CFL Ottawa Alumni Association

08/20/2026

Ian Ward passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of family, at Providence Care Hospital on Monday, August 17, at the age of 69, after a courageous battle with brain cancer.

Ian will be forever held in the heart of his beloved wife , Jane Ward (nee Guthrie), with whom he shared 45 years of love and laughter. A proud and devoted father to Ashley Ward, Vicki (Blake) Wilson, and Russell Ward. A doting grandfather to Leo Wilson, Teddy Wilson, Ben Wilson, Declan Ward-Kay, and Maclain Ward-Kay. Ian is survived by his mother, Mabel Ward (nee Harper). Ian was a cherished brother to Douglas (Theresa) Ward, Raymond (Carla) Ward, and Catherine Ward. Ian will also be fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

A talented football player, Ian built a career playing with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and the Ottawa Rough Riders. Ian was a highly respected manager with the Ministry of Labour, serving with dedication and distinction until retirement in 2017.

A lifelong commitment to health and wellness led Ian to build many lasting friendships through the YMCA community and through years of teaching skiing at Snow Valley Ski Resort. A passion for cycling will live on in his five grandsons whom he guided on many beloved 'urban adventures'.

Known for kindness, generosity, and an unwavering devotion to family and friends, Ian leaves behind a legacy of love, friendship, and service. His memory will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Ian's honour at the Wartman Funeral Home - Kingston on Friday, September 11, 2026 from 2pm-5pm with words of remembrance to take place at 3:30pm. If you wish, donations to YMCA of Eastern Ontario are welcomed by the family.

08/10/2026

Ernie White has passed away. The University of Dayton product was a running back with the 1961-63 Rough Riders and an Eastern Division All-Star in 1962. Rest in peace.

J.E. Washington Funeral Services, Inc. - Youngstown in Youngstown respectfully announces the passing of Ernest "Ernie" R. White Sr. on August 04, 2026.

07/28/2026

Former Rough Rider Jim Evenson will be posthumously inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame as a member of the 2026 induction class.

🗞️ | https://bit.ly/4yIXJ0P

07/28/2026

Happy 90th Birthday to a true Canadian football legend, Russ Jackson!

06/11/2026

Sad news today from Bill Van Burkleo’s family. Bill passed away on May 20, 2026.

Dr. William Ben Van Burkleo, a four-time Grey Cup champion and dedicated physician, passed away on May 20, 2026, at the age of 83. Born on November 21, 1942, he completed his collegiate football career at the University of Oklahoma and the University of Tulsa, graduating in 1965. Van Burkleo then transitioned to the Canadian Football League (CFL), playing as a standout competitor for the Toronto Argonauts, Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Ottawa Rough Riders, Calgary Stampeders, and Hamilton Tiger-Cats. His athletic brilliance culminated in four Grey Cup championships, captured in 1968, 1969, 1971, and 1972, cementing his legacy in Canadian football history.Following his sports career and a brief tenure as a television producer and director, Van Burkleo pursued a second calling in medicine. He graduated from the Oklahoma State College of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery in 1981, successfully pivoting from professional sports to healthcare. Dr. Van Burkleo established his medical practice in Corpus Christi, Texas, where he spent decades serving his community with the same dedication that defined his championship football career.

03/20/2026

Lorenzo Mauldin IV officially retired as an Ottawa REDBLACK on March 19, 2026, by signing a ceremonial one-day contract. Mauldin’s tenure was highlighted by a historic 2022 season when he set a franchise record with 17 sacks and earned the CFL’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player award. Although he finished the 2025 season in Calgary, the two-time All-CFL selection chose to return to Ottawa to conclude his career where he became a fan favourite and defensive cornerstone.

Take in the amazing Ottawa REDBLACKS football action! Get your tickets, join the community, and support the team.

03/09/2026

Chris Gioskos, Ottawa Rough Rider 1993-94 and uOttawa Gee Gee, will be inducted to the Burlington Sports Hall of Fame. Congratulations Chris!

