Special Tribute to Bob Ackles September 16, 1938 – July 6, 2008
If there can be a single individual most representative of the BC Lions Football Club across its history of nearly six decades, it is the late Bob Ackles. A member of the original 1954 club as water boy and equipment assistant, Bob grew up with organization rising rapidly up the ranks. He became the Lions’ junior football coordinator and eventually was promoted to General Manager in 1975.
Along with Head Coach Don Matthews who Bob hired in 1983, they led the club to their second Grey Cup title in 1985. For his leadership and commitment not just to the Lions but to Canadian football, he received a special Schenley Award in 1986 before heading to the NFL. Mr. Ackles returned to the Lions in 2002, a year that coincided with his election to the Canadian Football Hall of Fame. He led the team to the 2006 Grey Cup as President. Bob passed away in 2008 and is recognized as part of the club’s Wall of Fame among many other team and community awards