Curling great, broadcaster Don Duguid dead at age 90

Legendary Manitoba curler and broadcaster Don Duguid, a three-time Canadian men’s champion and two-time world champion, has died at the age of 90.

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“It is with great sadness that I share that my father, Don Duguid, passed away peacefully (Wednesday) evening at the age of 90,” the post said. “While today is a difficult day for our family, we are also reflecting on his long and extraordinary life. He leaves an enduring legacy in the sport of curling as a two-time world curling champion and long-time broadcaster.”

Duguid is survived by his wife, Barb, along with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. “Our family is deeply grateful for the many messages, prayers, and expressions of concern that have been shared over the past weeks. Your support and thoughtfulness have meant more than you know,” the post said.

The family thanked the doctors, nurses and staff at Grace Hospital. Duguid cemented his place among Canada’s curling greats by winning back-to-back world men’s championships in 1970 and 1971, in addition to three Canadian men’s titles. He was inducted into the Canadian Curling Hall of Fame, Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame and the World Curling Federation Hall of Fame.

Both of his world championship teams were later inducted into the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame after going undefeated at the tournaments, including a remarkable 17-game winning streak across the two events. Duguid helped revolutionize the sport with his signature tuck-style delivery, a technique later adopted by Manitoba curling standouts Jeff Stoughton, Mike McEwen and Ryan Fry. In 2020, he was appointed to the Order of Canada, the country’s highest civilian honour.

After retiring from competitive curling, Duguid built a second career as one of Canada’s best-known curling broadcasters, joining CBC’s coverage alongside play-by-play announcer Don Wittman and former world champion Colleen Jones. He was a curling commentator at the 2002, 2006 and 2010 Olympic Winter Games. scott.billeck@freepress.mb.ca

Scott Billeck is a general assignment reporter for the Free Press. A Creative Communications graduate from Red River College, Scott has more than a decade’s worth of experience covering hockey, football and global pandemics. He joined the Free Press in 2024.

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