Vancouver Whitecaps FC are mourning the loss of Mr. David Braley, a former owner of the club, long-time owner of the BC Lions, and an influential builder in Canadian sports.
Mr. Braley helped keep professional soccer alive in British Columbia as owner of the Vancouver 86ers from 1997 until 2000, paving the way for the club to continue to this day.
“I remember speaking to former BC Lions president Glen Ringdal about the potential of Mr. Braley taking over the 86ers at that time,” said Bob Lenarduzzi, Whitecaps FC club liaison. “When Mr. Braley made the decision, the primary reason he did it was because he knew that it was good for the community. I think that is most telling about his legacy. He will be missed.”
The proud Canadian was well known for his contributions to the Canadian Football League (CFL), notably as owner of the BC Lions since 1997 until today, including Grey Cup titles for the organization in 2000, 2006, and 2011. Mr. Braley also owned the Toronto Argonauts from 2010 to 2015, and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats from 1989 to 1990.
His efforts saw him named to the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 2012, and he received the Order of Canada in 2019 for his entrepreneurial and philanthropic leadership in his community.
In addition to his work in soccer and football, Mr. Braley served as chairman of the 2003 world cycling championship in Hamilton, was a director of Ontario’s successful bid to host the 2015 Pan Am Games, and was appointed to the Senate in May 2010 until November 2013 by then-Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
Whitecaps FC offer our condolences to Mr. Braley’s family and friends at this time. The club will be forever grateful for his impact on sport in our community.
