Our sport has lost a giant, and we have lost a friend.
The Ottawa Lions are extremely saddened by the passing of famed University of Windsor coach Dennis Fairall. The Lancer legend had been battling progressive supranuclear palsy for years. He was 67 years old.
The “Big Dawg” as he was affectionately known as was an incredible coach and leader, and accomplished what we all hope for sport – leaving it in a better position than when he entered it. While the championships and accolades are numerous, and readily searchable, Fairall will be best remembered for the personal effect he had on the thousands of athletes and coaches he interacted with over his more than four decades in the sport. Numerous members of the Lions pride spent their formative year’s under Dennis’ guidance at the University of Windsor and benefited greatly from his tutelage – chief among them being two time Olympian Melissa Bishop-Nriagu who Fairall continued to coach personally up until last year.
University of Windsor Director of Athletics Mike Harvey put it best, “His coaching tree is wide and deep; and that impact will continue to be felt for years.” We understand the truth of that statement first hand with Executive Director Richard Johnston having learnt under Fairall’s wing during his ten years with the Lancers program.
Our hearts are with Fairall’s wife and two children as well as the entire Lancer family during this difficult time.