Simon Fraser University Athletics

Simon Fraser University founding Athletic Director and Head Football Coach, Dr. Lorne Davies, passed away on February 27, 2015. He was 84. Davies is survived by his wife of more than 60 years, June, sons, Lorne Jr. and Glyn, and a large extended family.

"Lorne meant everything to SFU athletics -- it was his life's work," said Senior Director of Athletics & Recreation, Student Services, Dr. Milton Richards. "We will forever carry his spirit in our hearts and our crest will always be a tribute to Lorne, his values, and his vision."

Dr. Davies chose the original Simon Fraser colours blue, red, and white, and often told audiences that blue represented Loyalty, red was for Courage, and white for Integrity.

Dr. Davies became the first athletic director and football coach at SFU in 1965, and almost immediately began masterminding some of the most forward-thinking measures in Canadian university sport. He hired full-time coaches, promoted female participation in university sport, awarded athletic scholarships to student-athletes, and put Simon Fraser University on a path to compete in the United States against American competition in the NAIA--offering student-athletes access to the American athletic experience with a Canadian education.

These core values continue to drive SFU athletics today. In an historic return to its athletic roots, Simon Fraser University was approved in 2010 as the first non-U.S. member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), the world's largest college sports organization. Simon Fraser University is the only school in Canada that offers student-athletes access to the NCAA athletic experience and a Canadian education.

"Lorne's commitment to student athletes was rooted in his belief of the transformative and enriching power of sport," said SFU President Andrew Petter. "Lorne understood that through competition and teamwork, student athletes are preparing themselves for life, to be leaders, and to be the best they can be on and off the field."

Dr. Davies grew the Athletic Department from three programs - football, basketball and swimming - in 1965 to one of the most successful university athletic departments in the country with 17 men's and women's programs.

Dr. Davies coached the football team for eight years and his 34-21-1 record and .616 winning percentage remain that program's benchmark. In 1970, Davies was the architect of the school's only undefeated football season when the team went 8-0.

The coaches and athletes that Dr. Davies brought to SFU for that first season in 1965 started a tradition of excellence. His first wave of football recruiting classes yielded a judge (Jim Jardine), a doctor (Jack Taunton), lawyers (Dave Syme, Glen Orris), teachers (Joe Bell, Bryan Ansley), successful entrepreneurs (Wayne Holm, Ted Warkentin) and Canadian Football League greats (Dave Cutler, Terry Bailey). Under Davies watch, SFU sent more players to the CFL than any other university in Canada.

Dr. Davies' grandson, JR, played for SFU from 2001-2004 and quarterbacked Simon Fraser to its first-ever playoff win, 53-46, over Regina in 2003. JR Davies directed the team to a 7-4 record and Canada West Championship that season, setting or equaling five school records, including yards passing in a game (483)and consecutive passes without an interception (242).

A familiar figure around campus until very recently, Lorne continued to serve as executive director of the Terry Fox Humanitarian Award program after his retirement as athletic director until recently.

Dr. Davies is a member of the SFU Sports Hall of Fame (1986), Western Washington University Sports Hall of Fame (1995), Burnaby Sports Hall of Fame (2009), BC Sports Hall of Fame (2010), BC Football Hall of Fame (2011) and was also awarded the Premier of British Columbia Award in 1994, the Order of BC in 2000 and an honorary Doctorate of Laws in 2014.

Donate
In lieu of flowers, the Davies family asks that donations be made to The W. Lorne Davies Athletic Endowment at SFU. The link to the donation page can be found here.

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Special Memories and Messages

I'll always remember my first meeting with Lorne Davies. It was on the sideline of the football field during a practice. Lorne was on campus for a meeting and had stopped by to check-in on the team. The conversation started as most do with introductions and sharing of backgrounds but quickly become a lesson for me in the rich history of SFU. I'll readily admit that Lorne and I may not have always seen eye to eye on some topics, but we did agree on one thing - the importance of providing our student-athletes with the best athletic and academic experience possibly.. Something he reminded me about whenever our paths crossed on and off campus. Thank you Lorne for that first history lesson and for your vision and passion. It continues to guide me even though I am no longer with Simon Fraser University.
Diane St-Denis,Executive Director, Canada West University Athletics

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June and family, my sincere sympathies regarding Lorne's passing -- he defined Athletics at SFU and will always be remembered for the vision he had from the start and long standing support he extended towards realizing that vision, well past his "retirement" as Athletic Director. The SFU family mourns along with yours.
Nancy Johnston

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I met Lorne as a young assistant professor more than 30 years ago when I was concerned about the academic performance of some student athletes. Since then I have had many athletes in my classes, and I have come to admire the values that Lorne and his successors instilled in these students â" persistence, hard work, responsibility, team spirit, and giving back. The successes of generations of our athletes on and off the field and in their lives after university is a strong testament to Lorne's vision and principles.
Jon Driver

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I was sad to learn of Lorne's passing and know his SFU colleagues will always remember him fondly. I thought very highly of Lorne and always appreciated spending time with him. We had many long lunches together and he always had a kind word, shared a bit of advice, and told me of an imagined future of Athletics at SFU. His decades long dedication and energy for SFU inspire me personally and professionally.
Tim Rahilly

