Friends and family gather to honour late Hamilton Tiger-Cats GM Ted Goveia

Friends, family, and the football world reflected and bid farewell to Ted Goveia Wednesday, as a memorial service was held in his honour at the Burlington Convention Centre.

The ceremony was held for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats General Manager, who died nearly two weeks following a battle with cancer.

He was publicly known for being the mind behind many successful football clubs, however during Wednesday’s memorial service, eulogies were heard describing a passionate man off the gridiron as well.

“When Ted got sick, he asked me to marry him — of course I said yes, but we just didn’t have the time,” said Jen Martin.

While overcome with grief, Martin recalled the good times she spent with her fiancée Goveia.

A man she describes as passionate and fierce, but also kind as well. Qualities that shined bright when the football world was on “Team Ted.”

“He read every message, he watched every video, he was amazed,” said Martin.

The love for Goveia was on display at the Burlington Convention Centre Wednesday afternoon, where family, friends and his football colleagues paid tribute to the revered executive.

Goveia passed away on Sept. 12, at the age of 55, following his battle with esophageal cancer.

WATCH MORE: Hamilton Tiger-Cats mourn loss of general manager Ted Goveia

Outside the gridiron, the Burlington native cherished a life of adventure and peace, which included sailing the waters or strumming a guitar and having a sing-along with loved ones.

“Ted would play guitar with my mom, often prompting her to dance, a joyful response to the rhythm, and brought her a sense of peace,” said Jo-anne Benninger, Goveia’s sister. “Those moments, it was like her illness went away.”

But Goveia’s passion burned most for the game of football.

A player in college turned coach and executive in the pros, the talent evaluator played a pivotal role building three Grey Cup winning teams in Toronto and Winnipeg.

Then his biggest dream came true.

“Landing this job here for the Tiger-Cats was definitely, definitely Ted’s dream,” said Chris Nunn, Goveia’s friend and former teammate. “I want to thank the organization for making it happen — he loves you guys.”

It was December of last year when the Ticats named Goveia as their new general manager, but things changed right before the start of this year’s season.

Goveia announced that he was diagnosed with the serious form of cancer in April.

The news then sparked a wide range of support, which included a campaign known as “Team Ted” and the inauguration of a Junior Football game titled as the Ted Goveia Bowl.

Family, friends, and colleagues say Goveia will be remembered as a people person, a team-first mentality, and lover of the Canadian game.

“Do it like Teddy — win each and every day,” said Danny McManus, Goveia’s friend and former colleague. “Win the day, do something, make an impact. His footprint will be felt in Football Canada for years to come. He made a book that people can read for years to come and say he made a difference.”

There is an opportunity to provide memorial contributions.

People are encouraged to support the Ted Goveia Football Scholarship at either McMaster University in Hamilton, or his alma mater Mount Allison University in New Brunswick.

READ MORE: Hamilton Tiger-Cats announce death of GM Ted Goveia, who disclosed cancer in June