Former prime minister Brian Mulroney remembered in state funeral

Key Canadian figures gathered in Montreal on Saturday to pay tribute to former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, hailing him as a pillar of modern-day Canada.

Church bells chimed 84 times before the service began, marking each year of Mulroney’s life.

The service was followed by an additional 18 times for Canada’s 18th Prime Minister.

The political figure’s eulogizers represented a diverse cross-section of Canadian society, from current Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to hockey great Wayne Gretskey.

During his speech, Gretskey expressed his pride at seeing past and present political leaders united in his remembrance.

“That’s what our country is all about,” the Great One said. “Coming together, being friendly, helping other people and paying respects.”

Many paid tribute to his love for his family, including his four children and 16 grandchildren.

Mulroney was Canada’s 18th prime minister, holding the position from 1984 to 1993 and leading the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada.

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He was instrumental in the establishment of the North American Free Trade Agreement, a landmark economic and trade liberalization agreement between Canada, the U.S. and Mexico.

He will also be remembered for his failed attempt to add Quebec’s consent to the constitution through the Meech Lake Accords.

Mulroney was involved in business after stepping away from politics at the end of his second term. His connection to American leaders developed during his time in office and continued in his later years.

In 2004, he delivered a eulogy at the funeral for former U.S. president Ronald Reagan, and in 2018 he did the same for George H.W. Bush.

The funeral concluded with a 19-gun salute in Montreal’s Old Port, ahead of a private family burial in Montreal.

Mulroney passed on Feb. 29 at the age of 84.