University mourns passing of Sonia Scurfield

It is with deep sadness that the University of Calgary learned of the passing on June 14 of Sonia Scurfield, philanthropist, former co-owner of the Calgary Flames and member of the University of Calgary family, at the age of 89.

Sonia Scurfield was a woman of great strength, stories, and intelligence. Born Sept. 19, 1928 in Hafford, Sask., Sonia was the youngest of four children to Russian/Ukrainian immigrants.

Her parents, proud to be Canadian, blessed her and her siblings with beliefs that anyone is capable of greatness and that education is for all.

In 1949, Sonia graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with a Bachelor of Arts and in 1952, she completed her Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Manitoba. Sonia married Ralph Thomas Scurfield in Edmonton on July 24, 1954. Together they raised seven children in Calgary, and were married for 31 years until Ralph's death in 1985.

Always a believer in the power of community, Sonia was an active supporter of Calgary, the University of Calgary, and our sports teams.

“On behalf of the University of Calgary, I would like to pass along our deepest condolences to the Scurfield family. Sonia Scurfield was a steadfast friend of the University of Calgary, and her passion for education and intellectual curiosity have left a lasting legacy to all who knew her,” says President and Vice-Chancellor Elizabeth Cannon.

“Scurfield Hall, the home of the Haskayne School of Business, serves as an ongoing reminder of Ralph and Sonia Scurfield’s extraordinary support for our students. She will be long remembered for her ability to connect with the people of Calgary and for her enduring contributions towards a stronger community. In addition, the Sonia Scurfield Scholarship continues to provide opportunities for our students to pursue post-secondary education and grow into the leaders of tomorrow — for that we are forever grateful.” 

Sonia’s mind shone brightly. She was proud of her smarts, her family, her accomplishments, and her ability to help foster her community, including the Sonia Scurfield Scholarship Endowment at the University of Calgary. Each year, one student from any faculty is awarded the Sonia Scurfield Scholarship for academic excellence.

In lieu of flowers, Sonia requested donations be made to the Sonia Scurfield Scholarship Endowment at the University of Calgary. Thank you for contributing to growing the Sonia Scurfield Scholarship Endowment so we can continue to support students in Sonia’s memory for generations to come. If you have any questions or would like to discuss your gift personally, please contact Bea Ewanchuk, associate director of development, at bea.ewanchuk@ucalgary.ca or 403-220-7334.