Chuckwagon Legend Tom Glass Dies at 77

Tom Glass, a three-time world champion in chuckwagon racing and a legendary figure in both the sport and film industries, died Friday, June 26, at age 77 after suffering a stroke.

The High River native was a driving force in professional chuckwagon racing, following in the footsteps of his grandfather Tom Lauder and father Ron Glass, both championship drivers at the Calgary Stampede. Glass's son Jason has carried on the family legacy as a World Professional Chuckwagon Association and Stampede champion.

Glass kicked off his racing career as an outrider at age 14 in 1963 and began driving his own racing team three years later. His trophy case included three world championships, four Calgary Stampede titles as a driver, two more as an outrider, and four Ponoka Stampede championships. He retired from driving in 2000 but remained active as an ambassador and colour commentator for Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby broadcasts and was one of the WPCA's founders.

Beyond the arena, Glass carved a remarkable career in film as a stunt performer, stunt coordinator, and actor. His credits include roles in Unforgiven, I Spy, Romeo and Juliet, and Scarlett Letter, and he served as stunt double for Bob Barker in the fight scene with Adam Sandler in Happy Gilmore. Glass and Longview film industry icon John Scott, both founders of Stunts Canada, were among the 16 inaugural inductees into the Canadian Stunts Hall of Fame in 2022.

Nine years earlier, Glass joined his father Ron as an inductee into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame, making them the second father-and-son duo to achieve that honour. The World Professional Chuckwagon Association released a statement: "The WPCA extends its deepest condolences to the Glass family and to all who had the privilege of knowing one of the true legends of chuckwagon racing."

Glass is survived by his wife Joanne, three children, and five grandchildren.