[Dion]

Celebrated not only as the driving force behind the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, but also as a man of great character, kindness and competitive passion, Frank King died Wednesday. He was 81.

Friends and family confirmed King died of a sudden heart attack around 2 p.m. after a training session at the Glencoe Club. A lifetime runner, he was preparing for a world seniors track-and-field event in Utah this summer.

He had planned to compete in several races, including the 100-metre, 200-metre, 400-metre, 800-metre and 1,500-metre running events.

A longtime member of the Booster Club, King co-founded the Calgary Olympic Bid Committee starting in 1978. King was instrumental in winning the bid for Calgary in Baden Baden, Germany, in 1981, along with Bill Pratt, former mayor Ralph Klein and bid vice-chair Bob Niven.

He then helped form OCO ’88, the Olympic Organizing Committee, and CODA, the Calgary Olympic Development Association, which built a legacy of facilities and funding still viable today.

“He created trust in people. They just felt good about him,” said Niven, who was shaken Thursday at the news of King’s sudden death.

“When he spoke, people trusted him, and they could because he was so trustworthy. He was a tremendous leader who was always focused on relationships and building them with the community, governments, the IOC, all of the different sports federations.

“He was a good man, a dear friend. I will really miss him.”

Dale Oviatt, spokesman for WinSport at Canada Olympic Park, said everyone was saddened by the news of King’s death, saying he was instrumental in bringing the Games to the city and ensuring its legacy continues.

Oviatt quoted from King’s book, It’s How You Play the Game, saying King said it best in his own words: “The inspiration of the Calgary Olympics will endure long after the Olympic flame has been extinguished. Canadians of all ages will use and enjoy superb Olympic facilities for years into the future. The Olympics will be more than an immediate benefit. The Games will provide a heritage for our children.”

http://calgarysun.com/news/local-new...b-d4bb11cf9a08