Many dignitaries came to say goodbye to Karl Tremblay during Tuesday night’s national honors ceremony at the Bell Center.
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Prime Minister François Legault made it a point to speak to the media. “Tonight we say goodbye to Karl Tremblay, a man who left his mark on Quebec. It’s unbelievable what a wave of love, sadness. It is as if Quebecers have lost someone from their close family. The entire nation of Quebec recognizes itself. All my thoughts are with Marie-Annick and her two daughters.”
Speech by Quebec Prime Minister François Legault during the ceremony honoring Karl Tremblay of the Cowboys Fringants at the Bell Center on Tuesday, November 28, 2023. JOËL LEMAY / AGENCE QMI Joël Lemay / Agence QMI
“I am here as a minister, but I also want to tell you as an admirer of the Cowboys Fringants and as a citizen who was deeply touched by the death of Karl Tremblay. For me and many Quebecers, it’s the rest of us. The Cowboys have left their mark on so many people that it is not without reason that the Bell Center is full tonight,” emphasized Mathieu Lacombe, Minister of Culture and Communications.
Sonia Bélanger, Minister for Seniors, was also present. “Karl Tremblay, the Cowboys Fringants, that is our culture in Quebec. Karl also sang about Quebec on political, environmental and romantic levels. (…) We must not forget that Karl Tremblay touched several generations.”
“I am here because Karl Tremblay and the Cowboys Fringants are part of our DNA and represent multiple generations, including mine. I have great campfire memories!” exclaimed the Minister of French Language, Jean-François Roberge.
Jean-François Roberge (Minister of French Language) during the ceremony honoring Karl Tremblay of the Cowboys Fringants at the Bell Center on Tuesday November 28, 2023. JOËL LEMAY / AGENCE QMI Joël Lemay / Agence QMI
“We loved Karl Tremblay’s voice, but since his departure we realized how connected Quebecers were to it. I feel privileged to be here with 15,000 people to pay tribute to him,” commented Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante.
Artists also came. Actor and musician Pierre-Luc Brillant wanted to highlight Karl Tremblay’s contribution to Quebec’s cultural world. “Karl and I were about the same age, we saw each other through events… I’m impressed by the durability of the message that Cowboys Fringants spread over time.”
Photo Melissa Pelletier
Karl Tremblay died of prostate cancer on November 15 at the age of 47.