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I'll never forget the first time I met Mr. Davies, it was in between one of the practices on our two-a-days. He came in after a short introduction from the head coach, and the first thing he said was "Boys, you're the ugliest class that SFU Football has ever seen." Every year since then, from '10 to '2013 we continued to be the ugliest football team he had ever seen. It was an privilege and an honor to be able to meet the man who helped shape SFU Athletics and the SFU Football team into the prestigious organizations that they aretoday.Thank you for everything you've given to me and this school Mr. Davies
Marcus Paiero, SFU Football, 2009-15

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I just want to say he was a great man I will miss him dearly.
Mark Jones

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Coach,
I was sad to learn of Coach Davies failing health condition and of his recent passing. Coach Davies was a true humanitarian disguised as a football coach and athletic director. He was always there to listen, to advise, to support, to encourage -at any time. He truly cared about the young people involved in the SFU athletic program - male or female, football or basketball or swimming or volleyball or any other sport - it didn't matter - he cared. While winning on the athletic stage of choice was important to Coach Davies, winning in life was far more important. For me personally, Coach Davies never gave up on me and rough out the years he continued to, when I would contact him for guidance, he was always there to listen and guide. While it is difficult to believe that Coach Davies has died, I believe that he became part of the heart of each individual blessed with the opportunity to have crossed paths with him. To his wife and family please accept my sincere thoughts and prayers for you at this difficult time and thank you for sharing him with so many of us. Coach Davies - rest in peace my friend
John Sharpe

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Sincere condolences to the Davies family. Lorne was a dedicated, driven individual. He worked tirelessly to make SFU Athletics the best it could be. Thank you for your commitment!
Anonymous

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June we were so sad to hear about Lorne and are thinking of you. We had no idea of the massive contribution by your family to athletics in BC!!
Alison Davies & Roger Cocking, Former Neighbours

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People like Lorne Davies, who contribute to SFU far beyond what is expected of an "employee" are what make SFU a special community. Lorne was clearly interested in all aspects of university life and worked tirelessly to further the reputation of SFU Athletics.
Paulette Johnston

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A powerful and fitting service honouring Coach Davies and as Jim Jardine mentioned I will always remember him as Coach. But the service is second to having known Coach - running the hills after losing an exhibition game to the Seattle Cavaliers - but learning more about ourselves and life than we would admit then. Thank you Coach for installing in me the core values of life that continue to guide me today. Rest in peace Coach.
John Sharpe, SFU Athlete

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Sending my love aunt June and family thinking of you all.
Bruce Fenton, Great Nephew

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I knew Lorne as a friend at church. He was always caring and compassionate and was concerned about the spiritual health of people besides training athletes. He spoke a lot about character, perseverance, determination and I remember his stories of Terry Fox besides others. Many will miss him but his legacy lives on. Rest in peace, Lorne!
Lister Chen

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I received a wrestling scholarship atSFU42 years ago. Those were exciting times atSFUand the experience was one of the most positive and inspirational of my life. I thank SFU and all those who believed in SFU for that amazing experience. Lorne Davies was indeed the motor and cheerleader of that program. How grateful we can be that this man was part of our lives. I will never forget his smile and his easy laugh as he greeted athletes and joked in the gym. Thanks Lorne, grateful to have known you!
Gary Thorarinsson

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As a coach, leader, mentor and friend, Lorne inspired a generation of student athletes to become the best they could be in all aspects of their lives. He was their advocate, supporter and biggest fan. He was also a mentor to SFU faculty and staff, including myself. From the moment I became president in 2010, Lorne made it his mission to ensure that I was aware of the historical development and significance of athletics at SFU, and of its continuing contributions to the life of the University and the wellbeing of our students.Lorne will be remembered for his contributions to Canadian university sports, as well as to his community. His spirit and legacy will continue to live on at SFU, and in the hearts and minds of the many students and friends he has inspired.My deepest condolences to June and family. Your loss is our loss.
Andrew Petter, President, SFU

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What impressed me in knowing Lorne from my first semester at SFU in 1969 is how much he focused on others and how proud he was of not just the athletes but Simon Fraser University as a whole. With Lorne it was not himself but his life partner June and family who all had a love for the university. His faith, family and concern for others were something that never left him.My wife and I last saw Lorne and June at a dinner with Dr. Stevenson and his wife Jan Whitford in 2003 where my wife who had not met Lorne and June before was impressed by how friendly and fun it was and how friendly Lorne and June were to her.Lorne was truly one of the treasures of SFU beyond just his contribution to athletics and recreation.
Greg Basham

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Today is the saddest day for me and my family in a very long time. Lorne taught me a lot when I worked for him. I have fond memories of visiting him at the university when he was at The terry Fox awards office. I remember when he attended my fathers funeral in Vancouver. There will always be a place in my heart for one of the toughest nice men I ever had the privilege of knowing.
Jim Coleman, Former Sports Information Director

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