2022 in review: deaths that affected people

Posted On: December 31, 2022

As every year, audiences have mourned the departure of sports idols they have cherished over time, and in 2022, that was particularly the case in Quebec.

Spring will be remembered by many hockey fans in the province for rather sad reasons. In fact, within a week, lung cancer took the lives of two of Quebec’s prestigious ambassadors. Exactly seven days later, the public learned with regret of the death of Guy Lafleur following the death of Mike Bossy on Friday April 15th. These two farewells, far too early, left a big gap.

Of course, other well-known personalities from Germany and abroad also said goodbye to us in 2022. Here’s a look at some of the sports greats who did their last lap this year.

Giants

Certainly the most famous name in Quebec to leave this year, Guy Lafleur marked his era. “Flower” is much more than three National Hockey League (NHL) titles, two Hart Trophies, a Conn-Smythe and five Stanley Cups. The “Blonde Demon”, a former member of the Canadiens and the Nordiques, earned respect off the rink with his flamboyant play and outspokenness. Thousands of people recognized his qualities by solemnly parading in front of his coffin just before a state funeral attended by many dignitaries.

Another major player in Quebec hockey, Mike Bossy was one of the artists of the New York Islanders dynasty, winner of four straight Stanley Cups from 1980 to 1983. The former No. 22 became the second NHL player to win the Scored 50 goals in the first 50 games of his season, the first since Maurice Richard. After serving as an analyst for TVA Sports in his final years, he achieved a total of 573 career goals.

Photo credit: AFP

A true football legend, Pelé has had such an impact on football that the International Olympic Committee named him Athlete of the Century in 1999. His real name is Edson Arantes do Nascimento and he is the only three-time world champion with 1,281 goals in 1,363 career games. We must also remember, among other things, his 11 top scorer titles in the Sao Paulo league and his five Brazilian Cups. The former number 10 has also made an impact off the field, notably as his country’s sports minister and UN and UNESCO ambassador for education and the environment.

Other household names in hockey

The ex-defender, long hailed by Toronto Maple Leafs fans, became the first European player to be inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1996. He died days after an emotional public appearance at Scotiabank Arena at the Lou Gehrig’s Illness . Despite never winning the Stanley Cup, he is ranked among the 100 greatest players of the league’s first century.

The owner of the Ottawa Senators was involved in the pharmaceutical world and was known for his philanthropy. Fans best remember the club, which he acquired for around $92 million in 2003. Under his leadership, the “Sens” made it to a Stanley Cup final but ran into trouble at the box office. One of his plans, building a new arena on the LeBreton Flats, fell through during his lifetime.

Much like Bossy, one of his linemates at the time, the former forward was one of the islanders’ best weapons in their prime. He had six productions with at least 30 goals and amassed nearly 700 career points. Inducted into the Hall of Famer in 2002, he had the power to score the game, scoring a total of 54 game-changing goals in the NHL.

-Emile Francis (September 13, 1926 – February 19, 2022)

His route on the ice remained a little unclear, but outside it was much less so. He was general manager of three teams from 1964 to 1989, including the New York Rangers and the Hartford Whalers. However, he failed to lead his teams to a single Stanley Cup, which was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame’s builder category in 1982.

Other departures in Quebec

The CF Montreal assistant manager, who had been diagnosed with glioblastoma since June 2021, has long been associated with the team he played for from 2002 to 2007. Jason Di Tullio played 81 games with Impact. He also worked as an instructor with Impact Academy and was an under-23 assistant for Soccer Canada. After his death, a trophy with his name was awarded to a player who embodies passion and fighting spirit.

Photo credit: MARTIN ALARIE / QMI AGENCY

Jonathan Beaulieu-Richard died of sarcoma and wore the Montreal Alouettes jersey for a total of 26 games in 2013 and 2014. The former Canadian Football League linebacker also played with the University of Montreal Carabins and set a team record for most tackles in a year. In addition, he was an independent candidate in the Maskinongé ride in the 2018 provincial elections.

Elsewhere in the world

The ex-Formula 1 driver scored two wins in 114 Grands Prix he won with the Ferrari team in 1982 and 1983. He climbed the podium 11 times, having also competed in 30 events with Renault and 28 with McLaren. Patrick Tambay was the godfather of Jacques Villeneuve, son of Gilles, and also a good friend of his father. He joined the Scuderia after the tragic death of his mate at the Zolder circuit on May 8, 1982.

As a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame, he won a 1979 Cy-Young Trophy for the Chicago Cubs and won the 1982 World Series with the St. Louis Cardinals. He had 300 saves in his career and dominated the majors in three different seasons.

The two-time Cy Young award winner has 314 wins in Major League Baseball over 22 years and has 3,534 strikeouts in 777 games. Invited to the All-Star Game five times, he caught the eye in the 1960s and 1970s. Some remember his extravagant side on the hill.

The former running back and inductee of the Football Hall of Fame is one of the figures associated with the Pittsburgh Steelers of the 1970s; Number 32 contributed to four Super Bowl titles and held 24 NFL records when he retired in 1983. Franco Harris is also the author of the Immaculate Reception, which took place in a 1972 playoff game. The game is considered by many to be the best in league history.

The veteran coach led 23 years in the NFL and had 201 lifetime wins, including the playoffs. He has bitten the dust in his four Super Bowl appearances, including three with the Denver Broncos. Dan Reeves also excelled as a running back, winning a Super Bowl with the Dallas Cowboys in January 1972.