With deep sadness, the Manitoba Basketball Hall of Fame and Museum and Basketball Manitoba share the news of the passing of Coach Gary Howard in Oliver, British Columbia.
Gary was the first coach of the Brandon University Bobcats from 1968 to 1974 before moving on to the University of Calgary, where he coached from 1974 to 1995.
During his time with the Bobcats, Gary helped establish the foundation for the program’s future successes and national championships in the 1980s and 1990s. 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.
Coach Howard won more than 300 games in his career, earned Canada West Coach of the Year honours four times, and guided the Calgary Dinos to two Canada West championships.
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.