Saskatchewan Roughriders defensive standout Garner Ekstran led the team to their first Grey Cup championship in 1966 over the Ottawa Rough Riders with six tackles. (Image Credit: Saskatchewan Roughriders/X)

By Scott Roblin - CKOM News

Riders defensive star, 1966 Grey Cup champion Garner Ekstran dead at 86

Apr 10, 2026 | 9:30 AM

One of the greatest defensive players in Saskatchewan Roughriders history has died.

The Roughriders announcing Monday the passing of longtime defensive lineman and linebacker Garner Ekstran, who died of natural causes Saturday at the age of 86 in Sedro-Woolley, Wash.

Ekstran spent seven of his eight CFL seasons with the Roughriders between 1961 and 1967, becoming a three-time all-CFL selection and dressing in 116 career regular season and playoff games in Saskatchewan.

He was a key member of Saskatchewan’s 1966 Grey Cup champion roster, co-leading the team with six tackles including a key defensive stop which led to the game-winning touchdown in a 29-14 victory over the Ottawa Rough Riders in the 54th Grey Cup.

We are saddened to learn of the passing of 1966 Grey Cup Champion Garner Ekstran.

A standout on defence and three-time All-CFL selection, Garner played a key role in bringing the Grey Cup to Saskatchewan in 1966 and appeared in 110 games in Green and White. He was inducted into… pic.twitter.com/05tNnLmYM5

— Saskatchewan Roughriders (@sskroughriders) April 6, 2026

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Helping Saskatchewan earn its first Grey Cup title in franchise history, Ekstran was inducted into the Roughriders’ Plaza of Honour in 1990.

Earning Saskatchewan’s Most Outstanding Lineman award in 1961 as a rookie and again in 1963, he went on to earn all-CFL honours in 1962, 1963 and in 1967 before ending his career with the BC Lions.

He was also one of four Washington State standouts on the Roughriders’ roster in the 1960s alongside George Reed, Wally Dempsey and Hugh Campbell.

Following his CFL career, Ekstran moved back to his home state of Washington where he became a dairy farmer and spent 62 years married to his wife Marge she died in 2023.

Ekstran is survived by his three children, two grandchilden and a sister.

by Scott Roblin - CKOM News

Riders defensive star, 1966 Grey Cup champion Garner Ekstran dead at 86

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