Richard (Rick) Thomas Galbos

A man who embodied toughness, honesty, kindness, and dedication to family, friends, and teammates, Richard (Rick) Thomas Galbos of Calgary, Alberta, passed away suddenly on August 5, 2026, at the age of 75.

Nicknamed “Billy Green,” Rick was born in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1951 and enjoyed what he always said was a perfect childhood in nearby Mentor, Ohio. As a teenager, with his immense natural talent, grit, and leadership, Rick established himself as a standout multi-sport athlete, competing in football, track, and swimming, and is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished high school quarterbacks in state history. His accomplishments at Mentor High School were later recognized when he was inducted into the News-Herald High School Sports Hall of Fame in 2016.

Rick continued his football career at Ohio State, where he played for four seasons under legendary coach Woody Hayes. He transitioned from quarterback to running back and served as team captain during his collegiate career. He was a member of the 1970 National Championship team and was Ohio State’s leading rusher in 1971. One of his greatest sources of pride—one he shared with his family—was his love and dedication to THE Ohio State Buckeyes.

Rick was drafted 218th overall in the 1973 NFL Draft. He elected to start his professional career in the CFL. From 1973 to 1977, he played for the Calgary Stampeders, serving as the primary blocker for his friend and teammate, Willie Burden. Although Rick would never accept any praise or accolades, Burden credited much of his historic success to Rick’s unselfish lead blocking, especially during the 1975 season, when Willie broke the CFL single-season rushing record. During the 1977 season, Rick was traded to the Montreal Alouettes, where he finished his playing career as a Grey Cup champion.

Football ultimately gave Rick something much more enduring than championships or accolades—it brought him to Canada, where his life beyond the game began. Never turning down an opportunity for adventure, he worked as far north as the arctic circle, as a cowboy on a horse ranch, and operated a houseboat and parasailing company in Sicamous, BC. He eventually settled in Calgary with his first wife, and they welcomed two daughters, Jessica and Suzanne. His love for his girls gave Rick roots in Calgary that extended far beyond football, and it became the place he would call home for the rest of his life.

Although his playing days ended, Rick’s connection to football never did. He remained involved with the Calgary Stampeder Alumni Association, coached with the University of Calgary Dinos, and spent many years sharing his experience and love of the game with young players through the SW Bulldogs organization.

Following his playing career, Rick embraced a life of hard work, generosity, and dedication to family. His talent, work ethic, and determination on the field translated naturally into a successful career as a master carpenter. He was a true fix-it-all kind of guy; if you knew him, he likely built something for you or helped you out of a jam.

Rick met his loving partner of 33 years, Martina, who had three boys—Chris, Jeff, and Justin—after a Stampeders victory in 1992. Rick turned on his memorable charm, and just like that, a new chapter began. They were inseparable and eventually married in 1998 in his native Ohio, when two families officially became one. While Rick crafted many beautiful projects throughout his career in construction, the family and life he built alongside Martina remained his greatest source of pride.

Rick was a doting father and a big kid at heart. His family will always remember the countless adventures they shared and his dedication to making every day memorable and filled with fun. Among his family’s fondest memories are those of Rick behind the wheel of a boat on the Shuswap, his favourite place in the world, with the wind in his hair and a smile on his face. No shirt, no shoes, no problems! He would drop everything to support those he loved and never missed an opportunity to enjoy life with his wife, children, grandchildren and friends.

To know Rick, was to love Rick, and he will be greatly missed by the numerous friends he made throughout his life including his cherished childhood friends in Ohio, teammates from Ohio State, the CFL, fellow coaches, players he mentored, and his close-knit group of friends from Calgary.

Rick will be lovingly remembered by his daughters, Jessica Campbell (Ian) and Suzanne Galbos (Pat), and his sons, Christopher Wollin (Mallory), Jeffrey Wollin (Emma), and Justin Wollin (Kassia). Rick’s playful spirit and his kind, gentle heart prepared him for his favorite role as Papa. He will be dearly missed by his nine grandchildren: Jasmine, Emily, Jada, Jackson, June, Juliet, Conrad, Myla, and Edward. He will also be fondly remembered by his brother, Steve Galbos (Gail); sisters, Joanne Payne (Tim) and Jenny Ware; brothers-in-law, John Langdon and Mark Woitas (Julie); sister-in-law, Andrea Tsui (Ben); and numerous nieces and nephews.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents, Dick and Nancy Galbos; sister, Sue Langdon; fathers-in-law, Herbert Woitas and Hans Jakubczyk; mother-in-law, Marlis (Woitas) Jakubczyk; as well as many cherished friends, former teammates, and beloved pets.

Rick’s God-given athletic ability and legendary toughness were only eclipsed by his kindness, humility, and appreciation for the simplest things in life—especially his dogs, a cold beer, a good piece of corn, a Tom Petty song, his toes in the sand, or a day out on the lake. In those moments, Rick would often say, “It doesn’t get any better than this.”

As a man, husband, father, and Papa, it truly didn’t get much better than him.

A Celebration of Life for Rick will be held at the Glencoe Club (636 29 Ave SW, Calgary, AB) on September 11, 2026, at 1:00 PM. For those who were unable to attend in person, the service will be livestreamed through the link below. We encourage those attending to wear red or your favorite tuxedo shirt. Please be advised that parking is limited.

In lieu of flowers, people are invited to make a donation to the Concussion Legacy Foundation Canada in support of CTE research and to improve the lives of Canadians impacted by brain injury.

This obituary has been authorized by the family of Richard Galbos for posting on the Evan J. Strong Funeral Services website. Reproduction or redistribution without prior consent is prohibited.

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