The following is from ‘The Bay Observer’:

The Burlington Sports Hall of Fame has selected its slate of inductees for 2026, and it is another stellar group of athletes, including a family with three generations of Olympians. These fine athletes and builders will be recognized at the induction ceremony on Tuesday May 26 at the Burlington Golf and Country Club.

CHRIS GIOSKOS ~ Athlete (Football)

Graduate of Nelson High School
University of Ottawa: Offensive Lineman (1986 – 1989)
University of Ottawa: Male Athlete of the Year ~ Varsity Teams (1989-90)
OQIFC first team All – Star (1988 – 89); first team All – Canadian; Down Lineman of the Year (1989)
Received the J.P. Metras Award (1989)
Selected to play in the East-West Shrine Game (1990)
CFL Saskatchewan Roughriders (1990 – 1992):
Ottawa Rough Riders (1993 – 1994)

Toronto Argonauts (1995 – 1999)

Toronto Argonaut Grey Cup Champion (1996 & 1997)
Inducted into University of Ottawa Athletic Hall of Fame (2008)

Continues to Volunteer – Coaching local High School and Rep Teams, assists with camps, clinics and all-star teams.

02/26/2026

https://3downnation.com/2026/02/25/henry-burris-weighing-coaching-media-opportunities-with-family-in-mind/?fbclid=IwY2xjawQMjUlleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETJ1QUdlRHFrT2lrS1FuOFlDc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHjs8JPSSgqHkE_8NEjzFn8thezqx0oi3Y9j52BBWhqz_ao9yz6Thk5hFZB4r_aem_bnVDrK0If7htIUSMXLncWQ

Henry Burris is patiently waiting for a new opportunity after his two-year coaching stint at Florida A&M University (FAMU) came to an end last month. The

02/07/2026

Ross Francis, a member of the Ottawa Rough Riders in 1985-86, will be inducted to the Oshawa Sports Hall of Fame in the Class of 2026. Congratulations Ross!

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19xXsnHRJ3/?mibextid=wwXIfr

2026 Oshawa Sports Hall of Fame Inductee Spotlight: Ross Francis

Born in Oshawa, Ross Francis was a dominant force on the gridiron, beginning his journey at Eastdale Collegiate, where he played from 1971 to 1976. He was instrumental in Eastdale’s 1974 LOSSA football championship victory, earning recognition as the game’s most outstanding player.

Ross went on to a stellar collegiate career at Queen’s University, playing both offensive and defensive tackle. He captured Yates Cup conference titles in 1977 and 1978 and helped lead the Golden Gaels to the Vanier Cup national championship in 1978. In 1980, Ross was voted the team’s most valuable lineman and MVP, and was named a CIAU all-Canadian. His prowess was not limited to the field; in 1981, he received the Queen’s University Jenkins Award for best combining scholastic and athletic excellence.

Selected in the first round of the 1980 CFL draft by the Edmonton Eskimos, Ross played professionally for Edmonton, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and the Ottawa Rough Riders between 1981 and 1986. He was a Grey Cup finalist with Hamilton and a recipient of a CFL award as part of the most outstanding offensive line in 1983. Ross retired in his prime to pursue a successful career as a corporate lawyer in Toronto after earning his law degree from Osgoode Hall. He currently resides in Huntsville.

01/29/2026

Great father & son stories! Here’s another about Redblack Tanner Doll and his dad, Garrett.

https://www.facebook.com/share/184KdkCVzY/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Father and Son: Garrett Doll/Tanner Doll

Garrett Doll played linebacker for the Calgary Stampeders 1985-87 recording 3 sacks and 2 interceptions. He was drafted in the second round, 11th overall.

Tanner Doll played long snapper for the Ottawa RedBlacks 2015-2017, 2023, Hamilton Tiger Cats 2018, BC Lions 2019-2022. Tanner was a Grey Cup champion in 2016.

On a personal note, I got to know Tanner during his days in Ottawa, met his Mom Lisa and Dad Garrett ( I shot his CFL JOGO rookie card) These are some of the nicest people I've met through all my years covering the CFL.