Sports presenter and commentator Paul Houde has died following complications related to an operation earlier this week. He was 69 years old.
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His sister Johanne and his brother Pierre confirmed the news via publications on social networks on Saturday.
“It is with a broken heart that I must announce the death of my beloved brother Paul,” writes his brother, Pierre Houde, in a message published on Saturday morning March 2, around 5:00.”
It was following complications from major surgery he underwent this week to remove a mass from his brain that he died.
“Unfortunately, his heart stopped suddenly following complications,” his sister Johanne wrote on Facebook.
He was forced to leave the show at the end of October Morning club which he hosted on the airwaves of BPM Sports, but always made appearances on the radio until very recently.
The famous sports commentator is survived by his wife, his two children and his grandson.
A busy career
Born in Montreal in 1954, Paul Houde had a long and successful career in the Quebec media, notably as a sports commentator.
He began his career in 1975 on radio at CKAC 730 and has since made numerous on-air appearances in different media.
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Over the years, he has described numerous major sporting events on television such as the Superbowl, the Olympic Games and the Pan American Games on TVA, TQS and Radio-Canada, among others.
JOEL LEMAY/AGENCE QMI
Paul Houde was also an analyst during Canadiens hockey matches on TVA Sports.
He also hosted and co-hosted several television games such as Lingo and Le Cercle in addition to playing the character of goalkeeper Fernand on the big screen in the legendary film series Les Boys.
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He was known for having an exceptional memory for sports statistics and for his excellent general knowledge.
Many reactions
Following the announcement of his death, many people paid tribute to him on social networks, including several personalities from the world of politics, sports and the media.
The Prime Minister of Quebec, François Legault, paid tribute to him in a publication on X.
“What a nice man in public and private,” he wrote.
The Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, also sent his condolences to his loved ones via a post on social media.
“With his great wisdom, his inexhaustible talents and his authentic kindness, Paul Houde was adored by many,” he maintains. His passing is a huge loss.”
The Montreal Canadiens also reacted to the news.
“Being above all a man of exceptional quality, Paul was a monument to the world of media in Quebec,” writes the organization on X.