Edmonton’s football community is mourning the sudden passing of Edmonton Elks owner Larry Thompson, who died at the age of 65.
The heartbreaking news came on Thursday, and Friday the team says Thompson fought hard against complications from surgery, but ultimately passed away peacefully.
“Larry’s dream was to have this place become a special part of Edmonton again, and to revive this franchise to be everything that it ever has been in the past to everyone in this community,” said Chris Morris, the CEO & president of the Edmonton Elks.
When Thompson bought the Elks in August 2024, becoming the first owner in its history, he saved the team from bankruptcy and a toxic culture that damaged the franchise’s image and connection to the community.
“The reputation of this team in this community is very important, was very important to Larry and his family, and will continue to be, and that’s something we’ll live by and live on with. We will continue to work even harder to maintain that,” said Ed Hervey, the VP of football operations and the general manager of the Edmonton Elks.
Former defensive tackle Eddie Steele won a championship with the team in 2015. He saw the franchise fall into a state of crisis and says Thompson put this team under new management, back on track for success.
“Getting back and reconnecting with the community, getting back to the grassroots of it, and rebuilding relationships that have been lost. These guys are doing the right things,” said Steele.
Players on the team took to social media, sharing stories of Thompson’s kindness and generosity.
One saying Thompson quietly paid $20,000 for their father’s medical bills and supplies for a heart transplant.
Starting quarterback Cody Fajardo said that kindness extended to him the very first day he joined the team, saying, “From our first phone call when I got traded to our first introduction in the stadium, I felt the passion he had for the EE. His love was felt by every player in this locker room, and his presence will be missed.”
My prayers go out to the Thompson family, from our first phone call when I got traded to our first introduction in the stadium I felt the passion he had for the EE. His love was felt by every player in this locker room, and his presence will be missed! Rest In Peace Larry! https://t.co/JAII7zkhPt — Cody Fajardo (@CodyFajardo17) September 26, 2025
Thompson’s wife, Deb, now becomes the first woman to own a CFL franchise in the league’s history.
In a statement, she says the family will look to continue his legacy and live out Larry’s shared dream.
“She loves this team and loves this community just as much as Larry, and I think the fact that she wants to make sure that Larry’s vision gets put into place is a very positive thing. I have no worries there. I think the family’s committed into making this place what it can be,” said Morris.
Thompson will be honoured ahead of the Elks home game Saturday with more long-term memorials to be announced at a later date.
[SRC] https://edmonton.citynews.ca/2025/09/26/edmonton-elks-honouring-late-owner-larry-thompson/
