LEVIS | Surviving family, loyal longtime friends, veterans of the sports journalism industry he loved so much, and former Nordics. It was on the occasion of a warm get-together, as the former sports director said Quebec Journal Claude Bédard that his memory was honored at a moving funeral on Saturday.
Claude Bédard, a true monument to Quebec sports journalism, died suddenly on October 15 at the age of 86 after returning from a walk in Old Quebec.
His wife and immediate family received their condolences before a farewell service at Notre-Dame-de-la-Victoire church in Lévis.
Mr. Bédard, who worked at the Journal from 1969 to 1997, has kept a low profile since then, but his influence on Quebec’s sports community remains indelible.
In his columns, he initially advocated for the creation of a professional ice hockey club in Quebec, at a time when the city had no such ambitions. In 1972, the Nordiques were born, thanks in particular to the influence of Claude Bédard and his colleague from Le Soleil, Claude Larochelle.
“It’s rare that we applaud journalists, but with him you have to do it for all the work you’ve done in your life,” former Nordiques Dave Pichette deadpanned during a comfortable statement at the microphone.
No fireworks
Claude Bédard’s funeral was celebrated in complete sobriety. Didier Debusschere / Le Journal de Québec
As much as the chronicles of the late sports director caused a stir throughout his career, the ceremonies in his honor were sober and warm.
To highlight his illustrious professional career, a touching photomontage was broadcast showing Claude Bédard’s good years. To the singing of a piece he loved, “The Lord’s Prayer” by Andrea Bocelli, his everyday life was illuminated by sometimes tender, sometimes funny images.
In another inevitable nod to his direct but respected way of doing things, the service ended to the strains of Frank Sinatra’s legendary My Way.
Lots of testimonials
Marcel Aubut wanted to say one last goodbye to Claude Bédard, whom he considers a great journalist. Didier Debusschere / Le Journal de Québec
Among the personalities who came to pay their respects, Marcel Aubut, former president and owner of the Nordiques, seemed particularly touched.
“Saying goodbye forever is very difficult. On the other hand, his departure forced a band of people to come together who might not have seen each other for 10 or 20 years. It is a beautiful gift that He gives us. “Journalists like Claude Bédard belong to a class that no longer exists,” he admitted.
Jocelyn Bourque, one of Claude Bédard’s successors as sports director and who knew him for more than 50 years, wanted to recognize his contribution to the world of sports.
“He is a great information man, an extraordinary asset to the Journal and to the entire sports world in Quebec. His influence reached far beyond the region. Claude has always been passionate and devoted himself body and soul.
“Quebec newspapers are struggling, but in my opinion they’ll start at the top and it’ll be fine!” he said, grinning.
Jocelyn Bourque also headed the sports department of the Journal de Québec until 2008. Didier Debusschere / Le Journal de Québec
Some of the journalists present remembered their employment with Claude Bédard and were still grateful after all these years.
“Claude hired me in 1981. The special thing was that there were 92 of us for a temporary position as statisticians. He had a big stack of resumes and said to me, “My man, it’s you!” He always told me he had no regrets and I liked him as a boss too. He’s a direct guy, very open-hearted. Nobody will ever take away his qualities,” emphasized Pierre Savard, who worked as a journalist and editor at the Journal for a long time.
The publisher and editor-in-chief of the Journal de Québec, Sébastien Ménard, in conversation with former journalist Mario Leclerc and former sports director Jocelyn Bourque. Didier Debusschere / Le Journal de Québec
The Nordic cause
As for former Nordiques striker Michel Parizeau, we must remember the name of Claude Bédard, one of the great architects behind the Nordiques epic.
“I remember him as a great supporter of the Nordiques. It was he who brought the investors together into a team,” he remembers.
Claude Bédard leaves to mourn his wife, his son, his wife’s children and his five grandchildren.