Bomber legend’s greatest impact was off the field Three-time Grey Cup Champ co-founded Never Alone Cancer Foundation By: Taylor Allen Posted: 5:30 PM CDT Wednesday, May. 1, 2024

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This article was published 01/05/2024 (879 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

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.”

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).”

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.”

“I loved Lyle, he just made my laugh. I’m gonna miss the shit 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.”

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.”

taylor.allen@freepress.mb.ca

X: @TaylorAllen31