WINNIPEG (CFL.ca wire) -– Former Winnipeg Blue Bombers coach Bob Padilla passed away at his home in Madera, Calif. on Monday, Oct. 15 at the age of 71.
Padilla was a member of the Blue Bombers coaching staff from 1987 until 1991. He served as the team’s linebackers coach during that time and his sound knowledge of the game helped the Blue Bombers win Grey Cup championships in 1988 and 1990.
A native of Santa Ana, Calif., Padilla touched the lives of hundreds of young men as a high school coach at Lindsay, Sanger, Parlier and Central High schools.
His college coaching career began at Fresno State in 1968, followed by stints at San Jose State (1973-1976), Michigan State (1976-1978), Fresno State (Head Coach (1978-1980), Washington State (1980-1982) and Arizona State (1982-1984). He then coached the NFL’s Houston Oilers (1984-86) before heading north to join the Blue Bombers coaching staff. He later served as a scout for the St. Louis Rams.
Padilla is survived by his wife Carol; and his children, Pat and his wife Karen, Mike and his wife Karen, Erin and her husband Steve, and Megan and her husband David; his niece Rosanna; eight grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, two brothers and three sisters.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Mountain View Community Church in Fresno on Saturday, Oct. 20 at 12 noon.
Remembrances may be made to Make-A-Wish Foundation, 83 E. Shaw Ave., Fresno, Ca. 93710; or Saint Agnes Hospice, P.O. Box 27350, Fresno, Ca. 93729.
