Yahoo Sports 
Yvan Cournoyer’s tear-filled eulogy for Jean Beliveau
Jean Beliveau was laid to rest on Wednesday, as thousands gathered at the Mary Queen of the World Cathedral in Montreal for another day of bittersweet celebrations of his life, cutting through the sadness of this loss.
One of the most heartfelt: Yvan Cournoyer, who like Beliveau was a captain of the Montreal Canadiens.
But Beliveau was his captain, and Cournoyer’s eulogy was a message to the man he admired on and off the ice.
Listen to the French-language eulogy here, and hear the emotion in Cournoyer’s voice as he discusses Beliveau.
Via Stephanie Myles of The Eh Game, here's a translation of Cournoyer’s beautiful words:
For a week now, we have talked a lot about Jean Béliveau – as a man, on the ice, and in private.
Today, I would like to talk to you about Jean, my captain.
I had the chance to play with Jean my first eight years. And with him, to win my first Stanley Cup. Four more followed.
In the dressing room, I was privileged to sit next to him. And I’ll tell you a little story. The first time I sat next to Jean, we put our pads in front of us as we got dressed. And I realized that his were a lot longer than mine. When he stood up, I quickly understood why.
On the road, I roomed with Jean a lot, which allowed me to get to know him better and develop a great friendship. Given our age difference, I think, we developed almost a father-son relationship.
We had a game in Boston during the playoffs, and we were behind 5-2, that famous game, I think a lot people remember. The night before, Jean and I were talking – maybe a little too much. At a certain point, it was getting late. He said, “Yvan, we’d better sleep because I think we’re going to need it tomorrow.” Jean was right.
But we came back, and we won the game 7-5. Jean had two goals, two assists. And a month-and-a-half later, Jean retired. It was in 1971, after an excellent season of hockey. Over the years, Jean was my patron on several occasions. The last one was in 2005, when my Montreal Canadiens jersey was retired.
Jean, my captain. It is an honour to be your patron today. Élise, Hélène, Mylène, Magalie, you’ve had a lot of courage. Élise, after all these years, you have always remained strong, and always very beautiful. You are an exceptional woman.
When I started with Jean, I was 20. He would always tell me, “Yvan, time passes so quickly. Time passes so quickly.”
It’s been 51 years, Jean, that you’re my friend, and my captain, and the idol of an entire people.
Jean, we feel great emptiness in our hearts. My memories with you will never be forgotten.
This rose I have, Jean, I will keep it the rest of my life, in your memory.
Oh captain, my captain. Bon voyage.
Thank you.
