Doug has done so much for amateur football and the CFL throughout Canada on so many levels. His commitment and dedication to the growth and development of our league as a player, commissioner, owner, CFL governor, sponsor, supporter and volunteer has been consistent and outstanding over his many years of involvement.
Doug is a respected Canadian business leader who has offered considerable volunteer leadership to a wide range of organizations on the provincial and national level. His contributions have created a legacy through his work to foster the strength and viability of amateur sport in Canada.
Doug, who was born and raised in Calgary, earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Colorado College and then obtained his LLB degree from the University of British Columbia Law School. While studying at UBC, he played for the BC Lions Football Club. While completing his law degree, Doug met his wife, Lois, and the couple moved to Calgary after getting married in 1961. Doug joined the law firm of Howard Mackie in 1963 and took a five year hiatus from the firm in 1984 to serve as Commissioner of the CFL in Toronto.
Doug Mitchell’s contribution to sport include his current service as a member of the CFL Board of Governors and Chair of the Calgary Tourism Sports Authority. He is part owner of the Calgary Stampeders.
Doug has also been a keen advocate of hockey in Canada, playing an important role in fostering the strength of the Olympic Hockey program and serving as a past member of the National Hockey League Board of Governors. While sport has been a passion throughout Doug’s life, it is not the only area to benefit from his energy and leadership. His record of community service has garnered numerous honours, including membership in the Order of Canada and the Alberta Order of Excellence.
In 2009, his alma mater honoured him by naming the new UBC Olympic Sports facility “The Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre”. He was named to the Canadian Football Hall of Fame Class of 2021.
Doug passed away on July 20, 2022.
