Hearing Larry Smith detail one of his favorite anecdotes is enough to give him the title of, strictly speaking, a great builder.
It is in this category that the man from Hudson, Quebec, will be inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in September.
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“It was 1997, RIO [l’ancienne Régie des installations olympique] told us that the Olympic Stadium had been rented for a U2 concert and explained the circumstances of the Alouettes’ rich history with McGill University’s stadium. When I asked what we would do for the playoff game scheduled that same day, I was told we had to make arrangements… We did! With an army of volunteers, we bought paint and spruced up Percival Molson Stadium a little.”
More than 25 years later, the Alouettes are still playing on the mountain near McGill University. Here, Smith and four other former members of the Alouettes are introduced at halftime during Saturday’s game against the British Columbia Lions. Their impending induction into the Pantheon is being highlighted by the Montreal organization.
A strong legacy
The festive atmosphere at Percival Molson Stadium, which underwent two major renovations under his leadership, is part of the legacy left by Smith during his time as club president from 1997 to 2001 and again between 2004 and 2010.
Larry Smith signs the guest book at Montreal City Hall on December 1, 2010, after the Alouettes won the Gray Cup for the second year in a row. Photo Philippe-Olivier Contant / AGENCE QMI
After Smith initially played as a fullback for the Montreal club in the 1970s, he was also commissioner of the Canadian Football League (CFL) from 1992. As commissioner, he absolutely ensured the LCF’s survival and oversaw American expansion to bring in new money.
Outside of football, the Quebec native was also appointed senator by Prime Minister Stephen Harper in 2010.
“I was always on the move and during this time you don’t think about the legacy you leave behind,” said the 72-year-old, summing up his busy career. You can’t work on that basis.”
Coercive assessment
Still, his induction into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame forces Smith to take stock of his achievements and identify the people who shaped him. He was quick to count his father Bill and his mother Marjorie, both deceased, among the people who had a strong influence on him.
“I always had the support of my parents,” he noted. They were present at many of my games, whether it was in high school, at Bishop’s University or with the Alouettes. There is the development of an athlete, but even more important is the development of an individual.”
Despite his busy schedule, Smith said he wanted to be as involved in his family as he was in the journey of his own children, Wes, Ashley and Brad.
“My speech is not quite ready for the induction ceremony in September, but I have started putting ideas on paper,” he assured.
Who knows if Larry Smith, with his legendary humor, won’t take the opportunity to thank Bono and the group U2.