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Former CFL Commissioner Doug Mitchell dies at 83

Doug Mitchell was the commissioner of the CFL between 1984 and 1988, and played for the B.C. Lions for one season in the 1960s. He also owned the Calgary Stampeders for a period. Doug Mitchell was the commissioner of the CFL between 1984 and 1988, and played for the B.C. Lions for one season in the 1960s. He also owned the Calgary Stampeders for a period.
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Former CFL Commissioner Doug Mitchell has died at the age of 83.

Mitchell was the commissioner of the CFL between 1984 and 1988, and played for the B.C. Lions for one season in the 1960s. He also owned the Calgary Stampeders for a period.

The Mitchell Bowl, the USports national college football semi-final, is named after him.

He was one of the people who helped relaunch the Canadian Olympic hockey team, and was the Flames' legal counsel after their move to Calgary from Atlanta. He also worked on the 2026 Calgary Olympic bid.

Last year, he was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame. He also received the Order of Canada in 2004 and was inducted into the Alberta Order of Excellence in 2007. He also was inducted into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame.

He leaves behind his wife, former Alberta Lieutenant Governor Lois Mitchell and his son Scott Mitchell, the president of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

The Stampeders tweeted condolences Thursday afternoon.

"Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of Doug Mitchell, who passed away this week," it said. "Doug's dedication to our sport and our community was unwavering, his achievements recognized by an appointment to the Order of Canada and Alberta Order of Excellence."

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