Calgary mourns the passing of Alvin Libin, OBM

(Calgary) – It is with great sadness that Calgary Jewish Federation shared news about the passing of Alvin Libin, one of Calgary’s most generous philanthropists. An Alberta business titan, co-owner of the Calgary Flames and beloved father and grandfather, Libin passed away June 14 at the age of 95.

Alvin was more than a generous supporter of the Calgary Jewish community, stated Calgary Jewish Federation. He was a visionary leader, a builder of community, and someone whose commitment to Jewish Calgary helped shape the vibrant community we know today.

For decades, Alvin invested not only his resources, but also his heart, wisdom, and leadership. His philanthropy strengthened Jewish life in Calgary while also leaving an indelible mark on our city through his support of healthcare, education, arts and culture, and countless community initiatives.

A proud Calgarian and devoted community leader, Alvin believed in the importance of giving back and building a stronger future for others. He served as President of the Calgary Jewish Community Council and remained committed to the Jewish community throughout his life, helping build a stronger and more vibrant future for Jewish Calgary.

“Alvin will be remembered not only for his remarkable accomplishments, but for his kindness, his leadership, and the lasting impact he had on our community and our city,” stated CJF leaders. “We are grateful for the many ways he strengthened our community and enriched Jewish life in Calgary. His absence will be felt by so many.”

Alvin is well known for his transformational impact on heart health in Calgary. A gift of $15 million in 2003 from Alvin  and his late wife, Mona, established the Libin Cardiovascular Institute (LCI) at the University of Calgary’s Cummings School of Medicine (CSM) in partnership with the local health authority. A further $7.5 million donation in 2022 reinforced Calgary’s position as a national leader in cardiovascular medicine.

“The profound generosity of Alvin Libin and his family has benefited countless patients from across southern Alberta over the years,” says Dr. Robert Rose, acting director of the LCI. “The Libin Cardiovascular Institute wouldn’t exist without his philanthropic leadership and vision, which have also inspired hundreds of others to invest in our work — something that mattered deeply to him.”

“While we are saddened at the passing of Dr. Alvin Libin, we celebrate a life well-lived,” says Dr. Todd Anderson, dean of the CSM. “He was a remarkable Calgarian who changed the fabric of our city and whose business and philanthropic support have been truly remarkable. His founding of the Libin Cardiovascular Institute has provided a foundation for world-class research, education and patient care in our city.”

Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas paid tribute to Alvin Libin’s legacy. “Today, Calgary has lost one of our giants,” he wrote on social media. “Alvin Libin helped build the city we know today. The son of immigrants who believed in the promise of this city, he built extraordinary success through hard work, vision, and determination. His story was, in many ways, Calgary’s story.

“What set Alvin apart was what he chose to do with that success. He understood that the true measure of a life is not what we accumulate, but what we leave behind. His name is woven into the fabric of Calgary, through our hospitals, universities, research institutions, sports organizations, and countless community causes that have been strengthened by his leadership and generosity.

“Generations of Albertans will live longer, healthier lives because of Alvin Libin. His support helped establish Calgary as a centre of excellence in cardiovascular care and medical research. He helped build businesses, create jobs, strengthen institutions, and support causes that enriched countless lives. There are few individuals whose impact can be measured across so many dimensions of a community, and fewer still whose influence will continue to be felt generations after they are gone.

“On behalf of all Calgarians, I extend my deepest condolences to Alvin’s family, friends, and all those who were privileged to know him. Calgary is a stronger, healthier, and more prosperous city because Alvin Libin was here. His was a life of consequence, a life of service, and a life that helped define an era in our city’s history. May his memory be a blessing.”