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Passing of Lyle Bauer

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IC Khari Experienced

IC Khari

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5 minutes ago, SpeedFlex27 said:

I think he may be remembered more for his Never Alone Foundation that helped cancer patients, families & caregivers than his time as a Bomber player or President. Rest in Peace, Lyle Bauer. He'll be missed.

To be honest, he was a three time Grey Cup Champ as a player and the Bombers were in 3 Grey Cups during his time in management (although they unfortunately didn't win any of those). I think he rightfully could be remembered for his football career and the foundation he started.

SpeedFlex27 Grand Master

SpeedFlex27

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3 minutes ago, IC Khari said:

To be honest, he was a three time Grey Cup Champ as a player and the Bombers were in 3 Grey Cups during his time in management (although they unfortunately didn't win any of those). I think he rightfully could be remembered for his football career and the foundation he started.

Oh, he will be. I'm just saying in 20 years if his foundation is still around , it will have helped a lot of cancer patients. My brother in Winnipeg has pancreatic cancer so I'm curious as to what the foundation does & will be checking it out online.

IC Khari Experienced

IC Khari

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Posted
2 minutes ago, SpeedFlex27 said:

Oh, he will be. I'm just saying in 20 years if his foundation is still around , it will have helped a lot of cancer patients. My brother in Winnipeg has pancreatic cancer so I'm curious as to what the foundation does & will be checking it out online.

I can see that, although in 20 years most of us will be forgotten ;)

 

JCon Grand Master

JCon

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I don't really want to take clicks away from the Freep, but I will for this article. 

 

Bomber legend’s greatest impact was off the field

Three-time Grey Cup Champ co-founded Never Alone Cancer Foundation

By: Taylor Allen

https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/2024/05/01/bomber-legends-greatest-impact-was-off-the-field

Lyle Bauer was a hall of fame athlete, a respected football executive, and a charitable force that improved the lives of thousands.

“He was a difference maker, and he lived his life that way,” said former Winnipeg Blue Bombers offensive lineman David Black, who played six seasons beside Bauer.

“I’m proud of everything he did and accomplished through a lot of adversity.”

MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS files Lyle Bauer left a lasting impression on people whether it was on the gridiron or working with cancer patients.

MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS files

Lyle Bauer left a lasting impression on people whether it was on the gridiron or working with cancer patients.

Known as one of the toughest blockers in CFL history, Bauer helped the Blue and Gold hoist the Grey Cup on three occasions (1984, 1988, and 1990).

He earned that same respect in the front office as an assistant general manager (1992-94) and later president and CEO (2000-09) when he brought some much needed stability on and off the field to the Winnipeg Football Club.

His biggest impact came away from the gridiron when he co-founded the Never Alone Cancer Foundation (NACF) in 2004 shortly after being diagnosed with Stage 4 throat cancer. For two decades, the organization has helped individuals affected by cancer with emotional, financial and informational support.

Bauer, who lived in B.C. near Slocan Lake, died earlier this week at 65 with his family by his side.

“He made use of his time here,” said Bauer’s daughter Danni, who lives in Calgary. Bauer and his wife Heidi also have two sons, Wesley and Brodie.

“He’s done so much. The stuff he did with the Bombers was amazing, but I think just connecting with people and how he was such a positive force (is what I’m most proud of).”

Free Press Files Bauer had a 10-year career with the Bombers from 1982-1991.

Free Press Files

Bauer had a 10-year career with the Bombers from 1982-1991.

Born in Saskatoon, Bauer played at Weber State University in Utah before enjoying a 10-year career with the Bombers (1982-1991). In addition to being a team captain, he was named Winnipeg’s most outstanding offensive lineman in 1988 and a division all-star in 1990.

Bauer was inducted into the Blue Bombers Hall of Fame in 1998.

Chris Walby was Bauer’s roommate and has no shortage of stories to share.

