A Rider Legend Passes Away

I never saw him play, but I have been told by many that he was as great a player as he was a man.

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The CFL, the Roughrider organization and the entire province of Saskatchewan is mourning the loss of Ron Atchison who has passed away at the age of 80.



“Without question Ron will go down as one our greatest defensive lineman ever,” commented Riders President/CEO Jim Hopson. “His loss will be deeply felt throughout the province.”



Atchison was born in Central Butte, Saskatchewan and raised in Saskatoon. He played for the Saskatoon Junior Hilltops from 1947 to 1949. In 1976, in recognition of his greatness as a player, the Hilltops named their practice field and permanent quarters after him.



Atchison joined the Roughriders in 1952 and played in 237 regular season games until his retirement in 1968. During his time with the Green and White, he was named a CFL West all-star six times.

Atchison was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 1978. He was inducted into the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame in 1980 and was one of the inaugural members of the Roughriders Plaza of Honor in 1987.