|
SLAM! Sports SLAM! Hockey [an error occurred while processing this directive] COLUMNS NHL The Teams Full Schedule Monthly Schedule Standings Statistics Rosters Injury list Movement Trades Hits Gallery INTERACTIVE JUNIOR MORE HOCKEY ALSO ON SLAM!  |
Thursday, June 1, 2000 'He would be proud'The Rocket embraced with a hero's farewellMONTREAL -- Maurice Richard earned many huge ovations during his hockey career and his life. But the last one might have been the grandest of them all. A city and an entire nation mourned the death of one of hockey's greatest legends as Richard -- better known as "The Rocket" -- was laid to rest following an emotional service yesterday. The funeral for the 78-year-old Montreal Canadiens legend, who died Saturday, was an event no one will soon forget. The streets of Montreal were filled with mourners as early as 7 a.m., hoping to catch a glimpse of the funeral cortege as it wound its way down Ste-Catherine St. Thousands awaited Richard and his family at the Notre-Dame Basilica, where a big screen had been set up outside the church to allow mourners the opportunity to take in the service. Millions more watched on at least half a dozen television networks that covered the service live. The sun shone brightly as Richard made his final trip through the streets of Montreal. The same streets many had lined in happier times years before, as Richard raised the Stanley Cup in victory. The Rocket was part of eight Stanley Cup parades during his 18-year career with the Canadiens. Like they had done in the past, the crowd offered its applause as Richard's casket entered the Basilica. Young, old, male and female ... all came to offer their final respects to their great hero. "He was really a great man," said Yolande Goncz of Montreal. "He lived his life so well and this is my way to offer respect to someone who gave me so much joy." The Rocket had touched many people throughout his life and it was evident by the number in attendance. PAYING THEIR RESPECTS Prime Minister Jean Chretien, Quebec Premier Lucien Bouchard and former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney were just a few of the political dignitaries on hand. A who's who of hockey stars, both past and present, were also on hand in large numbers, including Gordie Howe, Guy Lafleur, Saku Koivu, Vincent Damphousse and Shayne Corson, to name just a few. Eight of Richard's former teammates were pallbearers: Emile Bouchard, Elmer Lach, Kenny Mosdel and Kenny Reardon, who all played with him in the 1940s, as well as his brother Henri, Dickie Moore, Gerry McNeil and Jean Beliveau, teammates in the '50s. A simple arrangement of white and yellow roses adorned Richard's casket. Cardinal Jean-Claude Turcotte led the service and delivered a stirring homily. FORUM OVATION Turcotte spoke of the loss of a great man and how his death had been felt like that of a close friend. He recalled the thunderous ovation Richard received in 1996 on the closing night at the old Forum, the building he made famous. Knowing Richard had a fierce love for fishing, Turcotte hoped that he would find other great fishermen in his resting place. "Rest in peace Maurice and good fishing," he said. Maurice Richard Jr. spoke later in the service and asked that everyone accept his father's passing with joy and thanked them for their outstanding show of support and love. "We don't have to be sad," said Maurice Jr. "I'm sure if he watched what went on the last few days, he would be very proud." Paul Aquin, a close of friend of Richard's, also addressed the audience and said he had asked God to come get his old friend. Aquin said he couldn't bear seeing the friend who had so much fire in his eyes being forced to live in pain. While many wiped tears throughout the service, perhaps the most heart-rending moment came when Ginette Reno, a Quebec diva, sang Ceux qui s'en vont, a song that speaks of those who leave us behind. Reno's beautiful and powerful rendition of the song left many breathless. Richard was later buried in a private ceremony at St-Laurent Cemetery. More on Rocket Richard
|
