Bob Ackles.
September 16, 1938 – July 6, 2008
File photo by Sam Leung - The Province

The President and CEO of the BC Lions, Bobby Ackles has died of a heart attack.

CKNW has learned he passed away this morning on Bowen Island.

Ackles has been with the team for more than 50 years.

He started as the Lions waterboy, eventually becoming the clubs Director of Football Development in 1966, and then General Manager in 1971.

He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2002.

He was 69 years old.

http://www.canada.com/topics/sports/football/cfl/story.html?id=621255e0-0422-4048-9880-c589795e142c

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What a tragedy for the BC Lions, and for all of Canadian football. Wihout Bob Ackles, there would very likely be no BC Lions. He brought the team back from the dead; his instincts for having the right product on the field, and for being able to sell that product and attract attention was uncanny. Small in stature, Bob Ackles was a giant among football people on both sides of the border. Whoever succeeds him will have enormous shoes to fill. You don't replace a Bob Ackles. My sincerest condolences to his family.

bless his soul may he rest in peace. I knew of him at King Edward  High

What a sad day for the Lions.  

Does it seem like we've lost a lot of very high profile people recently?  

I cannot imagine BC Lions Football without Bobby Ackles.  Yes, there will be some enormous shoes to fill, and it will be difficult for anyone to be his successor.   My condolences to his family at this time of loss.  I note he passed away while on Bowen Island.  I hope he was doing something he loved, with those he loved in his last hours.

DM.

Bob Ackles:  Inspiration, institution.

His name would look pretty good on that Stadium, if Pavco doesn't sell the naming rights one day.

damn

I say they call it Ackles Place.

"Bob Ackles Stadium" actually sounds pretty good.  Afterall, it might have not been built without Bob, nor would salvaging and renovating the facility.