Take a moment to remember Bob Ackles today

It’s Bob Ackles Day in Vancouver–Mayor Sam Sullivan proclaimed it so yesterday.

And whether you knew Ackles or have ever been a fan of the B.C. Lions, you should probably take a moment to remember a man who was a terrific ambassador for the city and his favourite sport.

More than that, he was also a big believer in family and community. That will be evident tonight when the Lions play their first home game since Ackles’s sudden passing on July 6, and the first chance for the many people upon whom Ackles had an impact over the years to publicly pay tribute to him.

It was hoped the Lions would be able to sell out B.C. Place Stadium for the game, but that doesn’t look likely. But there should still be a crowd well in excess of 40,000 honouring Ackles by enjoying the game he loved so much.

Reminders of the man will be everywhere inside the stadium, from his name painted in the middle of the field, to commemorative buttons being handed out at the door, to the Lions playing Ackles’s favourite music throughout the night. It will culminate with a post-game ceremony which will surely bring a tear to the eyes of many.

This will be a unique night in Vancouver sports history. And although there’s a game to be played and a victory to be earned, the pressure tonight isn’t so much on the Lions players as it is on the Lions organization to make sure they get everything right. Here’s hoping they will.