It is with great sadness that St. Mary’s University mourns the loss of one of the cornerstones of our community and most dedicated and influential supporters – Ted Valentine. Ted passed away on August 9, 2020 at the age of 90.

A prominent businessman, proud family man and active philanthropist, Ted was a member of the St. Mary’s ‘founding family’, having attended the first Steering Committee in 1986, which aimed to establish a Catholic College in Calgary, Alberta. Ted went on to become an official member of the first St. Mary’s University Board of Governors in 1987, a position he held until 1996.

The Valentines have been instrumental in establishing St. Mary’s as a leader in post-secondary education, thus allowing students to pursue their academic dreams. From developing the scholarship and bursaries program, to donating an outdoor athletics court, to participating in committees and sponsorships for various initiatives, there isn’t a single facet of St. Mary’s that hasn’t been greatly impacted by the generosity of the Valentine family.

Ted was also a founding member of the Calgary Catholic Education Foundation. A true Calgarian and graduate of St. Mary’s Boys’ High School and the University of British Columbia, Ted has also worked as a volunteer for the Rotary Club, Meals on Wheels and the Calgary Seniors’ Resource Society, and was an active member of St. James Parish.

A private memorial service for Ted Valentine has been tentatively scheduled for August 18 at St. James Parish.