Brian Mulroney: A Man Remembered
As light laughter filled the cathedral, Caroline Mulroney, daughter of former prime minister Brian Mulroney, began her eulogy. She regaled the crowd with memories of her father's humanity, ambitions, and the indelible mark he left on her life and career. “I miss you, daddy,” she concluded, after sharing a deeply personal anecdote about her father's final words to her mother.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau followed, commending Mulroney's service and leadership: “Of all the great things he accomplished, none brought him more pride and joy than the loving family he built.”
Interspersed between these eulogies were musical interludes, including a rendition of Frederic Weatherly's 'Danny Boy' by the international vocal group the Tenors.
Family members took turns sharing readings during the Catholic mass component of the service, and local religious leaders presented prayers. Elizabeth Theodora Lapham sang what she said was his favourite song, 'Mais qu'est-ce que j'ai?' Her rendition was met with a standing ovation.
A Fitting Farewell
The funeral concluded with the tolling of the carillon bells 18 times, reflective of his tenure as Canada's 18th prime minister, and a 19-gun salute conducted from the clock tower pier in the Old Port of Montreal.
According to a federal government official, the family has planned a private burial for the former prime minister following the funeral.
A Legacy of Leadership
The former prime minister, who died surrounded by family in February at age 84, left an unmistakable mark on the country. Born in 1939 to a working-class family in Baie-Comeau, Que., Mulroney worked behind the scenes in conservative politics for years before clinching the leadership of the Progressive Conservative Party in 1983. He went on to run a commanding 1984 federal campaign, winning a majority with the largest number of seats in Canadian history.
As Canada's 18th prime minister, Mulroney embarked on an at-times stormy prime ministership that in nine years both strengthened and tested the country.
He took Canada on a forced march through two major efforts to bring Quebec into the constitutional fold, secured the Acid Rain Accord among numerous other environmental initiatives, and introduced the reviled Goods and Services Tax (GST).
On the international stage, Mulroney gave Canada a new sense of respect and presence. He rallied countries against apartheid and built stronger trade ties with the United States.
Though, as a weary country drifted into a recession, Mulroney's polling numbers plummeted to a historic low. In 1993 he declared that the time had come “for me to step aside,” after doing his “very best” for his country, handing the reins over to Kim Campbell a few months later.
After navigating some post-politics reputational turmoil, Mulroney went on to cement himself as a trusted adviser to his political successors both Conservative and Liberal, leading prominent Canadians and elected officials of all stripes to remember him as a formidable leader, who never hesitated to pick up the phone.
Brian Mulroney, the passionate and ambitious politician, businessman, husband, father, and grandfather, left an unmistakable mark on the country he loved.
