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The BC Lions CFL football team reported the passing of their long-time equipment manager, which has elicited a major response from CFL members and fans.
Ken ‘Kato’ Kasuya volunteered as a ballboy and water boy for the CFL team when he was 13 years old. He was later hired as the organization’s assistant equipment manager in 1984.
The #CFL & @BCLions are deeply saddened by the passing of long-time equipment manager Ken ‘Kato’ Kasuya | https://t.co/MgYXtiqxpH pic.twitter.com/T7cjbWs6IC
— CFL (@CFL) April 24, 2019
10 years later, Kasuya would take on the equipment manager role, spending the off-season with Football BC assisting in amateur football camps and in addition to Football BC functions.
Rick LeLacheur, BC Lions’ president, called Kasuya a “treasured part of our family.”
💔 Our hearts are broken.
— BC LIONS (@BCLions) April 24, 2019
We will miss you Kato.
Official Statement | https://t.co/IkVvhU6YqX#ForeverALion #Kato pic.twitter.com/5xBxrVQMoU
“We are devastated as an organization today,” said Lions’ president Rick LeLacheur.
“From the day he rode his bike to Empire Stadium as a teenager more than 40 years ago to volunteer as a water boy, Kasuya endeared himself to generations of Lions players and staff members.”
Social media has responded with an outpour of grievances regarding Kasuya’s death, including CFL fans and other CFL football teams.
It is with great sadness that we learn of the passing of longtime #BCLions equipment manager, Ken “Kato” Kasuya.
— Saskatchewan Roughriders (@sskroughriders) April 24, 2019
We extend our sincere condolences to Ken’s family and friends, and the @BCLions organization. pic.twitter.com/JfRfjVWDj4
KAAAAATTTTTOOOO MY DAWG!!!!😔 I am so heartbroken 😞😢😢😢😢😢one of the most humbling human beings I ever met. Would give you the shirt off his back if you asked him! He was the backbone of the @BCLions organization. We are forever indebted to you Kato! RIH my friend! 😇😇😢 https://t.co/XTSIQyKGLo
— Jovan Olafioye (@jolafioye63) April 24, 2019
I’m hurt & saddened by the news of my friend Kato. He was funny & a genuine person. He always looked out for me. My prayers & condolences go out to his family & this lost is gonna be tough for the @BCLions family as well. He will be missed & the locker room will never be the same
— Ryan Phillips (@ryan_4real21) April 24, 2019
