Larry Thompson, a construction magnate who became the first private owner of the Edmonton Elks and sought to restore stability to one of the Canadian Football League’s most storied franchises, died Thursday in Edmonton. He was 65.

The team said in a statement that Thompson died from complications following surgery.

Thompson, a lifelong fan and longtime season-ticket holder, purchased the Elks in August 2024, ending decades of community ownership. The acquisition followed years of financial strain for the club, which reported a deficit of C$3.3 million in 2022. His takeover marked a dramatic shift for the franchise, which has won 14 Grey Cups but struggled with attendance and on-field results in recent years.

“Although I had the privilege of working with Larry for less than a year, his i

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