The University of Windsor is mourning retired track and field coach Dennis Fairall, who died Friday, Nov. 6, at 67 following a long illness.

Fairall, who joined the University of Windsor in 1985, was one of the most decorated coaches in Canadian university history. National and provincial sporting bodies named him coach of the year in either track and field or cross country 65 times. In February 2016, the St. Denis Centre Fieldhouse was re-named the Dennis Fairall Fieldhouse in his honour.

“Even prior to starting my role as University of Windsor president, I followed and admired the illustrious and decorated career of Dennis Fairall,” said UWindsor president Robert Gordon. “His reputation as a coach, mentor, educator, and genuine leader is legendary.”

In 28 seasons with the Lancers, Fairall's teams won 25 Canadian university cross country and track and field championships, as well as 46 Ontario championships, though he was equally admired for his character and contributions off the track.

”Dennis had an extraordinary impact on the lives of student-athletes that will withstand the test of time,” Dr. Gordon said. “My condolences go out to his wife Janet and family. Dennis will be deeply missed, but his impact will be infinitely embedded in the blue and gold Lancer spirit.”