The CFL community reacts to the passing of B.C. Lions owner David Braley

Photo courtesy: McMaster University

David Braley passed away on Monday at the age of 79.

Longtime B.C. Lions owner David Braley passes away

The CFL community responded on social media with an outpouring of support for the long-time owner and advocate for Canadian football. Messages were sent by Braley’s former colleagues, employees, players, and members of the media.

Little did I know when I came to the league, the CFL and the BC Lions as I knew them existed largely because of David Braley’s passion. His support never wavered to the very end. Rest in peace, Mr Braley, and thank you. https://t.co/hHWcTnq2Kd

— Travis Lulay (@TravisLulay) October 26, 2020

Few have cared more for the @CFL than Mr Braley did. Always respected his passion and commitment for the betterment of the League and for his personal support. RIP https://t.co/vArIo71oJd

— Glen Johnson (@G_D_Johnson) October 26, 2020

Wow. Braley was such a key part of the CFL for so long. https://t.co/r3cG9MIh9F

— Andrew Bucholtz (@AndrewBucholtz) October 26, 2020

Sorry to hear of the passing of @BCLions owner David Braley. Quibble with some of his methods, but never debate his passion for the #CFL. #lions #argos #ticats #cfhof

— markonfootball (@Markonfootball) October 26, 2020

Rest in Peace Mr Braley🙏🏾 thank you for impacting and changing the lives of young men to live out their dreams. https://t.co/3rVCqzQLSG

— Bo Loko (@LOKOBOSEKO) October 26, 2020

My thoughts and prayers are with the family of David Braley. He was an icon in the @cfl , passionate about our game and our country. I respected him and enjoyed our relationship. RIP David. @BCLions

— Mark Cohon (@MarkCohon) October 26, 2020

https://twitter.com/geroysimon/status/1320807832262987776

https://twitter.com/staylorsports/status/1320810890657099777

I don't know if there is a #CFL without the contributions of David Braley. He was set in his ways. He could be frustrating at times. There is no denying his love and passion for the league. In the current climate this is where the league needs a David Braley like voice. Huge loss

— Dave Campbell (@Dave_CHED) October 26, 2020

Saddened to hear of David Braley’s passing. He was the CFL’s staunchest advocate at times when the league needed one the most. We could disagree on how the CFL should be steered forward but he always had the best interests of the game at heart.

— Chris Cuthbert (@CCpxpSN) October 26, 2020

My condolences and prayers to Mr. Braley’s family and friends. He has always been a staple in this CFL league but more so for his family. I appreciate every moment we had and created with the BC Lions organization. Just beyond sad and heartfelt to say the least. 🙏🏾🙏🏾 #MrBraley https://t.co/uFTi3YV5vR

— Ryan Phillips (@ryan_4real21) October 26, 2020

A legend in Canadian sport and business, my condolences to his family. https://t.co/bcRlsu5QfP

— Neil Lumsden (@NeilLumsdenMPP) October 26, 2020

The day Bob Ackles passed away was one never forgotten by those who spent time around the #BCLions. Today feels the same with word of David Braley’s passing. Our thoughts are with his family and those who care about the #CFL in Vancouver. A torch has now been passed.

— Lowell Ullrich (@FifthQtr) October 26, 2020

Rest in peace to our owner #DavidBraley who helped save the #CFL '97 & uplifted our #BCLions community from 8k fans in @bcplace to 35k+ including a home field #GreyCup victory 2011 w/ 54k. It's an honor to be a part of the lasting Canadian tradition & history that he helped build pic.twitter.com/6Bk3FkTX9h

— Marco Iannuzzi (@iannuzzimarco) October 26, 2020

RIP David Braley. This was a man who truly cared about Canadian Football. Every year he would welcome the entire BC Lions team into his home in Hamilton to break bread and visit. The rookies were always in awe at how down to earth Mr. Braley was. He will be missed by many.

— Jason Clermont (@JasonClermont) October 26, 2020

My sincere condolences to the Braley family, you should be very proud of all the things #RIPDavidBraley has for the @CFL

— Damon Allen (@damonallen9) October 26, 2020

Having had many weekly discussions with the man during my time in radio, there was little question about his love and commitment to the game. https://t.co/TIREYgusRr

— Gridiron Nations Championship (@GridironNations) October 26, 2020

While David Braley‘s contributions to the #CFL are legendary, his philanthropic endeavours were just as extraordinary. A college dropout, he still donated millions to his alma mater, McMaster U, for medical and rehabilitation research, family medicine, athletic facilities. RIP

— Mike Beamish (@sixbeamers) October 26, 2020

Rest in Paradise Mr. Braley…THANK YOU for everything you have done for CDN Communities, the @BCLions/@TorontoArgos and the @CFL. So much respect and admiration for you. #CFL #bclions #Respect #OnLove #TrueCommunityChampion pic.twitter.com/B4IOiysyN6

— Luc Mullinder (@lucmull95) October 26, 2020

Say what you want about David Braley, but no one can deny what he's meant, not only for the #BCLions but for the #CFL. He's put up his own money on multiple occasions to extinguish fires across the CFL. A sad day for CFL fans.

— BCLionsDen 🇨🇦 🍁 (@BCLionsDen) October 26, 2020

David Braley’s love of the CFL was only matched by his contribution to it.

I had the pleasure of one long, multi-subject conversation with David. It was one that I won’t ever forget.

