Jean Perron, who won the Stanley Cup with the Canadian, comes from Saint-Isidore in Auckland. When he was five years old his family settled in Ascot Corner. A graduate of the University of Sherbrooke in physical activity in 1969, he became coach of the Aigles Bleus of the University of Moncton in New Brunswick, which won several Canadian championships. The Chancellor of the University of Moncton declared that the Aigles Bleus were among the Great Acadians. Today Jean lives in Gaspésie.
Why did you think you could escape poverty?
Let me share with you some situations in which I had to overcome poverty. I’m a student at the University of Sherbrooke but don’t have enough money to use public transport. I had to walk 5km to get between the Sports Palace and the University. Believe me, it wasn’t always too hot at 6am on a beautiful winter morning.
You had another experience at the Saint-François seminar in Cap-Rouge.
At the beginning of the school year I purchased my school supplies for $4.50. In October the parents visited the seminary. I see my mother walking towards me, crying her eyes out.
For what ?
“Jean, I can’t afford to pay for your school supplies because your father won’t give me any money. However, I was able to collect two dollars for you.”
Your reaction
Mom, I told her not to worry. I returned my folder and other items until the bill came to $2.
Your father was a lumberjack.
My father, André, was a lumberjack who worked winters in Hearst, Ontario. However, due to his drinking problem, he came home penniless. During the summer he worked in construction in the Eastern Townships.
Your mother also represented your father’s side.
My mother Antoinette came from a family of 21 children. We lived on two acres of land. She grew fruits and vegetables which she sold to meet the needs of her four boys and four girls. Imagine: eight children sharing two rooms.
Your mother’s influence.
A holy woman who raised eight children all by herself. She was strict and didn’t hesitate to separate my brother and I with a hockey stick when we argued. She was so proud that her children were successful in school. She taught me the values of teamwork like we did at her house.
They worked on the family farm at Ascot Corner.
The eight children worked on the small family farm. When I was barely nine years old, I fed the chickens and raised the two cows early in the morning.
You worked on a farm.
When I was 12, I worked on farms in Magog to finance my studies. One day, three brothers and a sister I worked for offered to let me have the farm if I would look after them until they died.
Your father gave you good advice.
The only time. He asked me if I wanted to get married and have children, and added if I thought my wife would want to live in such conditions. I left the farm to enroll in my classical course at the Saint-François Seminary in Cap-Rouge.
You tell me that the family has no money, but you want to go to college in Cap-Rouge.
A Capuchin priest came to see us after reading my letter explaining that I wanted to attend Saint-François Seminary. My mother told him she didn’t have the money To me for the seminar. He replied that we will find a solution. In reality, I was the one who paid for my studies by working on farms in the summer.
You did theater in seminary.
I played the main role in plays by Félix Leclerc. Basketball, volleyball, softball, baseball and hockey were part of my youth. Studying theater has boosted my self-confidence.
You had to choose at least two sports.
I chose three. Basketball, football and tennis. I was born left-handed, but had to play tennis as a right-hander. During the seminar I realized that I wanted to become a physical education teacher.
Why did you leave Saint-François Seminary?
One day the director asked me if I wanted to become a priest. I told him no. After our conversation, he informed me that I no longer had my place in the seminar. Good evening, I went to meet at the Séminaire de Sherbrooke to finish my classical course.
Gaston Marcotte and Charles Thiffault have shaped your life.
At Cap-Rouge I wanted to break the school records of Gaston Marcotte, who became a notable figure in ice hockey in the 1970s. My coach at the University of Sherbrooke, Charles Thiffault, was my mentor.
Your first game in the forum to see the Canadian.
I was 13 years old and thanks to my brother Michel I was able to attend my first Canada game at the Forum. My eyes were shining and my heart was beating very hard. Here I am in the standing room section of the Forum and saw the Canadiens players, including my idol Jean Béliveau. A few years later I played a match with the University of Sherbrooke against Sir George Williams University at the Forum.
Your children are the apple of your eye.
I am so proud of Thierry, of Herman and of my three grandchildren. My ex-wife did a great job with my sons. Today I’m trying to pull myself together.
How did you escape poverty?
Perseverance, the will to work and to ensure that you are well surrounded. I struggled to overcome the challenges that lay before me. I never wanted to use the excuse of poverty as an excuse to prevent my success.
