Jake Gaudaur, 1920-2007

[sj-roc]

http://tsn.ca/cfl/news_story/?ID=224349&hubname=

The Canadian Press

12/4/2007 3:47:46 PM

BURLINGTON, Ont. - One of the CFL's most influential commissioners has died.

Jake Gaudaur died of cancer Tuesday morning at the age of 87, his daughter Diane said.

Born Jacob Gill Gaudaur on Oct. 5, 1920 in Orillia, Ont., he spent time in the CFL as a player, executive and commissioner, a career spanning more than 40 years.

"He was a very modest man so he never spoke of his accomplishments," said Diane Gaudaur. "He was a very quiet man, very humble.

"He was certainly proud of his involvement with the CFL at all levels, even back to the early days."

He played for the Hamilton Tigers (1940-1941, 1948-1949), Toronto Argonauts (1941), Toronto RCAF Hurricanes (1942), Toronto Indians (of the Ontario Rugby Football Union, 1945-'46), Montreal Alouettes (1947), Hamilton Tiger-Cats (1950-1951, 1953). He won Grey Cups as a player with the Hurricanes as well as his final season with the Ticats in '53.

He served as a director with the Ticats in '52 and was the club's president and general manager from 1956 to '67.

Gaudaur, who served as a pilot in the Second World War, was named CFL commissioner in 1968 and served in that capacity until 1984. It was under Gaudaur's direction that the CFL enjoyed rapid growth. He negotiated a landmark television deal for the league prior to his retirement.

Gaudaur was inducted into both the Toronto Argonauts and Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 1984 and was made an officer of the Order of Canada in 1985.

Gaudaur is also a member of Canada's Sports Hall of Fame.

[LFITQ]

That is truly a sad loss for the CFL.

All the best to his family.

I will raise a glass in honour of his memory tonight! It was under his watch that I became a CFL fan!

[Shi Zi Mi]

He is survived by his son-in-law, Tony Gabriel.

[WestCoastJoe]

Before he became CFL Commissioner he was part of the great Hamilton Tiger-Cats organization of the 50s and 60s, including Jim Trimble and Ralph Sazio.

Best wishes to his family and friends.

[notahomer]

That is truly a sad loss for the CFL.

All the best to his family.

I will raise a glass in honour of his memory tonight! It was under his watch that I became a CFL fan!

]

Ditto. All the best to his family. He was the Commish when I started watching CFL ball.

[TheLionKing]

Condolences to his family and friends. He will be missed.

[PigSkin_53]

The best Commissioner of the CFL in the time I have been a student and a fan, of our game...

It was an era of great talent, and sheer excitement!

Rest In Peace Jake

[Robbie]

It's good to make a trophy in honour of him.