Read Wayne Gretzky’s eulogy at Brian Mulroney’s funeral

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Former prime minister Brian Mulroney was eulogized on Saturday at a state funeral at Notre-Dame Basilica in Montreal by his daughter Caroline Mulroney, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and hockey nice Wayne Gretzky.

Learn Gretzky’s total eulogy beneath.

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“Good afternoon. We’ve had so many great audio system, you’re going to determine who’s in politics and which man is a hockey participant actual fast.

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“I acquired to satisfy the prime minister in 1984 when he turned the Conservative chief and a pair years later he known as me and he mentioned, ‘Younger man, my stunning spouse, spouse Mila needs to have this charity hockey recreation in Ottawa.’ And I mentioned, ‘In fact, what’s it for?’ And he mentioned, ’65 Roses.’

“I mentioned, ‘I’ve heard plenty of charities however I’ve by no means heard that identify.’ He mentioned, ‘No, (Mila) modified the identify so youngsters will perceive it quite a bit simpler.’ So I mentioned, ‘In fact we’ll play.’

“So we go to Ottawa and the sport itself was great as a result of we raised some huge cash and plenty of consciousness. However we have been so excited to go to 24 Sussex. I’m like, ‘That is unbelievable. We’re going to, I suppose, the most important home within the nation.’ And so they have been so good, the household, they hosted us.

“After which a 12 months later, I’m taking part in within the Canada Cup. Now, in these days east and west was an enormous rivalry. And that afternoon, his chief of workers known as me, recreation three, I used to be staying with my mum and pa, my spouse, Janet, and he mentioned the prime minister needs to name you and I mentioned ‘Completely.’ So the cellphone rang and I turned to my dad and I mentioned, ‘you choose up the cellphone.’

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“So my dad picks up the cellphone. Now he’s speaking, speaking, speaking, and I’m like, ‘okay,’ and he (lastly) arms me the cellphone. And the prime minister says, clearly, ‘I’m wishing you good luck, son. I hope you guys do nicely.’ I dangle up the cellphone and my dad mentioned, ‘are you able to think about? The prime minister of Canada known as me?’ I mentioned ‘I don’t suppose he known as you.’ He goes, ‘No, no, I talked to him.’ So we needed to wait quarter-hour as a result of he needed to name his mom and inform her that he talked to the prime minister. In order that’s how pleased with a Canadian he was.

“Years later, we’re at a marriage. We had the great fortune of sitting with Mila and the prime minister, Janet and I. We’re at this desk and impulsively all these Canadians have been flocking over to sit down with us, which was very nice. And the prime minister saved taking a look at us saying ‘you understand, I’m going to sing tonight’ as a result of he cherished to sing. ‘I’m gonna sing tonight.’ After which he goes ‘younger man, bear in mind 1993? That was a fantastic victory for the Montreal Canadiens.’

“And I mentioned, ‘Certain. I used to be on the opposite workforce. That wasn’t so nice for me.’ He goes, ‘No, no, nevertheless it was great for the nation.’ I am going, ‘Okay, nice. Good for you.’

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“So, as he’s saying, ‘I wish to sing tonight. I’m gonna sing’ Michael Buble sits down and I mentioned to the prime minister, ‘He’s singing and also you’re not.’ I mentioned, ‘Now, we’re even.’

“However, we’re such a proud nation and I relate all the things to hockey. In politics and hockey, you combat, you battle, you drive. I’m so proud to be Canadian right this moment, to see previous prime ministers right here, the present prime minister, that’s what our nation is all about: coming collectively, being pleasant, serving to different folks and paying respects. And Mr. Mulroney was one of many biggest prime ministers we’ve ever had. I at all times inform my mates all over the world, whether or not it’s funerals, or weddings, we’d watch on TV and we’d at all times say, ‘you understand what? We’re represented by Mila and Brian Mulroney. They make our nation proud.’ Thanks.”

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