began. During a business lunch, in 1985, John Hope a lawyer with the firm of Duncan & Craig pestered Ed Molstad about starting an EE Alumni Association. Ed finally decided to set up the legal structure when Bayne Norrie, also present at that lunch meeting, agreed to assist in establishing the Association. Molstad and Norrie invited, Edmonton based, former Eskimos Rollie Miles, Frank Morris, John Farlinger, and Ian MacLeod to participate in organizational meetings; and, finally on February 20, 1986 Articles of Association were filed with the companies branch and the Society known as the Edmonton Eskimo Alumni Association became a legal entity. The 6 individuals signed the original Articles; and, became the first official Members of the Edmonton Eskimo Alumni Association.

The first elected Board of Directors included: Bayne Norrie, President, Ian MacLeod, Treasurer, Ed Molstad, Director; Rollie Miles, Director; John Farlinger, Director; Frank Morris, Director;

Shortly after the Association began operating, James Bell, an active Eskimo Player, sustained a career ending neck injury; and, with the assistance of a number of community leaders, the EE Alumni accepted the task of establishing a foundation to assist James and the Football Club with the cost of his rehabilitation. The Foundation’s fund raising and James’ recovery were both very successful; and, the Alumni redirected their efforts toward an official Association objective of providing Service to Edmonton and Northern Alberta Communities. Over the years, the Alumni members have directly and indirectly (through Member appearances at charity events) been involved in raising hundreds of thousands dollars for numerous Northern Alberta Charities.

Although the contribution from individual Alumni Members since inception are too many to mention here, the following standout for their service and dedication to the Association:

 
Past Presidents:

BAYNE NORRIE who is the current Treasurer also made a significant contribution as the Chairman of the Annual Golf Tournament; and as Chairman of the Annual Winefest;

IAN MACLEOD who served as the first Treasurer; and, since his term as the second President has been Secretary to the Board, Executive Committee Member and an important member of many key operating committees;

FRED DUNN who through his tireless effort moved the Association’s community service to a new level; and, introduced serious corporate sponsorship to the Golf Tournament;

BOB DEAN who made (and continues to make) a significant contribution toward the Professional operation of the Association.

DAVE SYME who served as Golf Chairman in the year that elevated the event to a fund raiser from a group of members just getting together to play golf; and who provides legal guidance to the Board of Directors;

BILL MANCHUK who also co-chaired our most successful fund raisers - the Golf Tournament and Winefest;

TOM RICHARDS who also served as Treasurer, for years; and who improved the budgeting process within the Association.

MIKE MCLEAN who established the Family Picnic as a “must attend” event for Alumni Members (and their families) who reside in the Edmonton area;

CHARLIE TURNER who has also been the pivotal person in creating and maintaining our Autograph Ball and Poster charity fund raising program.


In addition to the Presidents, the following individuals deserve special recognition:

MIKE VOLCAN who has served as Vice President and Executive Committee Member for many years; and, whose hard work and culinary ability have been a major factor in the success of the Annual Golf Tournament; the Family Picnic; and, the Annual Grey Cup Party.

CHIEF JUSTICE AL WACHOWICH who was the first Honorary Member of the Association; and, who, as Foundation Chairman, was largely responsible for the success of the James Bell Foundation.

JOHN RAMSEY former football club President and long time Association Director who has also contributed as a corporate sponsor of the Annual Golf Tournament, and the Alumni’s Festival of Trees entries;

BILL GARDNER former Football Club President and long serving Association Director who has also influenced corporate sponsorship toward the Annual Golf Tournament.

As we entered the new millennium, our community service efforts continue to expand.  The Association has realized the establishment of our own “Igloo” facility within Commonwealth Stadium which was opened for the 2003 season.

The last fifteen years have seen the Association grow, from a small group getting together to help charities, assist the Football Club, and tell war stories, into a well organized Association, of former players and football club directors, making a significant impact on the Community.