Stampeders legend and Calgary community leader John Forzani has died after suffering a heart attack in Palm Springs, California. He was 67.

Forzani's family and the Stampeders confirmed the news on Friday.

"John's passion for community and football were singularly essential in the revival of the Stamps' important role in the community," said Stampeders chairman Ken King in a statement. "It is one, among many, of his great legacies. I will miss him dearly."
 
"This is a very sad day for the organization and we feel the weight of this great loss," said Stampeders president Gordon Norrie. "There is absolutely no doubt the Stampeders are a better organization and team because of the efforts and dedication of John and his partners.
 
"On behalf of the entire organization, I extend my condolences to John's wife Linda and his children Jodi and Michael."

Forzani played on the Stampeders' offensive line from 1971-76 and eventually became part of a local group that purchased the team in 2005. He retained a minority stake in the team and was the club's co-chair in 2013.

"I'm very saddened by John's passing," said Stampeders head coach and general manager John Hufnagel. "He was a teammate, a friend and a hunting buddy. John was very instrumental in my return to the Stampeders organization in 2008 and I'm very proud of what we were all able to build here together."