In the sacred heart of the Notre-Dame Basilica in Montreal, a host of distinguished figures congregated to pay their final respects and celebrate the remarkable life of former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney on a somber Saturday. Among them, stood his own flesh and blood, his daughter, Caroline Mulroney, and two equally notable figures – Canada’s current Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and Wayne Gretzky, an icon of Canadian ice hockey.
It was a heartfelt tribute to Mulroney—a statesman known for his political acumen, admired for being a force that shaped modern Canada. The solemn echoes of the Basilica filled with the intimate words of Gretzky, the ‘Great One,’ as he recollected memorable encounters with Mulroney.
The hockey maestro narrated a tale tracing back to 1984 when he first met Mulroney, who had just been elected the Conservative Party leader. Gretzky remembered receiving a call from the Prime Minister a few years later, with a proposal for an unusual, yet noble charity event—a hockey game for ’65 Roses’ in Ottawa. Puzzled by the unusual name and eager to participate, Gretzky learned that ‘Mila,’ Mulroney’s wife, had coined the name to make it more relatable for children — clearly a gesture that moved Gretzky.
The charity event, which ended up raising a substantial sum and awareness, permitted Gretzky the opportunity to visit 24 Sussex: the family home of Mulroney. Gretzky fondly recalled the grandeur of Canada’s largest house and the Mulroney family’s warm hospitality.
It wasn’t long before another remarkable memory was being penned down. At the height of the east-and-west rivalry during the Canada Cup, Gretzky remembered receiving a call from Mulroney himself – a moment of pride and excitement that still echoed in his voice. Gretzky narrated the ensuing humorous exchange with his father, proud to have spoken to the Prime Minister, resulting in a 15-minute delay before the phone call could continue.
Fast forward to years later when Gretzky, alongside his wife Janet, sat down at a wedding with ‘Mila’ and Mulroney. Gretzky playfully recalled the former Prime Minister’s claim to sing at the said wedding while taking a friendly jab at Gretzky’s defeat in the 1993 Montreal Canadiens victory. Gretzky also described a humorous encounter with Michael Buble and Mulroney over who would have the honor to sing that night.
Gretzky wrapped his heartfelt homage by highlighting his profound Canadian pride. Discussing the similarity between politics and hockey, Gretzky reflected on the spirit of unity, support, and respect. Labeling Mulroney’s tenure as one of the greatest in Canadian history, Gretzky acknowledged the global representation that Mulroney and his wife provided for their country.
On this bittersweet day, amidst the grandeur of the Notre-Dame Basilica, the sole focus lay on paying tribute to Brian Mulroney, a man who touched the lives of many and left an indelible mark on Canadian history through his time in office and beyond. A fitting farewell indeed for a leader who helped shape the course of a nation.
