I met him and Henri Richard when I had my livery service and I've never forgotten him. He was regal, charming and modest, it's not difficult to figure out that the Canadiens could win so many Stanley Cups under his guidance. Although French, no one fit the term Commendatore more.
When I picked him and the Pocket Rocket up at the airport, the first item he asked me was my name. He liked being on a first name basis with everyone and Henri was more than happy to deffer to him.
Out of the hundreds of comments I've read and heard so far, most of them use the word 'class'. And it still hasn't been used enough. He was the epitome of that word. He will be missed as a man, not just as a player.
Being a Torontonian didn't much like the Habs back in the original NHL days...........but they did have the players, the Richards, Geffrion, and of course, Beliveau. Had to admire them and their game. Beliveau was, in my mind, synonymous with elegance on the ice and a gentleman on and off the ice. RIP Captain!
I met him and Henri Richard when I had my livery service and I've never forgotten him. He was regal, charming and modest, it's not difficult to figure out that the Canadiens could win so many Stanley Cups under his guidance. Although French, no one fit the term Commendatore more.
I spoke to a sports psychologist once who knew him and he said that at practices Beliveau would stay on the ice for about 1/2 hour after everyone left and repeat the basic skating moves over and over again. Never got too big to rehearse the basics. In my book this is the mark of a humble man. What a great example in an age of Ray Rice and Lance Armstrong.
Although the Leafs are my favourite team (I know... I know...), I've always admired the hockey greats throughout the league as I was growing up and still to this day. Jean Beliveau was undoubtedly one of the best on and off the ice. A true class act. RIP
I spoke to a sports psychologist once who knew him and he said that at practices Beliveau would stay on the ice for about 1/2 hour after everyone left and repeat the basic skating moves over and over again. Never got too big to rehearse the basics. In my book this is the mark of a humble man. What a great example in an age of Ray Rice and Lance Armstrong.
You can add Evander Kane to that list. Whether it was "just a joke" or not, it was really poor judgement in this age of instant media attention. I wonder what some of the hockey greats would think of this photo.
Everything good about Jean has already been said by others. The veterans of the "original 6" teams are aging and passing on. Sad.
Gilles Tremblay also passed a few days ago.
Also, many Canadiens passed at a relatively early age. Wickenheister, Nyrop, Laroque, J.C. Tremblay, Plante, Provost, etc. Those great Canadiens dynasties will probably never be repeated again.
Didn't see any bolding. Correct me if I'm wrong but the French word for Commendatore is Milord? Either way Jean Beliveau had the bearing of a prince, commanding respect by affection. He deserved the title regardless of language. Is it clear now?
More on my day with Jean Beliveau. I took him and Henri to a Sports Memorabilia event, Bobby Hull was also there. They were all perfect diplomats not leaving until anyone that wanted their autographs got them. It was a cold day and Jean wouldn't have me waiting outside, so I sat in the lounge. During a coffee break Jean and Bobby shared a joke, Bobby's big head reared back and laughed out loud. This was the 80's and I still remember it clearly today.
Didn't see any bolding. Correct me if I'm wrong but the French word for Commendatore is Milord? Either way Jean Beliveau had the bearing of a prince, commanding respect by affection. He deserved the title regardless of language. Is it clear now?
More on my day with Jean Beliveau. I took him and Henri to a Sports Memorabilia event, Bobby Hull was also there. They were all perfect diplomats not leaving until anyone that wanted their autographs got them. It was a cold day and Jean wouldn't have me waiting outside, so I sat in the lounge. During a coffee break Jean and Bobby shared a joke, Bobby's big head reared back and laughed out loud. This was the 80's and I still remember it clearly today.
He bolded it in his quote of you. You have to ask him, it wasn't me that asked.
Bobby Hull is not like Beliveau. I was dining before a hockey game at the ACC Restaurant, and Bobby Hull was signing autographs behind a curtain. You couldn't get a peek of him unless you forked over $50.
Didn't see any bolding. Correct me if I'm wrong but the French word for Commendatore is Milord? Either way Jean Beliveau had the bearing of a prince, commanding respect by affection. He deserved the title regardless of language. Is it clear now?
More on my day with Jean Beliveau. I took him and Henri to a Sports Memorabilia event, Bobby Hull was also there. They were all perfect diplomats not leaving until anyone that wanted their autographs got them. It was a cold day and Jean wouldn't have me waiting outside, so I sat in the lounge. During a coffee break Jean and Bobby shared a joke, Bobby's big head reared back and laughed out loud. This was the 80's and I still remember it clearly today.
Jean was a Companion of the Order of Canada. It's the highest rank after member and officer.
Up to 15 Companions are appointed annually, with an imposed limit of 165 living Companions at any given time,[SUP][/SUP] not including those appointed as extraordinary Companions or in an honorary capacity.[SUP][/SUP] As of October 2014, there are 145 living Companions,[SUP][/SUP] none being honorary.
