Lancaster’s family overwhelmed by response

A day after Ron Lancaster suffered respiratory failure, his family attended Friday night's game to show their appreciation for the tremendous support they've received.

And as our Adam Atkinson tells us, Lancaster will be remembered for much more than his football success.

There's no question Ron Lancaster was an outstanding football player — his stats are proof of that.

But if you want proof he was much more than a football player, just ask the Lancaster family. They've been overwhelmed by the response from all over the country.

"It puts everything into perspective, you know, and the fact of the impact he had on so many people."

Ron Lancaster, Jr

"It's overwhelming and phenomenal, a huge, tremendous thank you goes out to everyone who is out there that is sending e-mails, and calls, and the flowers that are arriving, and the messages, it's truly unbelievable."

Paula Lancaster, Daughter-in-law

Ron Lancaster Jr says "coach" was the same way off the field, as he was on it: "what you saw on television, as a broadcaster, coach, it's the same way he'd be in the driveway talking to you."

And Lancaster was a talker. He always had time for a chat. It didn't matter what the topic was.

"Lots of conversation, there was never any short stories with him. He always had time to have a conversation."

Paula Lancaster

As successful as Ron Lancaster was in the CFL, his family will always remember one thing he said years ago during his hall of fame induction speech.

Ron Jr: "He said in his life he made 2 major big plays: one was the choice of a wife, and he said the second was coming to Canada, and I think that says it all."

Ron and his wife Bev had been married for 50 years. He was 69.

A celebration of the life of Ron Lancaster will be held on Monday at Bay Gardens Funeral Home on Rymal Road East in Hamilton, between Upper Gage and Upper Ottawa, from two to five in the afternoon.