Saskatoon sports builder Bob Van Impe dies at 96

Saskatoon’s sports community is mourning the loss of Bob Van Impe.

The sports builder and volunteer passed away Friday at the age of 96.

Van Impe served on many boards and committees and was on the receiving end of countless honours for his contributions to the sport of fastball in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada and the world.

He is a member of both the Saskatoon and Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame, the Softball Canada Hall of Fame and is a Kinsmen Sportsman of the Year.

In 1984, Bob Van Impe Stadium, located in the Gordie Howe Sports Complex, was named after him.

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Getting people to come together was one of his greatest strengths said Saskatoon Amateur Softball Association President and chairmen of the Friends of the Bowl Foundation Bryan Kosteroski.

“He really, really focused on people working together and having positive outcomes so people would be successful. That was Bobby’s biggest trait,” said Kosteroski.

“He was a leader. People looked at him to set direction to set the tone. They were very comfortable with Bob.”

After retiring from his career at Labatts and Softball Canada, he remained active in the community volunteering at Saskatoon Hilltop games.

The Funeral service will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on November 21 at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Saskatoon.