Pierre Rinfret is no more. The radio host, well known for his controversial opinions and his oratorical flights, died of lung cancer at the age of 72.
Posted at 11:28
The news was confirmed Friday morning by the Montreal radio station 91.9 Sports, where Rinfret had worked since 2015. Even seriously ill, the host had also insisted on being behind the microphone until last winter.
“He had his lung removed this winter and then he still wanted to come and host his show on the weekend, until February, explained Yves Bombardier, director of programming at 91.9 Sports. What I will remember from Pierre is his rigour, his personality, his passion for radio… Radio was his universe. »
Over the years, Pierre Rinfret has made himself known to sports fans across the province, including on TVA and CKAC. He used to stir up passions on the old show 110% on the airwaves of TQS during the 2000s, where it was not uncommon to see him lose his temper on the set.
At the end of the 1990s, he was hired as a reporter for Canadian games on the radio, along with Michel Bergeron, who acted as an analyst alongside him.
“It was on the radio that we met, said Bergeron Friday morning. In the description of the Canadian matches, we traveled together and we always played backgammon on the club’s plane when we had the chance.
“Pierre was a specimen. It was a phenomenon. You could give him the microphone and he would go, he could describe anything. He described baseball games, football games with the Alouettes, and then those of the Canadiens. He was a real pro, but he could be very exuberant. Let’s say that when he arrived somewhere, everyone knew it! He left no one indifferent. »
The news of Pierre Rinfret’s death did not take the former Nordiques coach by surprise, who knew his friend was very afflicted by the disease.
“I went to see him last week, he was in palliative care and I was well aware of his condition, added Michel Bergeron. It’s unfortunate, and it’s another character from the world of sport who leaves us. »
In addition, the Canadian wanted to pay tribute to his former descriptor. “The Montreal Canadiens organization wishes to offer its most sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Pierre Rinfret. Pierre had an illustrious career spanning more than 50 years in the sports media landscape in Quebec. In addition to having worked as a reporter for Canadiens games on TVA television, he left his mark, notably on CKAC radio and more recently with our friends at 91.9 Sports. Our thoughts are with you in these difficult times. »