1958–59 Bisons Basketball Team
Back Row: Cliff Arnett, Bill De Vries, Mike Henderson, Bud Frazer (Coach), John Embry, Ed Melnyk,Glen Torgerson.
Front Row: Graham Zelmer, Hughy Sanderson, Dirk Herbertson, Harvey Raymond.
Boy with basketball: Unknown.
We are saddened to share the news of the passing of Graham Zelmer at the age of 87, who proudly represented the Bisons men's basketball program for six seasons, from 1956 to 1962.
The team photograph below, from the 1958–59 season, is a wonderful reminder of Graham's place in Bisons basketball history and the lasting friendships he made through the game.
Former teammate John Embry, #4 pictured above, shared this heartfelt tribute:
"Graham was a brilliant guy who was a fine athlete, and you couldn't find a much nicer person."
Former teammate and longtime friend Glen Torgerson, #3 pictured above, also shared his fond memories of Graham:
Graham was Glen’s backcourt partner throughout his five-year Bisons career and earned Second Team All-Star honours on at least two occasions.
Remarkably, Graham played six seasons with the Senior Bisons, beginning with the 1956 championship team, which featured the Wright twins, Dave Smith, Bill Lindsey, Dave Fraser, and others. His additional year of eligibility resulted from the University of Manitoba's exclusion from league competition in 1962.
In his final year, Graham received the Dick Herbertson Memorial Trophy for the UM's Most Outstanding Athlete.
Graham was also an excellent golfer. Glen recalled one university championship in which Graham finished just one stroke behind Peter Ball after honestly assessing himself a two-stroke penalty for accidentally playing the wrong ball from the rough — a wonderful reflection of his integrity and sportsmanship.
Beyond basketball, Glen remembers Graham as his roommate on road trips and a close friend.
Following his years with the Bisons, Graham pursued advanced studies in mathematics at the University of British Columbia before moving to Ottawa, where he enjoyed an academic career at Carleton University.
Graham was the father of three children, Paul, Whitney, and Natasha, and was married to Angela. His younger brother, who predeceased him, was also a member of the Bisons basketball program.
In recent years, Graham faced significant health challenges from a form of Parkinson's disease that affected his ability to walk and speak, although he remained mentally sharp.
Glen's memories paint a picture of an outstanding athlete, a man of integrity, and a cherished teammate whose friendships extended well beyond his playing days.
Our sincere condolences go out to Graham's wife, Angela, his children, family, friends, and former teammates. His contributions to Bisons basketball and the friendships he built will be fondly remembered.
Once a Bison, always a Bison.