Jean Beliveau has died at age 83.
In an era of extremely well-paid pro-sports stars getting into trouble for drugs, alcohol, violence, and other problems, Jean Beliveau was cut from of an entirely different type of cloth.
He was a celebrated player with a celebrated team and literally one of the most respected players in sport, not just hockey, during his 18 years as a centre for the Montreal Canadiens.
As a star player from the early 1950’s to his retirement in 1971, he scored 507 goals, won 10 Stanley Cup national championships, and was team captain for 10 seasons.
During that time, and afterward as an executive with the club, words like “classy” and “gentleman” were always associated with him, whether as a Canadiens player, or as an executive.
At 6’3” (190cm) he was big for the time and not necessarily a gentle player, but was not accused of making cheap hits on opponents.
Canadiens team owner Geoff Molson, has posted on the team website, “Jean Beliveau was a great leader, a gentleman and arguably the greatest ambassador our game has ever known”.
His friendly nature, clean image, and personal diplomacy even attracted politicians to suggest he take up a political role. In the 1980’s then Prime Minister Brian Mulroney offered to make him a senator and in 1994 then Prime Minister Jean Chretien offered him the position of Governor-General. Beliveau turned down both offers preferring to remain with the sport of hockey and having time for his family.
In 2001 his name was added to Canada’s Walk of Fame, and in 2010 was named as honorary captain of the Canadian Men’s Olympic hockey team. He was also well-known for his work with charitable organization.
Funeral plans are not known as of this morning, but given his legendary status, especially to the people of the province of Quebec, a public viewing is possible along with a state funeral similar to that which was given to another hockey legendary Canadiens hockey player, Maurice “Rocket” Richard who died in 2000.
Beliveau is survived by his wife of 61 years Elise, a daughter, and two grand-daughters.
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