MONTREAL, QC. — Many in the hockey world will be waking to the news that the legendary Jean Beliveau has passed away at the age of 83. His shadow is cast so large that it went well beyond the city of Montreal, and well beyond a hockey arena.
His accomplishments, from individual marks to captaining multiple Stanley Cup champions, establish Beliveau as one of the greatest hockey players and leaders the sport has ever known. As a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame since 1971 and an 1998 Companion of the Order of Canada recipient, Jean Beliveau was a statesman and an ambassador of the game. His prominence is rivaled by few yet he remained a humble, gracious man.
From THN’s Ken Campbell, “Perhaps Canadiens Hall of Fame goalie Ken Dryden put it best when he compared the two Canadiens icons this way: “The two greatest figures of the Canadiens in the past 60 years are The Rocket and Jean Beliveau. One of them evokes love, the other evokes admiration.””
I feel very fortunate to have met the Canadiens legend on two occasions. Mr. Beliveau was a true gentleman in a society that has lost the meaning of the word. He had a unique way of making this admirer feel at ease, and many tell a similar story. He had a strong, almost crushing handshake, he willingly gave his undivided attention and his calm, warm voice quickly evaporated a young fan’s nervousness. His questions were sincerely asked. He truly had the ability to make each person he met feel special. It was an unforgettable honour each time.
Each of you, whether you saw him play, met him in person or listened to your father tell stories, have your own memories about Jean Beliveau. We welcome you to share your thoughts, offer your condolences or join the outpouring of love for this superb hockey player and elegant man. Please leave them below.
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