(Montreal) Brian Mulroney’s three sons say there is no doubt their father would have been delighted by the public tributes paid this week in his honor by his family.
On Friday, for a fourth consecutive day, Ben, Mark and Nicolas Mulroney stood alongside their mother Mila, their sister Caroline and other family members to welcome the constant stream of people who came to pay their respects to the 18e Prime Minister of Canada.
Brian Mulroney died on February 29, in Florida, at the age of 84 — he would have been 85 last Wednesday.
Mr. Mulroney’s remains lie in state on Friday for a second and final day in state at St. Patrick’s Basilica in Montreal, after being in state for two days in Ottawa, where he received a visit from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, other dignitaries and hundreds of citizens.
PHOTO SEAN KILPATRICK, THE CANADIAN PRESS
Several people lined up Friday to pay tribute to the former prime minister.
Nearly every visitor over the past four days — dignitaries and citizens — has been greeted by the Mulroney family with a handshake, a hug and a thank you or a brief conversation.
In an interview at church Thursday with his two brothers, Mark Mulroney said the decision to spend four long days greeting people in this way came from a desire to support their mother, who did not want to leave her late husband.
“My mother heard that there were people waiting out in the cold and she said, ‘Well, I’d like to greet them,’ and it happened that way, organically,” he said. -he declares. Mark spoke of his mother as the “pillar” of the family. “She’s so strong,” despite the pain.
PHOTO SEAN KILPATRICK, THE CANADIAN PRESS
Quebec Finance Minister Eric Girard speaks with Brian Mulroney’s widow, Mila.
Although it is difficult to grieve in public like this, these funeral ceremonies brought the family even closer together, he emphasizes. And Brian Mulroney “would have loved it.” He’s smiling right now.”
“People come and tell his sons how great he was? He would have liked that! », added Ben Mulroney, triggering knowing laughter from his two brothers.
PHOTO SEAN KILPATRICK, THE CANADIAN PRESS
“One thing that really stands out right now is that we can be together as a family through this,” Mark added.
Exhausting, but galvanizing
PHOTO ADRIAN WYLD, THE CANADIAN PRESS
Nicolas Mulrone and his wife Katy Mulroney
Nicolas Mulroney said it was an emotional week, yes, but he and his brothers felt energized after hearing from so many Canadians about the impact their father had on their lives.
“I was telling people that since his passing, his legacy has given me a superpower,” Nicolas said. Even though grief comes in waves, what I have experienced personally, through the people who have walked through the door, has been absolutely powerful and I will be forever grateful. »
Brian Mulroney left behind an important legacy as Prime Minister from 1984 to 1993. We often recall his attempt to see Quebec reintegrated “with honor and enthusiasm” into the Canadian Constitution, the Free Trade Agreement. North American trade, the fight against apartheid in South Africa, the 1991 acid rain agreement and the introduction of the goods and services tax.
Over the past week, the Mulroneys have heard many stories about the man and they have their own thoughts on the legacy he leaves. Mark, for his part, hopes his dad will inspire more people to consider a career in public life.
My father spoke all the time to all the politicians from all parties, he was there for everyone, he recalled. When people watch this, I think they should know what a noble calling this was and how much he gave of himself for this work.
Mark Mulroney
Nicolas, for his part, believes that his father’s example shows that “Canada is a place where the possible can be achieved.”
“Just because you started as a poor boy on the North Shore in Baie-Comeau doesn’t mean that’s where you’re going to end up,” he said. And he worked very hard. And Canada is a great country and he showed exactly what can be done in this country. »
A state funeral will be celebrated Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Notre-Dame Basilica in Old Montreal. Eulogies are to be delivered by Caroline Mulroney as well as Justin Trudeau, Pierre Karl Péladeau, Jean Charest, Wayne Gretzky and James Baker, former US secretary of state.
Ben Mulroney noted that this funeral will bring together a representative sample of people who knew his father in politics, in the business world and in his personal life. There will be music and, he hopes, funny and human moments to help hold back the tears.
“You’re also going to see 16 grandchildren running around,” he warned.