Guy Lafleur was a people guy. That’s why people loved him and always will.
The man was unassuming. He was easy to approach. He never said no to someone who wanted his autograph or to be photographed by his side.
Pleasing children was sacred to him. He always took the time to stop for them. There was no question of disappointing them.
March 30, 1991 – Ovation for Guy Lafleur during his last game at the Forum in a Nordiques uniform. Archives / Le Journal de Montreal
Guy Lafleur during his years with Le Canadien Bruce Bennett Studios via Getty Images
Guy Lafleur André Toto Gingras THE MONTREAL JOURNAL/QMI AGENCY
The Canadian Hockey Club presents the recipients of the Guy-Lafleur Excellence and Merit Awards for 2017-2018 CHANTAL POIRIER / LE JOURNAL DE MONTREAL
Guy Lafleur during the last game of his farewell tour at the Bell Center on Sunday December 5, 2010. Sébastien St-Jean / 24Heures / QMI Agency
September 11, 1971 – On the eve of his first training camp with the Montreal Canadiens, for the first time Guy Lafleur took the opportunity to skate on the Forum ice rink. In the photo he is with Jean Béliveau. Archives / Le Journal de Montreal
Autographed photo of Guy Lafleur in his Quebec Remparts uniform Courtesy
Guy Lafleur as part of the evening for the retirement of Guy Lafleur’s number 4 at the Slush Puppie Center in Gatineau on Wednesday, September 29, 2021 MARTIN CHEVALIER / LE JOURNAL DE MONTREAL
Guy Lafleur and his banner as part of the evening for the retirement of Guy Lafleur’s number 4 at the Slush Puppie Center in Gatineau on Wednesday, September 29, 2021 MARTIN CHEVALIER / LE JOURNAL DE MONTREAL
Guy Lafleur’s last game with the Quebec Nordiques, in Montreal on March 30, 1991 Archives / Le Journal de Montreal
Sculpture by Guy Lafleur in bronze Archives / Le Journal de Montreal
Guy Lafleur, Pee-Wee Quebec Pee-Wee Tournament Collection, Modern Photo Fund
Guy Lafleur, Pee-Wee Quebec Pee-Wee Tournament Collection, Modern Photo Fund
Guy Lafleur and the Art Ross, Conn Smythe and Lester B. Pearson trophies, Montreal Forum, 1976 Denis Brodeur/NHLI via Getty Images
Guy Lafleur, then a member of Team Canada, signs autographs during practice for the Canada Cup, Montreal 1976 Denis Brodeur/NHLI via Getty Images
Guy Lafleur and goaltender Murray Bannerman #30 of the Chicago Blackhawks, Montreal Forum 1980 Denis Brodeur/NHLI via Getty Images
Guy Lafleur and goaltender Mike Palmateer of the Toronto Maple Leafs Dick Darrell/Toronto Star via Getty Images
March 7, 1975 – Guy Lafleur becomes the first player in Canadiens history to reach 100 points in a single season in an 8-4 win over the Washington Capitals Archives / Le Journal de Montreal
Guy Lafleur on the bench during Game 3 against the Boston Bruins, Boston Gardens, 1977 Dick Raphael/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images
Announcement of Guy Lafleur’s first retirement The Archives / The Journal of Montreal
The QMJHL retires Guy Lafleur’s number 4 at the Videotron Center in Quebec, Thursday October 28, 2021 STEVENS LEBLANC / JOURNAL DE QUEBEC / QMI AGENCY
Lafleur was just as popular with stars from home and abroad. They appreciated its simplicity.
He was the idol of several Quebec players who followed him in the National Hockey League, starting with Mario Lemieux.
Journalists loved him for his outspokenness, frankness and honesty. There was never a gray area with him.
He was an authentic being.
