After his retirement, he established the Jean Beliveau Foundation, which later became part of the Society for Disabled Children. In the early-1990s, Prime Minister Brian Mulroney offered him a Senate appointment but he declined as he felt legislators should be elected. 🧵 12/17
In 1994, Prime Minister Jean Chretien offered him the post of Governor General of Canada. Béliveau turned it down to be with his daughter and two grandchildren following the death of his son-in-law. Throughout his later life, Béliveau received many honours in Canada. 🧵 13/17
Béliveau received many honorary degrees, the Order of Canada and the National Order of Quebec. He was given a star on Canada's Walk of Fame and a stamp was issued by Canada Post to honour him. A CPR station is named for him as well. 🧵 14/17
Later in life, Béliveau sold some career mementos to provide for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren after his death. Beloved and respected by Canadians, he was known for always being kind with fans and he never, if ever, refused to sign an autograph. 🧵 15/17
Béliveau dealt with various health problems later in life. He beat throat cancer in the early 2000s and had strokes in 2010 and 2012. On Dec. 2, 2014, he passed away. His body laid in state at the Bell Centre in Montreal and was televised nationwide. 🧵 16/17
I hope you enjoyed that look at the life of Jean Beliveau. If you enjoy my Canadian history content, you can support my work with a donation at 👇 www.buymeacoffee.com/craigu *sources in next post* 🧵 17/17
Sources: Canadian Encyclopedia: buff.ly/f5ClqfW Puckstruck: buff.ly/3UExuUA NHL: buff.ly/FdvYkwB Eric Zweig: buff.ly/7DOqrHX
