August 31, 1931 – December 2, 2014
Though I played sports (Hockey, Football, Soccer, Baseball, Track and Field …) nearly every day for over 40 years, I am often very critical toward Professional Sport and it’s many bloated fools and their follies.
Yet … a precious few DO rise above the din and money. Such a person – such a man – was Jean Beliveau – my Hockey Hero.
Grace, Class, Humility, Elegance, Dignity, a Genteman … nearly every virtue you would want or expect or hope for in your Hero … and yourself … he carried.
A Champion in athletics – A Champion in Life.
“Talent is a gift from God, but you only succeed with hard work.” – Jean Beliveau
“Le Gros Bill”
Smooth as ice
Jean Beliveau and The Stanley Cup
Jean Beliveau wth Stanley Cup and Conn Symthe Trophy 1965
10 Stanley Cups as a player / 7 Stanley Cups in management
Conn Smythe Trophy winner for Most Valuable Player in 1965 playoffs
Hart Memorial Trophy / Most Valuable Player – 1956 and 1965
Played in the NHL All-Star Game 13 times between 1953 and 1969
First Team All-Star 1954–55, 1955–56, 1956–57, 1958–59, 1959–60, 1960–61
Second Team All-Star 1957–58, 1963–64, 1965–66, 1968–69
Art Ross Trophy winner as Leading Scorer – 1955/56 Season
Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1972
NHL Lifetime Achievement Award 2009
When you get a statue and you’re still alive …
Jean Beliveau receiving the Order of Canada in 1998
Jean passes the torch …
Jean Beliveau skates at retirment 1971
So long Jean
Thanks for everything
Truly a role model for all modern day over paid athletes.
Doug – You got that right.
It’s nice that a few people rise above the crowd to be the heroes we need.
When I look at him and so much that he stood for – and what Hockey was all about in those days – compared to now, I see a sad and marked decline. Probably never to be recovered.
Great tribute! I didn’t know a thing about him. Sorry to hear of his passing, but he sure seemed to have a special, influential life. Nice job, JC
Thank you. This was a special man. Was asked to be Governor General of Canada and turned it down – said it would require that be away from his family too much. He affected a great many people in his lifetime – for the better. Quite a legacy.