Lionbackers.com

Sadly, Dream Team member and Wall Of Famer Joe Fourqurean has passed away unexpectedly in Columbus Ohio at age 63.

Joe may best be known for a late, leaping knock down to preserve the Lions' Western Semi-Final victory over the Blue Bombers in 1977. He suffered a concussion on the opening kick-off and has no recollection of one of the greatest plays in Lions history! He remained a life-long friend of teammate Grady Cavness. OBIT HERE.


Joe in 1977




DH

From the Lions:


BCLions.com Staff

The BC Lions Football Club is mourning the loss of former defensive back Joe Fourqurean who unexpectedly passed away last week in Columbus, Ohio.

A mainstay in the BC defensive backfield from 1973 to 1981, Fourqurean appeared in 122 career games and notched 15 interceptions. Perhaps best known for a late-game pass knockdown in the 1977 CFL Western Semi-Final, Fourqurean’s defensive gem secured a 33-32 win over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and a berth in the Western Final that year, breaking a 13-year postseason drought after the club won the Grey Cup in 1964.

Patrolling the secondary with skill and uncanny anticipation, Fourqurean was named to the 1977 CFL All-Star squad as well as three separate BC Lions Dream Teams (’84, ’94 and 2004). Most recently, he was named to the BC Lions Wall of Fame in 2011.

“The thoughts and prayers of our entire organization and Lions fans everywhere are with the Fourqurean family at this time,” said team president and CEO Dennis Skulsky. “Joe was a true gentleman and one of the many players who have helped build our organization into what it is today. I am pleased in knowing, as I’m sure our fans are too, that before his passing Joe took his rightful place on our Wall of Fame in 2011.”

Loved that play and to think that he did it without recalling it. RIP and my condolences to his family.

A sad day. One of my favourite Lions from an era when I was old enough to really start following the team intensely.

Very sad. Joe was a great player and long term BC Lion who was as good as any who ever played his spot in the CFL.

He came from a big family and lost a lost of siblings already as I read in the obit.

I wonder if Lewis Morgan who wrote this in the memory pages knew just how good a player his former boss was?

Joe was a good man, do your job , talk football, tell a few jokes, and there was no problem with him as your Manager. Wish there were more people like him on this earth.Fair Winds And Following Sea's "My Brother" -

See more at: http://www.legacy.com/guestbooks/thiswe ... pzJnD.dpuf

So glad he was inducted to Lions Wall of Fame in 2011.

Definitely one of our greats.

Condolences to his family & friends.

I am sad to hear of Fourqurean's passing. I remember the knockdown of that pass. The Winnipeg receiver was wide open and would have been an easy touchdown if Fourqurean had not made the play. Condolences to his family and friends.

I read the obit, and it appears that, after football, Joe went on to a full and productive life. From the "contributions may be made to" part and his age at death, it looks as if he was a victim of diabetes (probably Type 1). I wonder whether Joe had diabetes when he played here. As some know, Jay Cutler has diabetes (as have other pro athletes), and this hasn't had any noticeable effect on his ability to play at a high level.

R.I.P. Joe Fourqurean.

1977 WDSF game day program:
https://capsports2000.com/en/item85324091.php

The best to Joe's family...he was a great Lion...