Calgary

Calgary modelling agency founder, pageant director Patti Falconer dead at 77

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Falconer was a giant in the industry for 50 years

Former Ford model, agency founder Patti Falconer died Saturday. (Submitted)

Patti Falconer, the modelling agency founder and pageant queen, has died at age 77.

Falconer founded a modelling agency in her name in 1969 in Calgary that now represents more than 300 models and actors from Calgary and Western Canada.

"The very last thing she said to me, and that's what's happening here today, was 'the show must go on,'" said Sandy Larson, manager of Patti Falconer Agencies.

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The two women modelled together 40 years ago, and Larson said she's delighted to be able to carry on her friend's legacy.

"She was amazing. The best sense of humour, vibrancy and love of life," she said.

Showing people's best selves

The next young class of models, ages 5 to 12, had their graduation ceremony at the agency Falconer founded on Saturday, Larson said.

"That's part of the magic, and that's how the show must go on."

Falconer was an industry leader who was above all, passionate about helping people gain confidence and show off their best selves, Larson said.

"She had such a faith in people and in helping people represent the very best of them."

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Falconer was involved in running the Little Miss Calgary, Junior Miss Calgary, Miss Teen Calgary, Miss Calgary, Mrs. Calgary, Miss Canada pageants and was also the regional director for Miss Universe Canada.

She was born in Claresholm, Alta., and spent most of her life in Calgary.

As a young woman, she modelled for Eileen Ford of the Ford Models in New York, one of the world's top modelling agencies.

Larson said Falconer was one of the first women to model miniskirts when the style first gained popularity.

She's survived by her two sons, Alexander Bennett Falconer and Robert Bruce Falconer.

Falconer's family is asking that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Tom Baker Cancer Centre.