The Hamilton Tiger-Cat Alumni Association is sad to announce the passing of Alumnus Bill Danychuk. Bill passed away Friday at the age of 79 after short battle with cancer.

Bill played for the Tiger-Cats from 1964 to 1975 and was an Eastern All-Star Offensive Lineman 5 times and CFL All-Star twice. He was also part of three Grey Cup Championship teams during his time with Hamilton. Bill was also inducted into the Tiger-Cats Wall of Honour.

Bill was born in Timmins before moving to Niagara-on-the-lake where his football career began in High School and then onto the University of Tennessee. After his Tiger-Cat career he had a very successful business career running Bazaar & Novelty.

Former teammate and long—time friend Bob Krouse said “it was a blessing to have the opportunity to play with Bill. He was a truly outstanding player as an offensive guard and/or tackle. He was a leader by example, Bill at times played through pain while maintaining a high level of skill.” He said Bill had a very fun side as he often played pranks on his teammates and along with friend Jon Holman they would imitate TV characters of Stalag 14 from Hogan’s Heroes.

Bob also recalled a time when Bill and Jon were “out on the town” one night and on a whim thought it would be a great to head to Jamaica. Unable to get a last-minute flight from Toronto they drove to Buffalo where they were also out of luck. Determined and undeterred, they drove on to LaGuardia airport in New York City where they managed to catch a flight on a cargo plane to San Juan, Puerto Rico. Once there, they thought they should at least call home to let people know where they were. Upon calling his boss, Jon Hohman told him they were in Puerto Rico. His boss asked “why are you there” to which he replied “because we couldn’t get a flight to Jamaica”

Bill will be sadly missed but fondly remembered by all Tiger-Cat Alumni. Oskee Wee Wee.

Service details yet to be announced.