West End residents are mourning the man known as ‘Boomer,’ a fixture in the neighbourhood for decades, renown for making other people safe while he coped with his own struggles.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Valour FC will make appearances at Assiniboine Park Zoo this July, and the zoo says team members will be around to hang out with fans and even play a friendly game of catch (or kick.)

A veteran staff member of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers says he won't retire until the team wins one more Grey Cup.