Former Missoula Big Sky coach dies of cancer

Posted January 02, 2011 10:00 pm

Associated Press

MISSOULA, Mont. — Former Missoula Big Sky football coach Gary Ekegren has died of pancreatic cancer. He was 70.

Garden City Funeral Home says Ekegren died at home Friday.

Ekegren coached football for nearly 45 years, including stops in Harlem, Havre, at Missoula Sentinel, the University of Montana and Longview, Wash., before spending 20 years at Missoula Big Sky.

Ekegren stepped down at Big Sky after the 2009 season with a 186-170 career record, including a 93-105 mark at Big Sky.

Big Sky coach Matt Johnson says Ekegren taught him that the life lessons learned from football outweigh the sport while former player Ty Palmer says Ekegren was a "a guy you wanted to play for and do well for just because you respected him."

Ekegren is survived by his wife, Karen, and their children, Ashley, Shane and Travis. Funeral services are pending.

Article Comments

Article Categories
Basketball College Sports Obituaries Sports Sports Types

Article Comments

Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.