Tributes pour in for Lions equipment manager Kato Kasuya

The extended CFL community sent an outpouring of condolences to the BC Lions family on Wednesday after the team announced the passing of equipment manager Ken “Kato” Kasuya.

Condolences to all who were a part of Kato’s family. A true @BCLions legend who befriended, helped & inspired all of us to care more. Thank you for the legacy of serving others that you leave us. Thank you for all that you did for me. You will be missed. Rest peaceful my friend! pic.twitter.com/cijOZ4q0a4

— Wally Buono (@CoachBrillo) April 24, 2019

It is with great sadness that we learn of the passing of longtime #BCLions equipment manager, Ken “Kato” Kasuya.

We extend our sincere condolences to Ken’s family and friends, and the @BCLions organization. pic.twitter.com/JfRfjVWDj4

— Saskatchewan Roughriders (@sskroughriders) April 24, 2019

Such sad news one of the great people that make the CFL special. The equipment managers in this league are a close family of guys and today we feel like we’ve lost a brother Rest In Peace Kato https://t.co/KA3mwLdouw

— Dwayne Mandrusiak (@DRockEsks) April 24, 2019

Ken “Kato” Kasuya, you will be missed by the CFL family. You have been, and will always be, a legendary equipment manager. Rest in peace. https://t.co/DJvxsOte27

— Edmonton Eskimos (@EdmontonEsks) April 24, 2019

Just hearing the awful news this morning. The past 2 months has been great on many levels but reconnecting with Kato was one of the tops. I don’t know what to say other than what we all already know which is that he will be greatly missed.

— Mike Reilly (@Rikester13) April 24, 2019

Kato you meant so much to me, transitioning to a new team is never easy but you knew how to make me feel welcomed. You were the true definition of 1st in & last out, greeting me with a huge smile every time. Thank you for all that you did! you will be missed. #RIPKato @BCLions

— Cody Fajardo (@CodyFajardo17) April 24, 2019

Every time I entered @BCLions locker room, I’d pass by Kato Kasuya’s office & check in. He was a most friendly gatekeeper & on the days where he had time, we’d sit around and shoot the bull. Great memories. Such a friendly man. And a pillar of the Leos’ culture. RIP my friend

— Matthew Sekeres (@mattsekeres) April 24, 2019

Football is family. You always took care of me & everyone else. It was always a WE first attitude. You are a legend, a friend, family. You will be greatly missed. Thank you for all the years & your legacy. Nothing but amazing memories & good thoughts Kato. We love you 💔🐐 pic.twitter.com/IqmaRPI7ez

— Christie Buono (@ChristieBuono) April 24, 2019

KAAAAATTTTTOOOO MY DAWG!!!!😔 I am so heartbroken 😞😢😢😢😢😢one of the most humbling human beings I ever met. Would give you the shirt off his back if you asked him! He was the backbone of the @BCLions organization. We are forever indebted to you Kato! RIH my friend! 😇😇😢 https://t.co/XTSIQyKGLo

— Jovan Olafioye (@jolafioye63) April 24, 2019

“The Lions are my second family,” the late Ken (Kato) Kasuya said in 2015 when his name was added to the B.C. Lions Wall of Fame.

Story: https://t.co/GQ37UKhuf1

(Photo credits: Peter Battistoni, Jason Payne, Les Bazso) pic.twitter.com/vlEPnfAYiR

— The Province (@theprovince) April 24, 2019

Kasuya spent 40 years with the organization, beginning as a ball boy at the age of 13.