Calgary Mourns the Loss of Philanthropic Icon Al Osten at 95
The Calgary arts community and broader philanthropic circles are mourning the passing of Al Osten, a cherished philanthropist and former doo-wop singer who died at the age of 95. Osten, alongside his late partner Buddy Victor, leaves behind a substantial legacy of generosity that has profoundly shaped cultural institutions across Alberta.
A Life of Music, Business, and Generosity
Originally born in Saskatoon and raised in Edmonton before settling in Calgary, Osten's diverse life journey included a musical career as a member of the New York-based group The Rover Boys during the 1950s. His business acumen became evident when he and Victor invested in Weight Watchers in 1967, successfully bringing the program to Alberta and Saskatchewan.
After selling their business in 2013, Osten and Victor dedicated themselves to philanthropy, making significant contributions to numerous causes. Their charitable work extended to hospices in both Calgary and Edmonton, the Art Gallery of Alberta, the Osten-Victor Alberta Tennis Centre, and the Glenbow Museum.
Enduring Legacy in Calgary's Cultural Landscape
Osten's impact on Calgary's arts scene will continue through several major projects bearing his name. In August 2025, Arts Commons announced that their new 1,000-seat theatre—a central component of the $660-million Arts Commons Transformation and Olympic Plaza Transformation projects—will be named the Osten-Victor Playhouse upon its expected opening in 2028.
Additionally, Osten's $5 million donation toward the Glenbow expansion in June 2025 will be commemorated through the naming of the new 150-seat theatre within the JR Shaw Centre for Arts & Culture as the Osten Victor Theatre when it reopens later this year.
Tributes from Community Leaders
Alex Sarian, president and CEO of Werklund Centre (formerly Arts Commons), expressed profound sorrow at Osten's passing, describing it as "a huge loss" for their organization and for both Calgary and Alberta's arts communities. "He cared for so many other causes, health care, education, and so many institutions and people have benefited from his generosity and the generosity of him and his partner, Buddy Victor," Sarian said. "He was a beautiful human being. You know, he stood up for love, for community and for care."
Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas paid tribute on social media, noting that Osten was "a quiet leader whose generosity shaped Calgary's cultural and community life." Farkas highlighted how Osten and Victor "believed deeply in sharing good fortune" and built "a lasting legacy of philanthropy that strengthened the arts, hospice and health care, youth programs, and Jewish life in Calgary through the Osten-Victor Fund and beyond."
Alberta NDP Leader and former Calgary mayor Naheed Nenshi also shared his condolences, stating: "Al and Buddy were extraordinary community builders who leave an immense legacy. May his memory be a blessing."
Personal Background and Surviving Family
Al Osten is survived by many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends. His partner Buddy Victor passed away in August 2023, marking the end of a remarkable partnership that spanned decades of both business success and philanthropic achievement.
A funeral service was held in Edmonton on Sunday to honor Osten's life and contributions. His passing represents not just the loss of a generous donor, but the departure of a man whose values of love, community, and care touched countless lives across Alberta.
