IN MEMORY OF...BOB ACKLES (1938 - 2008)

To express your condolences, make a tribute, or share a memory of Bob Ackles, please send an email to inmemory@bclions.com and have your words posted on a special 'In Memory' page on bclions.com.

(Please note:  Submissions may be edited for clarity and length)

“I would like to send my condolences in regard to the loss of Bob Ackles.  Bob was one of my favorites during his time in the NFL and was highly regarded by our office and his peers at the clubs.”
-  Ken Fiore; Director, Player Personnel for the National Football League

“Bob was tremendously passionate about his family, the Lions, the CFL and our country and he made an indelible mark on all who knew him. The entire Edmonton Eskimo organization extends it’s deepest condolences to the Ackles family and the BC Lions on their profound loss.
-  Rick LeLacheur; President and CEO of the Edmonton Eskimos

“47 football seasons ago, I met Bobby Ackles at my first CFL game when BC played Ottawa at Empire Stadium. His enthusiasm for the game and knowledge of the League were huge factors in me eventually joining the CFL. His influence on football in Vancouver has been monumental and he’s been a CFL standard bearer throughout the last half century.  All CFL fans should know that our League would not be here today were it not for the work of Bob and the foundation he helped build.  My thoughts and prayers are with Kay, Scott and Steve and the entire family.  I will miss my friend”.
-  Hugh Campbell; former President and CEO of the Edmonton Eskimos                        

“We are saddened to hear of Bob's passing. Bob loved life and was always a joy to be around. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Kay and the family.”
-  Jimmy Johnson and wife Rhonda; former Head Coach of the Dallas Cowboys and Miami Dolphins

“We were saddened to learn about the untimely passing of our friend and colleague, Bob Ackles. During his time in Miami, no one worked harder than he did to maintain our success. He was highly respected by everyone he worked with, both within the Dolphin organization and throughout the National Football League.

Bob started every day with a smile and kept that same upbeat disposition no matter the circumstances. As someone who worked his way up the pro football ladder from the bottom, he never forgot his roots. He would treat ball boys and interns the same way he did coaches and players --  with respect, appreciation, and admiration.

He will be missed by everyone who was lucky enough to know him, and on behalf of the entire Dolphin organization I want to express our condolences to his wife, Kay, and his family.”
-  Bryan Wiedmeier; President of the Miami Dolphins

On behalf of the Canadian Football League Board of Governors, I want to express our deepest sympathies to the Ackles family, David Braley, the entire B.C. Lions organization, and all CFL teams across Canada on the passing of our cherished colleague and dear friend Bobby Ackles.
 
We all owe a tremendous debt to Bob, for his tremendous contribution to the British Columbia Lions, his passion for our league, and his wise counsel on our Board.
 
He was a dear friend and mentor to us all.
 
But perhaps we should be most grateful for his story, and his decision to share it with us all in his book.
 
Bobby's rise through the ranks from Water Boy to President and CEO -- and his integral role in three Grey Cup championships -- is a lesson to us all, proof that hard work, perseverance and loyalty can overcome any obstacle.
 
Of all the gifts he has left with us, it may turn out to be the greatest one of all, for it will continue to inspire Canadians, and particularly young Canadians, for years to come.
 
The thing I'll remember most about Bobby is that he stayed as humble as his roots, even as he achieved enormous success and even a measure of fame. He treated everyone he met the same way: with the utmost respect and courtesy.
 
It's hard to imagine our next Board meeting, without him. It's hard to imagine football, without him. But it's not hard to imagine what he'd want us all to do now: honour our game and our league, with our very best, just like he did.
-  Gene Dunn; Chairman, CFL Board of Governors