Hockey Alberta and the Hockey Alberta Foundation are saddened to learn of the passing of longtime volunteer and community leader Gary Seher of Red Deer. Gary’s impact on hockey in Alberta spanned decades and left a lasting legacy not only within the game, but within the community that surrounds it.
Gary joined the Hockey Alberta Foundation Board in 2007 and went on to serve as Chair from 2010 to 2014, before continuing his leadership as Past Chair through 2018. During that time, he played an instrumental role in shaping the direction of the Foundation and strengthening its commitment to growing the game across the province.
A passionate volunteer and steady presence, Gary’s leadership helped guide the Foundation through key years of development. His ability to mentor, support, and bring people together left a meaningful impact on those who worked alongside him.
“For me, Gary was the Chair of the Foundation when I started,” said Tim Leer Director, Partnerships and Marketing at Hockey Alberta. “He was a great leader, mentor, and friend; something I truly needed as a brand new Executive Director of a charity. I respected him greatly for his guidance and generosity with his time. He will be deeply missed.”
Gary’s contributions to hockey extended well beyond the Foundation. He served as Chair of the 1995 IIHF World Junior Championship in Red Deer, an event widely recognized as one of the most successful tournaments of its time and one that helped elevate the standard and profile of the World Juniors moving forward.
He remained a proud supporter of hockey in his community throughout his life, continuing to champion the game and support the Red Deer Rebels including as recently as this past weekend.
John Windwick, Board Member of the Hockey Alberta Foundation, reflected on Gary’s enduring influence “my first meeting with the Hockey Alberta Foundation was with Gary and the Executive Director about 15–16 years ago. He was a constant and committed Board member from the very beginning. A true leader, great man, and huge supporter of the Foundation and hockey in Alberta”.
Gary’s legacy lives on through the programs he helped strengthen, the people he mentored, and the game he cared so deeply about. He will be remembered as a leader, a mentor, and a passionate advocate for hockey in Alberta.
