Jean Beliveau, 1931-2014

Jean Beliveau passed away yesterday at age 83, after a recent battle of various illnesses.

Beliveau was one of the greatest hockey players of all-time, and was my idol as a young hockey player in the late 60's and early 1970's.

Not only was he a great sportsman, but he was a true gentleman, well known for his charitable contributions throughout his life.

In 2001 he was featured on a postage stamp of Canada, which was also encased in a special card, as shown below, both sides.





I am lucky to also possess a First Day Cover of the 1993 Stanley Cup stamp, signed by Jean Beliveau. He won 10 Stanley cups as a member of the Montreal Canadiens.

I grew up watching him play for my favourite team...He is who I would call "Mr. Hockey"...what a shame....

Here is the other Canadian stamp that featured Jean Beliveau. He appeared on a 2009 souvenir sheet commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Montreal Canadiens, scoring his 500th goal. This sheet was produced in a "lenticular" method that gives the appearance of motion when tilted back and forth.

It was sure difficult to get a decent photo!

I am not a Habs fan, but, was saddened to hear of his passing. I have a lot of respect for Jean Beliveau. Three hockey names in the past week or so have passed on, Beliveau, Gilles Trembley and Pat Quinn.

Chimo

Bujutsu

He will be missed.

Bujutsu thanks for adding that. Pat Quinn was huge in Vancouver, a long-time coach and general manager of the Canucks. Up until the present, he kept his home in Vancouver and was a part owner of the Vancouver Giants of the Western Hockey League.

There was quite a tribute to him before a Canucks game last week. Jean Beliveau is going to get the same in Montreal this weekend.

I do not remember Gilles Tremblay much, he retired just as I was beginning to follow hockey.

Another great, who has appeared on a Canadian stamp, Gordie Howe, is now quite ill.