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After experiencing a heart attack in the early 1980s, Calgary entrepreneur Alvin Libin connected with a cardiologist named Dr. Eldon Smith, MD.   

They hit it off — a friendship that would have critical implications for the future of cardiovascular care in southern Alberta. Today, the nationally renowned  (LCI) at the University of Calgary’s  (CSM) is a cornerstone of Libin’s legacy.   

One of UCalgary’s most generous donors, an Alberta business titan, and beloved father and grandfather, Libin, Hon. LLD’94, passed away June 14 at the age of 95. The UCalgary campus flag was lowered to half-mast in honour of Libin on June 17, the same day as a private service for him.  

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During annual trips to the West Coast, Libin and Smith mixed salmon fishing with conversation about the promise of something they dreamed of — the creation of a cardiovascular research and clinical care centre in Calgary. Libin, while dealing with his heart issues, had learned the value of health. 

“We kept talking about what the possibilities would be if we had an institute,” says Smith, later CSM’s dean and chair of the LCI’s strategic advisory board for the past 20 years. “How it would work, how it would benefit all the citizens of Calgary and southern Alberta, to have an institute that specialized in cardiovascular health and research.”  

No one had to wonder about the initiative’s upside for long — because the two co-founders made it happen. A champion for Calgary and southern Alberta, Libin saw opportunity to create a healthier community by partnering with the university.  

A transformational gift of $15 million in 2003 from Libin and his late wife, Mona, established the Libin Cardiovascular Institute at the CSM in partnership with the local health authority. At the time, it was the largest one-time gift in the university’s history.  

The game-changing momentum of such a venture was soon evident. The catalytic investment strengthened the partnership between philanthropy, academic research and clinical care. Calgary was positioned as a national leader in cardiovascular medicine. And heart patients' health improved.    

“The profound generosity of Alvin Libin and his family has benefited countless patients from across southern Alberta over the years,” says Dr. Robert Rose, BSc’93, MSc’99, PhD’05, acting director of the LCI. “The Libin Cardiovascular Institute wouldn't exist without his philanthropic leadership and vision, which have also inspired hundreds of others to invest in our work — something that mattered deeply to him.  

“Alvin's presence and championing of our institute will be deeply missed by us all.”  

Leading by example  

Eda Libin agrees with the assessment of her grandfather, who was also known for his sharp wit and determination. His contributions to the medical community went well beyond his own donations. Libin wanted the best for his hometown, so he pitched in and enthusiastically encouraged others to, as well. 

“Alvin just got up and he said, ‘I’m giving $15 million — follow suit.’ He always led by example,” Eda, BComm’12, executive director and vice-president of the Alvin and Mona Libin Foundation, said in 2024. “I remember when I was growing up, how often my grandparents would say, ‘We love Calgary. You're so fortunate to live in Calgary. Calgary is the best city.’ And, as soon as they were able to give back, they did.”  

In 2022, the Alvin and Mona Libin Foundation renewed its commitment to the cardiovascular health of Calgarians, Albertans and Canadians, investing an additional $7.5 million in the LCI.  

“While we are saddened at the passing of Dr. Alvin Libin, we celebrate a life well-lived,” says Dr. Todd Anderson, MD’85, dean of the Cumming School of Medicine. “He was a remarkable Calgarian who changed the fabric of our city and whose business and philanthropic support have been truly remarkable. His founding of the Libin Cardiovascular Institute has provided a foundation for world-class research, education and patient care in our city.”  

Made an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2001 and earning the Alberta Order of Excellence in 2004, Libin also received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and the Canadian Medical Association’s Medal of Honour.  

Legacy of impact  

Helping to shape Calgary’s culture of giving, the Libins also created the Libin Gene Therapy Unit to fund research to explore therapies for heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and cancer, and the Libin Lecture Theatre at UCalgary’s Foothills Campus. Their philanthropy across Calgary extended to women’s cardiovascular health, precision medicine, cancer, youth mental wellness, accessibility, education and community-based programs.

And now, more than two decades after its formation, the Libin Cardiovascular Institute — which includes more than 1,500 physicians, clinicians, researchers, trainees and other health professionals — serves two million people. The work integrates world-class cardiovascular research, first-rate patient care and education.

“This legacy will be immense and lasting,” says Anderson. “We are grateful to the ongoing support of the Libin family as we honour the passing of an outstanding individual.”

Gifts in memory of Alvin Libin to help advance cardiovascular research, education and care at the Libin Cardiovascular Institute can be made .