Born in Lethbridge, AB, Red was a graduate of LCI in Lethbridge. While 📷there,he played four years of collegiate football with the LCI Rams. Also, he was the Alberta Novice Gymnastics Champion in 1954. He later enrolled in the RCAF as a Recreation and Physical Education specialist serving for 11 years. During his service, he was the NCO in charge of the RCAF Ground Search and Rescue at various bases.