Sask. gathers to remember Riders legend Jim Hopson
Saskatchewan Roughriders past and present along with many friends, family and fans from around the CFL gathered in Regina on Friday afternoon to remember the late Jim Hopson.
An RCMP cruiser led a procession past the legislative building and through Wascana Park en route to the gathering at the Conexus Arts Centre.
The family was met at the door by two RCMP officers who took Hopson’s ashes and the Grey Cup into the building.
Hopson played for the Riders from 1973 to 1976. He served as the team’s CEO in 2005, helping guide the Riders to two Grey Cup victories in 2007 and 2013. He also worked as an educator for 30 years.
He passed away on April 3 at the age of 73 after a lengthy fight with colon cancer.
Several family members and friends spoke at the gathering, including Steve Mazurek, who was Hopson's teammate on the field and later, his colleague in the Rider office.
“You know, my ride with Jim was so much fun. He took Rider pride to the next level," he said.
Hopson was diagnosed with colon cancer three years ago. His wife, Brenda, assumed the role of caregiver.
“We all know that Jim’s here with us today. He would never miss a big event,” she said during the celebration of life.
Jim and Brenda made a decision early to speak publicly about his cancer diagnosis in the hope that it might save the lives of others. It has had an impact. Demand for testing has skyrocketed.
“If you don’t go do the checkup, you’re not going to know and it could be way too late by the time you do so do it now, do it for yourself but also do it for your loved ones,” he had said.
- With files from Drew Postey
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Robert Pickton stabbed with toothbrush and broken broom handle: victim's family
The family of one of Robert Pickton's victims says the convicted serial killer suffered an incredibly violent death at the hands of another inmate.
Father who killed one-year-old son with axe may be allowed to travel in southwestern Ontario
A Mennonite father who killed his one-year-old son with an axe may be allowed to travel to parts of southern Ontario in the coming months
'It feels like freedom': Why some Albertans like going nude in nature
Few people can say they accidentally purchased a nude beach — but Shelley can. When she saw a piece of land she could fondly remember camping on was up for sale, she inquired about it and ended up purchasing it. She soon found that there were already inhabitants on it.
Panama prepares to evacuate first island in face of rising sea level
On a tiny island off Panama's Caribbean coast, about 300 families are packing their belongings in preparation for a dramatic change. Generations of Gunas who have grown up on Gardi Sugdub in a life dedicated to the sea and tourism will trade that next week for the mainland’s solid ground.
'Check your tickets as soon as possible': Ottawa resident $70 million richer than they think
Attention Ottawa residents, a $70 million Lotto Max winning ticket was sold somewhere in the nation's capital.
Live Nation reveals data breach at its Ticketmaster subsidiary
Live Nation is investigating a data breach at its Ticketmaster subsidiary, which dominates ticketing for live events in the United States.
Vancouver synagogue holding service after arson attack
A Vancouver synagogue is set to hold its first service after an arson attack charred the building's front door and left the Jewish community shaken.
Israel describes a permanent ceasefire in Gaza as a 'nonstarter,' undermining Biden's proposal
Israel’s prime minister on Saturday called a permanent ceasefire in Gaza a "nonstarter" until long-standing conditions for the ending the war are met, appearing to undermine a proposal that U.S. President Joe Biden had announced as an Israeli one.
WestJet ordered to pay B.C. traveller $1,300 for a missed flight connection
A B.C. traveller will receive more than $1,300 in compensation from WestJet for a missed flight connection following a decision from the province's small claims tribunal.