Town of Banff

Louis S. Crosby

Louis S. Crosby

Banff Sports Hall of Fame - 2006: Builder

Louis S. Crosby arrived in Banff from Prince Edward Island in 1907, to become the bookkeeper and accountant for the Brewster Transportation Co. Over a 57-year career with that company, he became President and General Manager of Brewster Transport Co. and Brewster Rocky Mountain Gray Line.

Lou fell in love with the mountains when he got here. He is credited with first ascents of Mt. Fifi and Mt. Devil’s Head. He was an active member of the Alpine Club of Canada for over 50 years.

Lou was involved in many sports within Banff National Park. He was instrumental in having speed skating recognized by the Alberta Amateur Athletic Union. This led to Banff’s participation in the Alberta Indoor and Alberta Outdoor Championships every few years.

Through his connection with Brewster, Lou was also able to arrange transportation for the Banff skaters, and he often acted as driver, timer, referee and coach.

In the summertime, Lou loved golf . In 1911, he became a charter member of the original Banff Springs Golf Club. He was President, or a member of the executive, for most of the next 50 years. Lou received many trophies and was Club champion 7 times. In 1950, he introduced the “Crosby Trophy” for seniors, which he happened to win in the inaugural year.

Lou was instrumental in the formation of “The Trail Riders of the Canadian Rockies” and the “Skyline Trail Hikers” groups that brought many visitors to Banff National Park to share in the area’s beauty. He was a life member of both organizations.

Lou was an athlete, builder, coach, official, administrator, financial supporter and spectator of sport and mountain leisure for many, many years in Banff National Park.

Above all, he was a great pioneer.