The Roughriders lost one of their biggest fans Wednesday night.
Lana Hodgins, who ran the Elephant Bar in Aylesbury, Sask., died in Regina’s Pasqua Hospital. She was battling cervical cancer.
The Elephant Bar, which Hodgins had ran for the last 15 years, was a meeting place for Saskatchewan Roughrider fans making the trek south down Highway 11 to the team’s home games in Regina. The bar is filled with Rider gear, including numerous Rider flags signed by fans and a wall of fame for pictures of fans.
“This is probably one of the most iconic little places in Saskatchewan,” patron Barry Radcliffe told CTV last year.
Hodgins was diagnosed with cancer in the summer of 2013. Patrons joined together shortly after the diagnosis to raise money for her treatment. A number of Rider items were donated and raffled, and even Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall sent Hodgins a personal letter.
“He'd had so many numerous emails and letters from fans and customers about the loyal Riders supporter I am and wished me well with my treatment. It was very nice,” Hodgins told CTV last year. “People seem to like to help.”
Doug Watt, mayor of Aylesbury, said Hodgins death was tough for everyone in the town.
“It’s a small community and everyone knows everyone,” Watt said.
Plans for a funeral have yet to be made.
Aylesbury is located about 100 kilometres northwest of Regina.
