U of T posted: 12/31/2020 1:33:00 PM
It is with deep sadness that the University of Toronto Varsity Blues announce the passing of long-time football coach Bob Laycoe on Monday, December 28.
"We are deeply saddened to hear of Bob's passing", stated Beth Ali, executive director of athletics and physical activity at the University of Toronto. "He was a tremendous leader, a proven winner, a great coach and outstanding mentor to so many football student-athletes. His contributions to our program go beyond the well documented accolades on the football field. His legacy and impact continues to shine through the many lives he touched."
Laycoe was the Blues football head coach from 1988-2001 and guided U of T to the 1993 Yates and Vanier Cup championship titles. Over his 14 seasons, he not only led the program to a national title, he earned OUA coach of the year honours in 1992 and had 14 CFL-draftees including, CFL all-star Rob Crifo, Grey Cup champion and current head coach of the Alberta Golden Bears, Chris Morris, 1998 Grey Cup champion Jung-Yul Kim, and current Hamilton Tiger-Cats chief operating officer Scott Mitchell.
He, along with the 1993 team, was inducted into U of T's Sports Hall of Fame in 2010.
Although Laycoe coached football for three decades, it was not his only role. He also served as a mentor and an inspirational leader to his players, founded on the belief of a holistic approach to the development of a complete student-athlete.
"I have tried to give my players something they will remember and carry with them through life," Laycoe said in a 2002 interview with The Varsity. "That's what football is all about, so much more than just winning and losing."
Many former Varsity Blues reached out to express their words of thanks and admiration for Coach Laycoe, including 1992 OUA top lineman and two-time all-Canadian David Scandiffio. "Bob Laycoe was an incredible leader who challenged those around him to face adversity head on, and in the process elevate themselves to achieve greater things than they knew were even imaginable," said Scandiffio, the current president & CEO of CIBC asset management. "He did this with incredible calm, integrity, dedication and compassion for those around him."
Prior to his time at U of T, Laycoe served four years as head coach and athletic director at the University of Saskatchewan. He also spent time as the head coach the UBC T-Birds wrestling team, while also serving as the football team's defensive coordinator.
Laycoe earned 1978 Canadian university wrestling coach of the year honours and helped the football team to two Vanier Cup championships while at UBC.
Bob is survived by his wife of 52 years, Suzanne and children David and Tonya and granddaughter Stevie in British Colombia, brother Bryan in Ridgefield, Washington, and sister Rhonda in Portland.
No phone calls please. However, if you wish to send condolence cards and notes to Bob's wife, use address:
Suzanne Laycoe 107 Taggart Crescent RR1 Site 206 Comp5 Kaledon, BC Canada V0H1K0
Emails to Suzanne Laycoe, Bob's wife, to address: bobsuzannelaycoe@gmail.com
https://varsityblues.ca/news/2020/12/31/football-blues-mourn-loss-of-bob-laycoe.aspx?