RIP Mr. Braley. Job well done sir. https://t.co/ijs7KR9SAh

— Mark Goudie 🔴⚫️🏈🏒🎶🏀⚽️ (@OSEGMarkGoudie) October 26, 2020

Sad news as BC Lions owner David Braley has passed away.

Kept football alive in this city for 25 years.

Kept the Whitecaps alive as well.

— Rick Dhaliwal (@DhaliwalSports) October 26, 2020

In recent years,Ive heard many lament David Braley's ownership decisions,especially in BC & Toronto. Some of those same people would also tell you a CFL fairytale:of a young boy who would sneak into Ivor Wynne and told anyone who would listen that he would own a #CFL team one day https://t.co/bAjA2E7z89

— Matthew Scianitti (@TSNScianitti) October 26, 2020

As a fan of the @CFL, thank you to Mr. Braley. He'll be missed as one of the greatest supporters of this league. He found people to invest in a league when nobody was interested. He owned two teams to keep them above water. A huge loss. The league needs more owners like Braley https://t.co/JkVDYwTMV9

— Jamie Nye (@jamienye) October 26, 2020

RIP David Braley. Few in #CFL history have done more for the love of the league than he did. Owned Hamilton #Ticats (1989-90); #BCLions (1997-present); & Toronto #Argos (2010-15). Served as an Interim Commissioner; Chair of Board of Govs; Cdn Football Hall of Fame (2012).

— Mike Zeisberger (@zeisberger) October 26, 2020

In the 100+ years of the Canadian Football League, I’m not sure there’s another person who individually invested as much money as David Braley did within the league. A tremendous supporter of the sport and a massive loss for the @CFL.

— James Cybulski (@JamesCybulski) October 26, 2020

Sad news for the CFL community. His last decade or so may have left a sour taste in many's mouths (mine included), but there is no questioning his dedication to the league and sport. He's lost a lot of money propping them up, and fans and players owe a debt of gratitude for that. https://t.co/pKUCtXrf5G

— Jock Cartier (@JockCartier) October 26, 2020

RIP sir.
The #CFL owes much and many many thank yous to David Braley. https://t.co/48iOD60DIV

— Troy Westwood (@TroyWestwood) October 26, 2020

A fascinating guy, and a kind of genius. Rest in peace to someone who loved the CFL. https://t.co/A6eLHYDj72

— Bruce Arthur (@bruce_arthur) October 26, 2020

The CFL and all its fans owes Mr. Braley a whole lot. He cared deeply about the league and gave so much to the Canadian game.

Truly a sad day. https://t.co/nqld5Z8au4

— Danny Austin (@DannyAustin_9) October 26, 2020

It was heartbreaking to receive the call that David passed away. It’s a sad day for all the many people that David’s life touched. Condolences to his family. I love my friend! https://t.co/EF6uOVhmFW

— Wally Buono (@WallyBuono) October 26, 2020

Incredibly sad news.
For all the flaws and criticism levelled in recent years, it was never in doubt that David Braley cared deeply and honestly about the #CFL. He saved this league multiple times and for that I have nothing but gratitude. #BCLions https://t.co/es7unA04jq

— JC Abbott (@TheJCAbbott) October 26, 2020

Mr. B gave my family a home & an opportunity for my dad & the late Bob Ackles to build something special here in BC. There was mutual respect & trust. He had a heart of a champion & tremendous love for the @CFL. He gave us memories to last us a lifetime. He will he greatly missed https://t.co/RXXXDA87QA

— Christie Buono, CLC (@ChristieBuono) October 26, 2020

Very sad news. Mr. B cared so much about his beloved Lions and the entire CFL. He would have all of us over to his house for dinner every year and made sure he took the time to speak individually to each of his pride in us representing his team. Big shoes to fill. #RIPMrB https://t.co/kPna2kCb1i

— Angus Reid (@angusreid64) October 26, 2020

Very sad to hear. My condolences to his family. I believe he stepped in financially and kept the Argos afloat my earlier years in the CFL there. Didn't know him personally, but I've heard of his sacrifices for the CFL. RIP https://t.co/5q8REtrLu7

— SirVincent Rogers Sr. (@SirV55) October 26, 2020

David Braley passing away is a monumental moment for the #CFL. He put up his own money time and time again to stand with a great product. Loved the sport and the League. Condolences to his family and loved ones.

— Kent Ridley (@RidleyScouting) October 26, 2020

The #CFL has lost a major supporter. 2020 continues to be a year many of us will soon want to forget https://t.co/I1QfhFGc68

— Kelly Moore (@KMooreCJOB) October 26, 2020

An owner of three different #CFL teams (including two at one time) and served as interim commish in 2002. RIP. https://t.co/gCIWRggXfV

— Chris O'Leary (olearychris.bsky.social) (@olearychris) October 26, 2020

David Braley kept football alive in this city and country during some tough times. Loved the game. RIP https://t.co/MNp0twexJM

— Perry Solkowski (@psolkowski) October 26, 2020

This is a huge loss for the #BCLions and throws the franchise into the realm of the unknown. David Braley had faults, but there is likely no BC Lions today without his ownership. He kept writing the checks through this pandemic. His ownership was stabilizing for the franchise. https://t.co/Q4ARjXi6LK

— BCLionsDen 🇨🇦 🍁 (@BCLionsDen) October 26, 2020

Braley made a tremendous impact on the CFL community and his contributions to the game will not be soon forgotten.