“We just traded for (defensive lineman) Leon Hatziioannou, a good guy, too, and it was the day before the game and we were just doing a walk-through. We don’t go 100 miles an hour, but Hatzi kept going 100 miles an hour and he was going against Lyle and Lyle said ‘You better slow down, brother.’ But Hatzi kept coming, so, he chopped Hatzi at the knees,” said Walby.

“He was not one to be taken lightly. A really good football player technique wise, but he had that mean streak which was great about him. He’d get in the huddle and he wouldn’t say much, but he’d give you the eyes. You didn’t mess with Lyle. He was fiery and took no prisoners.”

Marc Gallant/ Free Press Files Bauer rides in on a motorcycle during the halftime presentation of his induction into the Blue Bombers Hall of Fame in 1998.

Marc Gallant/ Free Press Files

Bauer rides in on a motorcycle during the halftime presentation of his induction into the Blue Bombers Hall of Fame in 1998.

“I loved Lyle, he just made my laugh. I’m gonna miss the **** out of him and that’s all I can say.”

Bauer had an uphill climb in front of him when he became president and CEO as the Bombers were in debt. He managed to get them into the black and appear in two Grey Cups (2001 and 2007).

He held the same role with the Calgary Stampeders from 2010 to 2013.

“When he got the job, I was a free agent at the time and it was the last time I ever was a free agent. We’re talking on the phone and I tell him, ‘This is what I want and this is what I expect to get,’” said hall of fame receiver Milt Stegall.

“And the first words he ever said to me was, ‘I don’t think you’re worth that.’ And I was like what the heck? Who is this guy? What does he think he’s doing? But after that, everything worked out and our relationship was spectacular. Our relationship went way beyond him being the president of the team and me being a player.”

Stegall added: “People were held accountable. People knew there was a new sheriff in town and you had to be on your job. It wasn’t about just being good, you had to be great, you had to be at your best if you want to remain in the organization… He brought in a different mentality. It was unfortunate we weren’t able to get that Grey Cup when he was there but he did some great things on and especially off the field.”

Free Press Files Bauer, No. 59, was named Winnipeg’s most outstanding offensive lineman in 1988 and a division all-star in 1990.

Free Press Files

Bauer, No. 59, was named Winnipeg’s most outstanding offensive lineman in 1988 and a division all-star in 1990.

When Bauer got sick, he didn’t give up. He kept working, kept fighting, and was determined to help others who were going through a similar battle even when the disease was taking his voice away from him.

The foundation started by helping around 50 or 60 people a year, but that number has grown to 500-plus. NACF executive director Michael Schiefer said Bauer never imagined his vision would turn into what it has.

Before the pandemic, Bauer would host an annual fishing getaway with cancer patients to help them get their mind off of things. He was also always quick to reach out and offer a lending hand to anyone who contacted the NACF

“At one of our luncheons, I’ll never forget this one time where he was making his rounds around the tables and he met a man, who now volunteers for us, with a very similar diagnosis. In mere seconds, Lyle could show compassion and this hulking figure would wrap his arms around you which he did to this man and he said ‘(You’re my) brother, anything you need, I’m here,’” Schiefer said.

“For that brotherhood to be extended to just somebody in attendance is something I’ll never forget. It was a really powerful moment to witness.”

Marc Gallant/ Free Press Files Bauer’s first day on the job as Blue Bombers general manager with head coach Dave Ritchie, March 1, 2000.

 

kelownabomberfan Grand Master

kelownabomberfan

Posted
Posted
2 minutes ago, bigg jay said:

Nope, this was Nate's store:

https://www.chrisd.ca/2010/03/05/beatnik-village-books-discs-osborne-street-winnipeg-bookstore/

 

right.  I knew his name was Morris.  At least now I remember it was Morris.  Still don't know why he hated Lyle Bauer so much, but that rivalry got pretty heated at one point, if memory serves.  I remember Lyle putting out some news release from the Bombers talking about "The Bookworm", which I assumed was Nate?

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