Roughrider fan and host of Labour Day Classic tailgate loses home to fire

A well-known Riders superfan is getting support after a house fire, with fans and even the Blue Bombers rallying to help him rebuild. Jacob Carr reports.

The family of one of Regina’s most well-known Rider fans is asking for help after a weekend house fire.

Diehard Saskatchewan Roughriders fan Wayne Kuntz has been hosting tailgate parties at his home on Garnet Street since 2004.

At the “Wayne’s World Tailgate Party,” Rider and Blue Bomber fans alike gathered for drinks before the annual Labour Day Classic.

“One of them came to dad’s yard and noticed that it was fairly empty and asked him if he could join him. And my dad said, absolutely, we are Rider fans. And this gentleman turned around and he said, ‘Hey guys, over here,’” said Wayne’s daughter Kelly Kuntz.

However, on Sunday, Kelly wrote on social media that Wayne’s home had been damaged by a fire on Saturday.

“We’re incredibly grateful he and his pets are safe. If you know my dad, you know how much he’s given to others over the years so we’re hoping to rally around him now,” she said, linking to a GoFundMe page.

As of Monday evening, the campaign had already reached 97 per cent of its $13,000 goal.

“I was with dad all morning, and all we could do is cry. We were so blessed, and he’s the kind of person who’s never had to ask for anything. The community’s just giving back,” said Kelly.

Under the comment section, The Winnipeg Blue Bombers offered the Kuntz family its condolences.

“I can tell you that the Winnipeg Blue Bombers extend our support to Wayne and his family,” the team told CTV News.

“The team reached out in order to acquire contact information to send the family some apparel. Our President and CEO has also made a donation to Wayne’s GoFundMe on behalf of Bomber fans who have enjoyed tailgating there prior to the Labour Day Classic.”

According to Regina Fire and Protective Services, the fire began in an attached shed on the property before spreading to the home.

Wayne’s dog, Jersey, and cat, Bear, were in the home at the time of the fire but both got out unharmed.

All are currently residing at a hotel in the city while the family figures out what steps to take next.

“We’re kind of in a holding pattern until we know a little bit more from insurance and what the next steps in the process may be. But we’ll be looking for short term accommodations for him and his pets this week and hopefully we can find something that’s suitable,” Kelly explained.

The cause of the blaze is currently unknown as the fire remains under investigation.

-- With files from Rhonda Nye