Jean Beliveau, the long time captain of the Montreal Canadiens, passed away at 83. The classiest former player, I've ever seen. Turned down a senate appointment ( thought representatives should be elected), turned down being governor general to be with his family and did nothing but live his live, on and off the ice with class and grace.
Won the cup 10 times, his name on the cup 17 times. And until recently, when his health started to fail, personally responded to every piece of fan mail he ever got, and his name and phone number are in the montreal phone book.
In this day and age of idolatry of professional athletes, one can often lose sight of the fact that there WERE people who not only deserved such trust, but considered that trust sacred. To me no one took on that role with a bigger sense of responsibility than Jean Beliveau.
A deep, deep loss that has nothing to do with hockey.
Won the cup 10 times, his name on the cup 17 times. And until recently, when his health started to fail, personally responded to every piece of fan mail he ever got, and his name and phone number are in the montreal phone book.
In this day and age of idolatry of professional athletes, one can often lose sight of the fact that there WERE people who not only deserved such trust, but considered that trust sacred. To me no one took on that role with a bigger sense of responsibility than Jean Beliveau.
A deep, deep loss that has nothing to do with hockey.
