Lions owner, CFL giant David Braley dies at 79

BC Lions owner David Braley died peacefully Monday morning at his home in Burlington, Ontario, the club announced.

The Montreal native and CFL Hall of Famer was 79.

"David has been a proud and fiercely loyal owner of our team, a champion of the Canadian Football League, and a leader for whom his love of our game and our country went hand in hand and spanned decades," Lions president Rick LeLacheur said. "We share our deepest condolences with his family, friends, and admirers."

A CFL giant, Braley previously held ownership of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Toronto Argonauts. For five years, he owned the Lions and Argonauts simultaneously. He rescued the Argonauts when the league was struggling to find a new owner, and eventually sold the franchise to Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment.

Braley oversaw four Grey Cup championships - three with the Lions and one with the Argonauts. He was the longest-serving active owner in the CFL, according to TSN's Dave Naylor.

In 2017, Braley began to seek out potential buyers for the Lions with his health in decline.

"One of his final acts of devotion to Canadian football was a clear expression of his desire that the stability of our club be maintained through a smooth transition following his passing," said LeLacheur. "We will work closely with David's estate to follow that plan."

Braley also served as the CFL's interim commissioner in 2002 before the league appointed Tom Wright to the role on a permanent basis.