Wednesday was a day of mourning in Montreal. Jean Beliveau, a Canadian and Quebec icon, was laid to rest at Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral in the heart of the city.
Hundreds of dignitaries, athletes and everyday people turned out to pay their respects to a man many adored–a man viewed by many as something of a secular saint.
Beliveau, a long-time captain of the Montreal Canadiens, died last week at the age of 83.
On and off the ice Beliveau carried himself with grace, elegance, humility and a generosity of spirit that–like an arrow–flew directly to the hearts of Canadians across the country.
While rightly admired for winning a record 17 Stanley Cups, 10 as a player and seven more as a Canadiens executive, he was more revered for the man–not just the athlete–he was. For the life he lived and how he lived it.
Beliveau, whose smile could light up a room, had the uncanny ability to make anyone he met feel special. Regal in bearing, it’s unlikely he ever talked down to another human being in his life.
It will be a while before Canadians see his like again.
Bruce Dowbiggin, now one of Canada’s foremost sportswriters and authors, grew up watching Beliveau play hockey.
Dowbiggin spoke with RCI on Thursday.
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