REGINA — If it's possible to shed green tears, football fans across Saskatchewan might have done so Thursday after learning about the death of beloved former Roughrider Ron Lancaster.
"Ronnie," as he was known to fans and teammates, died early Thursday.
"He's one of the greatest ones we've ever seen," Riders fan Bill Kutcher said as he watched members of the Green and White's current roster practise at Mosaic Stadium in Regina.
"He was one of the best. I never remember him ever being injured, he played every game. I just can't explain how good he was."
Kutcher, a die-hard fan, should know. As a season ticket holder since the 1960's, he was on the sideline when Lancaster led Saskatchewan to their first-ever Grey Cup title in 1966.
Lancaster, 69, began his CFL career in 1960 with the Ottawa Rough Riders, but was dealt to Saskatchewan following the '62 season. He quickly emerged as one of the league's top passers.
He played 16 seasons with Saskatchewan (1963-1978), leading the team to five Grey Cup appearances ('66, '67, '69, '72 and '76). Lancaster also briefly coached the Green and White ('79-'80).
Lancaster's death - which came just over a month after he announced he was being treated for lung cancer - surprised fans.
"It's actually a big shock," said Barry Hutton as he bought jerseys at the stadium's gift store. "I think people in Saskatchewan still think of Ronnie as part of the Riders and always will. It's a sad loss. He was so much part of the team for so many years."
Saskatchewan had just one losing season with Lancaster at quarterback. In his last season with the Riders they posted a 4-11-1 record.
Former Riders player and GM Al Ford, who caught a TD pass from Lancaster in the 1966 Grey Cup, said Lancaster ranks as one of the all-time greats in the league.
"If you're looking for that handful of individuals that are the face of the Canadian Football League and what it stands for, Ron Lancaster is certainly in that group," said Ford.
Ford said Lancaster made "everybody else better around him." Former teammates lined up to pay tribute to the CFL legend.
Dale West, former defensive back and Lancaster's teammate in the 1960s, said they were a tight group.
"Most everyone stayed in town throughout the year. Ronnie taught for a number of 
years at Central Collegiate. Everybody got together throughout the season, and in the off-season the guys played hockey together and played basketball together," said West.
"It was a very, very close-knit group and, like the Riders of today, the team knew how to win."
Lancaster also coached in Edmonton from 1991 to '97, leading the Eskimos to a Grey Cup title in '93. In 1997, he became Hamilton's head coach and enjoyed immediate success. Lancaster led the Tiger-Cats to consecutive Grey Cup appearances in '98-'99, winning the latter.
In Edmonton on Thursday, past and present Eskimos remembered a man who always put his players first.
"He cared about you on the field and that you'd perform well. But off the field he was generally concerned about you as a person," said retired Eskimo kicker Sean Fleming, who played for Lancaster in Edmonton.
"Players love to play for him," said Fleming.
Eskimos quarterback Jason Maas, who also played for Lancaster with the Tiger-Cats, said Lancaster "knew the business of the game, how to get in and get out and was quick to the point."
"He didn't throw any side punches. What you saw was what you got and that's what you appreciated about him," said Maas.
In Regina, a sombre mood hung over Rider players as they hit the field Thursday to practice. Offensive lineman Gene Makowsky, who was born and raised in Saskatchewan, said Lancaster was a good guy to emulate.
"He was really 'Mr. CFL,"' said Makowsky.
"He did it all in the league. He was a great player, great coach and great manager and he even did play-by-plays. It's a real sad day for Canadian sports," he said.
"Ron Lancaster, he's you know the biggest legend on this team and possibly the CFL."
As a tribute to Lancaster, the Roughriders will wear their retro jerseys and will have his number 23 on their helmets during Saturday's game against the B.C. Lions at Mosaic Stadium.
Inside the stadium, flags will fly at half mast and special markings with be placed on the turf. The game will begin with a video tribute and a moment of silence.
Officials at TSN lauded Lancaster's dedication to the CFL and also planned to dedicate Friday's broadcast of the CFL Hall of Fame Game to the football legend. TSN will run a special tribute to Lancaster's illustrious career as player, coach and broadcaster.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper offered his condolences in a statement.
Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall, a well-known Riders fan, called it a sad day for the province. Wall said Lancaster would "be forever linked" to the Roughriders and football excellence.
"Ron Lancaster's heart, character, competitiveness and his unselfish contributions back to our province are the reasons why he remains so loved by not only Rider fans but by an entire province," said Wall.
"He will always be an icon of Saskatchewan."
Today, a giant banner of Lancaster, armed poised in midair with a football, graces the side of Mosaic Stadium. A lasting tribute to the man fans say was the greatest Rider in team history.
"He was the most valuable player to the team as far as I'm concerned - ever," said Kutcher.
Copyright © 2008 The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.
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