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FRANK RIGNEY Canadian Football Hall of Fame legend, Frank Rigney, passed away peacefully on June 29, 2010 at the Lions Gate Hospital, North Vancouver, with his family at his side. He was 74. Frank was an all-star tackle with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers from 1958 to 1968, receiving numerous awards for his playing prowess including the Most Outstanding Lineman in 1961. He was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame as well as the Winnipeg Blue Bomber Hall of Fame. Winnipeg won the Grey Cup with Frank in 1958, 59, 61 and 62. He played college ball with another Blue Bomber great, quarterback, Ken Ploen at the University of Iowa. Frank was a third draft choice of the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League but chose to come to Canada to play with the Blue Bombers under legendary coach, Bud Grant. When he retired from football, he entered the financial industry and was also a CFL sports commentator for over twenty years with CBC and CTV. He also covered other sports such as the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, and the 1984 Winter Olympics in Sarajevo, Yugoslavia. Frank was very active in fundraising for Big Brothers and was a Big Brother to Aaron during his younger years and the continued to be close friends for over 18 years. The National Office of Big Brothers recently honoured Frank for his years of service. He also supported a number of other charitable causes. An avid golfer, Frank's passion for the game was on view frequently at the Capilano Golf Club and Country Club in West Vancouver where he continued to play regularly despite debilitating football-related injuries, including the amputation of his right leg. Frank Rigney is survived by his loving wife, Donna, son Mitchell (wife Rita), daughters, Lisa (husband Chris) and Kathy; as well as grandchildren, Jamie Lee and Jordan Cue. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Big Brothers of Vancouver (or charity of your choice) would be greatly appreciated. The family would like to thank Dr. Michael Knight and Reverend Trevor Fisher for their kindness and support. A celebration of life will be held on July 8, 2010 at 1:30 p.m. at St. Stephens Anglican Church, 885 22nd Street, West Vancouver, B.C. For those wishing to share a memory of Frank, please go to www.HollyburnFunerals.com. Hollyburn Funeral Home 604 - 922-1221.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 03, 2010
Condolences & Memories (2 entries)
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I grew up in East St. Louis Illinois. Frank was my uncle. I used to watch him play for Iowa. His mom was my Aunt Margret / My grandmother was Melba Davidson, married name Melba Eaves. Her sister was Margret. My grandparents raised me, Frank was my idol. I played for Clark Fr. High And East St. Louis Senior high. Frank would play catch with me and gave me his jersey from Iowa. I lost track of him nwhen he went to Canada, watched him on T V but never got to see him play in person. He was a great man and took time to see me when came home. I will always remember him. The world lost a great man. - Posted by: Gary Eaves Warwick (Nephew ) on: Nov 14, 2015
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Remember Mr. Rigney as a very kind compassionate man who lived on the same street as my family in Winnipeg...Henday Bay....R.I.P. Mr Rigney...God Bless - Posted by: kandyce brothers (friend) on: Apr 05, 2012