Published on September 18, 2008 7:44 PM by dbo.
Shock and sorrow swept over me this morning when I read CFL Legend Ron Lancaster had lost his battle with cancer and passed away last night. Lancaster impacted many in his travels through the CFL, from fans of his playing days in Ottawa and Saskatchewan, his two coaching Grey Cup titles in Edmonton and Hamilton to his reach Canada wide as a CFL television colour commentator in the 1980’s. Lancaster’s career spanned 48 years associated with the CFL and as well known as he was across the country, he was a legend in Regina. Bringing the ‘Riders their first Grey Cup and providing the fans a competitive team for 15 years made him the legend, but his work as a high school teacher and in the community connected him to people in much deeper and long-lasting ways.
I remember Lancaster mostly as a colour commentator on CBC‘s CFL broadcasts. His knowledge of the game and deft speaking skills made him the best of his time. Myself and many other selfishly wished he would return to broadcasting one day.
With all the news on his passing (more, more), from the statement from the CFL to a review of his career the most compelling stories are those from players and fans remembering the small things about Lancaster and filling up comments with condolences. Sadly, Lancaster becomes the third Canadian Football Hall of Fame member to be lost this year following Earl Lunsford and Bob Ackles.
I, like many CFL fans and people across Canada, will be mourning Ron Lancaster over the next few weeks. I hope these simple acts of recognition and remembrance can help the Lancaster family get through this difficult time.
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CFL’s Little General, Lancaster, Lost to Cancer was published on September 18, 2008 7:44 PM by dbo.
384 words.
This article is categorized under Legacy and tagged with hamilton-tiger-cats, ottawa-rough-riders, ron-lancaster and saskatchewan-roughriders.
RIP Ronnie.
By Wayne on September 19, 2008 5:36 PM