The church bells rang 84 times at Notre-Dame Basilica in Montreal for Brian Mulroney.
The former prime ministers flag draped casket was carried into the church by members of the RCMP honour guard to begin his funeral ceremony on Saturday.
Mulroney died in Florida on February 29. He is survived by his wife and their four children.
“We all know how Brian loved to win. Yet his most cherished victories were non-partisan—those moments where the true winner was Canada itself. Because he loved this country with all his heart.” said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at his funeral.
Justin Trudeau (Source: CPAC)
Hockey legend Wayne Gretzky delivered a heartfelt eulogy which had the crowd both laughing and in tears.
“We’ve had so many wonderful speakers, you’re going to figure out who’s in politics and which guy is the hockey player real quick.”
Gretzky placed his hand on Mulroney’s casket prior to getting up the podium in a poignant moment as if to say goodbye for the final time.
“Mulroney was one of the greatest prime ministers we’ve ever had.” said Gretzky. “We are such a proud country and I relate everything to hockey….in hockey or politics you fight and you battle, but I look out and see former prime ministers and the current prime minister…this is what our country is all about…coming together, helping people and paying respects.”
Wayne Gretzky (Source:CPAC)
The ceremony included a performance by Mulroney’s granddaughter, and wrapped with a 19-gun salute.
Mulroney was prime minister for nine years between 1984 and 1993. He is remembered for his work to secure free trade deals with the U.S. and his environmentalism.
A private burial is being held following the funeral.
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