Sports presenter and commentator Paul Houde has died following complications from surgery earlier this week. He was 69 years old.
• Also read: The sports world reacts to the death of Paul Houde
• Also read: “Paul left his mark on Quebec radio, sports and culture.”
His sister Johanne and brother Pierre confirmed the news on Saturday via publications on social networks.
“It is with a broken heart that I have to announce the death of my beloved brother Paul,” wrote his brother Pierre Houde in a message posted on Saturday morning, March 2nd, around 5:00 p.m.
It is with a broken heart that I announce the death of my beloved brother Paul. He left us unexpectedly, but gently, around 5:00 that Saturday morning, March 2nd. Thank you in advance for your thoughts. Thank you for respecting the family's privacy, dear friends.
— Pierre Houde (@PierreHoudeRDS) March 2, 2024
He died as a result of serious surgery he underwent this week to remove a mass from his brain.
“Unfortunately, his heart suddenly stopped due to complications,” his sister Johanne wrote on Facebook.
At the end of October he had to leave the show Club du Matin, which he hosted on BPM Sports, but continued to appear on radio until recently.
The famous sports commentator is survived by his wife, his two children and his grandson.
A busy career
Paul Houde was born in Montreal in 1954 and had a long and successful career in Quebec media, particularly as a sports commentator.
He began his career in radio at CKAC 730 in 1975 and has since made numerous on-air appearances in various media.
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Over the years, he has covered numerous major sporting events on television, including the Superbowl, the Olympics and the Pan American Games on TVA, TQS and Radio-Canada, among others.
JOEL LEMAY/AGENCE QMI
Paul Houde was also an analyst for Canadiens hockey games on TVA Sports.
He has also hosted and co-hosted several television plays such as “Lingo” and “Le Cercle” and also portrayed the role of goalkeeper Fernand on the big screen in the legendary film series “Les Boys”.
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He was known for his exceptional memory for sports statistics and his excellent general knowledge.
Lots of reactions
After his death was announced, numerous people paid tribute to him on social networks, including numerous personalities from politics, sports and the media.
Quebec Premier François Legault paid tribute to him in a publication on X.
“What a nice man in public and in private,” he wrote.
What a nice man in public and in private.
As a long-time radio host, it was always nice to do an interview with him.
I have such funny memories of his exchanges with Marc Labrèche and his character “Fern” in “The Boys.”
As a numbers fan, he was…— François Legault (@francoislegault) March 2, 2024
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also expressed his condolences to his loved ones in a post on social media.
“With his great wisdom, his inexhaustible talents and his authentic kindness, Paul Houde was revered by many,” he claims. His death is a great loss.”
With his great wisdom, inexhaustible talents and sincere kindness, Paul Houde was revered by many.
His death is a great loss and I extend my condolences to his family, friends and all Quebecers affected by this sad news.
– Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) March 2, 2024
The Montreal Canadiens also responded to the news.
“Paul was, above all, a man of exceptional quality and a monument to the Quebec media world,” the organization writes on X.
Canadians are saddened by the death of Paul Houde and would like to extend their sincere condolences to his family, especially his brother Pierre. Above all, Paul was a monument to the Quebec media world as a man of exceptional quality. Our…
— Montreal Canadiens (@CanadiensMTL) March 2, 2024