Emile Francis speaks during the Feb. 25, 2018 Madison Square Garden ceremony to retire the No. 19 of New York Rangers legend Jean Ratelle, who stands behind him. From left: Rod Gilbert, Ed Giacomin, Mike Richter, Mark Messier, Brian Leetch.
The couple's home near West Palm Beach was a museum, showcasing plaques, trophies, carvings, certificates, photos and a Rangers jacket and jersey. In his lived-in, book-lined office was a framed, autographed piece of art by the late, legendary expressionist LeRoy Neiman, who sketched Francis behind the Rangers' bench Dec. 26, 1965. On another wall hung a photo of himself shaking hands with former President of the United States Ronald Reagan.
But none of the material souvenirs could hold a candle to what a long-ago altar boy held most dear.
"The three most important things have been my family, my faith, which I needed, and my friends," the Cat said when approaching his 90th birthday. "Because of them, and because of that, I was allowed to take part in what I think is the greatest game in the world."
Photos: Dave Stubbs; Turofsky, Le Studio du Hockey, Hockey Hall of Fame; Getty Images; Emile Francis Collection