Former Saskatchewan Roughriders’ scout and director of player personnel Craig Smith passed away Sunday after a lengthy health battle, according to the club. Originally from Winnipeg, Smith was a scout for four Canadian Football League (CDL) teams, including the Roughriders, B.C. Lions, Hamilton Tiger-Cats and his hometown Blue Bombers for more than 20 years. He joined the Riders’ organization in 2010, and was part of the 2013 Grey Cup winning team. Smith also earned a Grey Cup ring with the Lions in 2000. After his stint with the green and white ended in 2015, Smith served as a national scout for Winnipeg. However, in October 2017, he stepped away after being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. Smith would go into remission after a stem-cell transplant. However, he endured several complications after the fact, including congestive heart failure. In a post to social media Monday, the Riders extended its condolences to Smith’s wife Cathy, and his many friends and family. Smith was 69 years old.
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