Richard (Rick) Thomas Galbos, a man who exemplified strength, honesty, kindness, and commitment to his family, friends, and teammates, passed away unexpectedly on August 5, 2026, in Calgary, Alberta. He was 75 years old.
Known as “Billy Green,” Rick was born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1951. He often spoke of having an ideal childhood in Mentor, Ohio. As a teenager with incredible natural talent and determination, he became a well-known multi-sport athlete. Competing in football, track and swimming, Rick is considered one of the best high school quarterbacks in Ohio’s history. His achievements at Mentor High School earned him a spot in the News-Herald High School Sports Hall of Fame in 2016.
Rick continued to pursue football at Ohio State University where he played for four seasons under the legendary coach Woody Hayes. He shifted from quarterback to running back and captained his college team. Being part of the National Championship team in 1970 and leading all rushers at Ohio State in 1971 were some highlights of his college career. His unwavering loyalty to THE Ohio State Buckeyes was something he proudly shared with his family.
Drafted as the 218th pick overall in the 1973 NFL Draft, Rick chose to start his professional journey with the CFL instead. From 1973 to 1977 he played for the Calgary Stampeders as the main blocker for his friend Willie Burden. Even though Rick wouldn’t accept praise easily, Burden attributed much of his remarkable success during that time-particularly when breaking the CFL single-season rushing record in 1975-to Rick’s selfless lead blocking efforts. In 1977 he was traded to the Montreal Alouettes where he ended his playing career as a Grey Cup champion.
Football offered Rick more than just titles; it led him to Canada where new adventures awaited him beyond sports. Always open to new experiences, he worked various jobs including cowboying on a horse ranch up north and managing a houseboat and parasailing business in Sicamous, BC. Eventually settling down in Calgary with his first wife resulted in two daughters being welcomed into their lives: Jessica and Suzanne. His love for them gave him roots that extended far beyond football-Calgary became home for him.
Even after hanging up his cleats, Rick stayed connected with football through involvement with the Calgary Stampeder Alumni Association and coaching at University of Calgary Dinos while mentoring young players through SW Bulldogs organization.
After retiring from playing football but not from hard work or generosity toward family members or friends-Rick thrived as a master carpenter known for fixing things around town; if you knew him well enough chances are good he’d built something special just for you or lent a helping hand when needed.
A chance meeting after a Stampeders win introduced Rick to Martina-his partner for over three decades who had three boys named Chris Jeff & Justin-and they clicked right away! They eventually married back home in Ohio back during ’98 which brought two families together forever! Although there were countless beautiful projects crafted throughout construction careers-the life created alongside Martina remained what made him proudest!
A devoted father who never stopped being young at heart; memories shared by loved ones include those adventures spent out on Shuswap Lake driving boats wind blowing through hair-a favorite escape filled laughter no shoes no worries! Always ready support loved ones without hesitation seizing every moment possible enjoying life surrounded by wife children grandchildren & friends alike!
If you knew Rick then you loved him dearly; friendships formed during different stages throughout lifetime included cherished childhood pals back home teammates while attending Ohio state coaches fellow players mentored along way plus close circle found locally within Calgary community!
Rick leaves behind daughters Jessica Campbell (Ian) & Suzanne Galbos (Pat) along with sons Christopher Wollin (Mallory), Jeffrey Wollin (Emma), Justin Wollin (Kassia). The joy felt when spending time grandkids Jasmine Emily Jada Jackson June Juliet Conrad Myla Edward will always be remembered fondly too! Also remembered lovingly are siblings Steve Galbos (Gail), Joanne Payne (Tim) Jenny Ware plus brothers-in-law John Langdon Mark Woitas (Julie); sister-in-law Andrea Tsui (Ben); numerous nieces nephews galore!
He was preceded by parents Dick Nancy Galbos sister Sue Langdon fathers-in-law Herbert Woitas Hans Jakubczyk mother-in-law Marlis(Woitas)Jakubczyk many beloved companions pets passed before him too over years gone by..
The athletic talents combined legendary resilience showcased also highlighted genuine kindness humility appreciation simplest pleasures life brings-from beloved dogs enjoying cold beers savoring sweet corn playing Tom Petty tunes wiggling toes sandy shores lakeside bliss… moments like these would prompt smile proclaim “It doesn’t get any better than this.”
If anyone could fill roles such husband father Papa so well-it truly didn’t get much better than this man here!
Please join us celebrating life lived fully by attending service scheduled Glencoe Club located address(63629 Ave SWCalgary AB) taking place September11th2026 starting promptly1PM-for those unable attend physically livestream option available recorded session exists afterwards encouraged wear red favorite tuxedo shirt attire note limited parking space available onsite!
If flowers aren’t desired please consider donating funds towards Concussion Legacy Foundation Canada focusing on research CTE improving lives impacted brain injuries across country touching hearts everywhere.
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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