Guy Lafleur's final sendoff

MONTREAL - Guy Lafleur was given his final sendoff on Tuesday.

With dignitaries, some of the biggest names in the hockey world, and fans joining the Habs legend's family for his national funeral, Lafleur was given a goodbye that was both in keeping with his humble roots while also remaining as momentous as his impact on the sport, city, province, and country that held him so dearly.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Premier François Legault, Mayor Valérie Plante, Canadiens owner Geoff Molson, and NHL commissioner Gary Bettman were among the many dignitaries and hockey personalities who attended the funeral at Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral in downtown Montreal. Most of the current Canadiens roster, as well as Jeff Gorton, Kent Hughes, and interim head coach Martin St-Louis and his staff, were also present.

Lafleur was eulogized by Molson, Yvan Cournoyer, Larry Robinson, Guy Carbonneau, Patrick Roy, his son Martin, and his sister-in-law, Francine Barré. In turn, they each spoke of the hockey star's ability to perfectly straddle the line between fame and reverence, on the one hand, and being a loving father and family man, and caring teammate, on the other.
Molson highlighted the limitless time Lafleur devoted to the Canadiens organization as an ambassador, helping support charitable projects and community initiatives, and always making time for his fans.
"When Guy Lafleur walked into a room, jaws dropped, cameras came out for selfies, and people immediately started searching for sharpies and a piece of paper for his autograph," described Molson. "And there was never a time when anyone in that room didn't get that selfie or that signature. Everyone would leave with expectations met."

Roy was welcomed into the League in Lafleur's final season in Montreal in a way most Quebecers could only conjure up in their imagination.
"In the 1970s, every young hockey player across Quebec dreamed of being a Guy Lafleur. I dreamed of being a Ken Dryden - so that I could one day play on the same team as Guy Lafleur," said Roy.
"Guy was a larger-than-life player, whose exploits and prowess had no limits. He was the idol, the hero, the inspiration, and the living proof that we can and should dream big."
Cournoyer, meanwhile, paid tribute to Lafleur's loving family for their support to Le Démon Blond during his battle with illness in his final years.
"For all of Guy's family, especially Lise, Martin, Marc, and Madame Lafleur, the last few years have been very difficult," acknowledged Cournoyer, who won five Stanley Cups as Lafleur's teammate. "Lise, Guy loved you a lot. I'm sure he would've told you to take some rest and to be strong and brave."

The Roadrunner also told a funny anecdote about Lafleur after his first retirement, with No. 10 telling No. 12 one time he had washed his car... three times in the same day. As we all know now, Lafleur came out of retirement and played another three seasons from 1988-1991 before hanging up his skates for good.
"Guy left us too soon," affirmed Cournoyer. "But if he'd like to make another return, you're welcome, Guy."
Molson's words perhaps summed up the five-time Stanley Cup champion and Hall-of-Famer the best:
"We've lost one of the greats in the history of the Montreal Canadiens, and he will never be replaced. But, we also learned a lot from Guy," he shared. "A man with class and humility who made you forget the celebrity and status he had. His humble approach with everyone, regardless of who they were, is a lesson for us all."
Ginette Reno offered up a stirring rendition of her song "L'essentiel" following the eulogies.
Following the ceremony, led by Archbishop of Montreal Christian Lépine, Frank Sinatra's "My Way" was belted over the sound system in tribute to The Flower as mourners left the cathedral. Fans outside - some of whom had lined up for hours to stake out their place - greeted Lafleur's casket, draped in a Canadiens flag, with chants of "Guy! Guy! Guy!"
Lafleur passed away on Friday, April 22 at the age of 70 after a hard-fought battle with cancer.