ARGONAUTS.CA STAFF
TORONTO – The Toronto Argonauts Football Club is saddened to learn of the passing of former linebacker and running back, Bobby Kuntz. He passed away peacefully on Monday afternoon at the age of 79.
Kuntz was a versatile rusher and defender who played 84 regular season games and 5 playoff games with the Argos from 1956-1961. A native of Kitchener, Ontario, Kuntz retired from football at the end of the ’61 season, only to be lured back into the game by rival Hamilton Tiger-Cats where he participated in four Grey Cup games, winning two of them.
In his final game with the Argos on October 29, 1961, the physical back was honoured during ‘Bobby Kuntz Day’ at CNE Stadium. Kuntz was so versatile and so powerful that one opposing coach once said that, “if he had Cookie Gilchrist’s size, they would have to outlaw him from the game.”
While with the Boatmen, Kuntz was named East Division Most Outstanding Canadian in 1957 and 1961 and was the Argos’ Most Outstanding Canadian five times. In his sophomore season in Double Blue (1957), he was named an East Division All-Star and his 4-game interception streak currently sits as the second-longest in club history.
His accolades continued to shine through after his playing days as he was named to the Modern Era All-Argonaut Team in 1974 and was nominated at Outside Linebacker on the Argos’ All-time Depth Chart in 2007.
After his football career, Kuntz returned home to Kitchener to work for his family business, Kuntz Electroplating, where he eventually became Chairman of the Board. The McMaster University graduate passed from complications with Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinson’s disease.
Peter Martin, President of the Toronto Argonauts Alumni Association, commented, “The Alumni Association is saddened to learn of the passing of Bobby Kuntz. Bobby was a true, hard-nosed Canadian star who had a huge heart and played the game tough. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Kuntz family.”
Close friend and former teammate, Norm Stoneburgh offered, “Pound for pound he was the toughest and best football player out there when I played. There wasn’t anyone he played against, or with, that wouldn’t say that. He dwarfed everybody out there. He was fearless and if you didn’t give it your all on every play then he would let you know. We will all miss him.”
Former teammate on defence, Jim Rountree remarked, “He was the toughest I ever saw, simple as that. No one could hit any harder than Bobby. In the locker room, he was the funniest and one of the most likeable guys but he knew when to turn it on (and be physical) when it counted most. He was the last person you would think would hit so hard on the field because he was such a nice guy off of it.”
Former Argos coach and executive, Leo Cahill didn’t coach Kuntz but did coach against him with the Alouettes, “He wasn’t necessarily the biggest guy on the football field but he was one of the toughest and he got the job done. He was the leader of that Argonauts team and he would knock your head off if you weren’t looking.”
Bob Nicholson, President and CEO of the Toronto Argonauts, commented on behalf of the club, “Bobby was a great Canadian player whose achievements paved the way for all those that came after him. Our deepest sympathies go out to the Kuntz family during this difficult time. His contributions to the Toronto Argonauts will be forever remembered.”
FUNERAL & VISITATION INFORMATION
Visitation will be held at the Erb and Good Family Funeral Home in Kitchener (Kuntz Room). Tuesday Feb 8th at 7:00 – 9:00pm and Wednesday Feb 9th from 2:00 – 4:00pm and 7:00 – 9:00pm.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday the 11th at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Kitchener.
A reception at Westmount Golf and Country Club will follow the funeral service.
As expressions of sympathy, if desired donations would be deeply appreciated by any of the following: St. Mary’s General Hospital Foundation, St. Jerome’s University (the Suzanne Kuntz Forth Bursary), Mosaic Counselling & Family Services.