November 12, 2024 at 1:12 a.m.
By Luc Robert
Jérôme athlete Marc Saint-Pierre was received like a king at the Bell Center on Tuesday, November 5, on the sidelines of the match between the Calgary Flames and the Montreal Canadiens.
Thanks to the organization dream catcher and at the Rochon Group, Marc and his brother Éric were able to travel to Montreal by adapted transport, to allow him to attend a game of his favorite sport.
“I thank these two entities, in addition to the Canadians, Jonathan and Sébastien Huberdeau, for having had the chance to experience this magnificent evening. I was able to visit the Anciens Canadiens lounge, where Réjean Houle and Guy Carbonneau welcomed me. I came out with a signed cap. Two nice guys,” he praised.
Saint-Pierre also takes his hat off to Sylvain Deschênes, an acquaintance assigned to Bell Center security.
“Sylvain, a former RCMP police officer, took care of me upon arrival. It warmed my heart to see him again. He regularly came to present the discipline trophy at the Saint-Antoine atom tournament. Thanks to him, because I was able to see Huberdeau, Newhook and Savard warming up in the Bell Center garage. »
Sneaky disease
Still in his prime, Marc Saint-Pierre was approaching his 60th birthday, when amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) appeared. He and his wife Sylvie were quietly preparing for their retirement by settling in Hameaux du Boisé in Saint-Hippolyte, when ALS struck.
“We now live in a rental condo in Saint-Jérôme. The hardest part is that I am paralyzed from the shoulders down. At least I still have my sanity and morale is very good. I still watch football, hockey, golf, and of course baseball on TV. A lot of people visit me too. It keeps my thoughts positive. »
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease or Charcot’s disease. It is a degenerative disease, which affects the upper motor neurons. This neuromuscular disorder gradually affects the muscles, which weaken over the years.
Equipment manufacturer
Renowned referee, Marc Saint-Pierre has never had an equal for split into four in order to serve its customers, particularly at Hockey Experts in Saint-Jérôme and Rosemère.
“Yes…!” Give me a little time, I’ll make a few phone calls to find it for you,” equipment manufacturer Marc Saint-Pierre often said to a customer who arrived with a request that was almost impossible to find on the market. His extensive contacts and resourcefulness often allowed him to find THE latest item that an athlete had seen on the Internet or on TV.
“An exceptional man, he is loved and respected by all. Passionate about hockey for decades, he worked for the Rochon Sports group, Sports Experts, Atmosphere Place Rosemèreet Sports Experts, Atmosphere Saint-Jérômeuntil life decides otherwise,” he is described in a tribute on Facebook.
To finance its activities, a total of 1,000 bracelets were sold among the population. His work colleagues also raised money during their annual softball tournament to spoil him. He was able to experience a moving moment with Jonathan Huberdeau in Montreal.
“When I was younger, I refereed and even dressed for new equipment. He left me with excellent memories when he reconnected. I grew up admiring the French Connection of the Sabres, but it doesn’t matter: the Flames and the Canadiens did it in a big way by welcoming me,” he chuckled heartily.
Honored again
Marc Saint-Pierre will also reconnect with the Jérôme public on Sunday, November 24, during the opening ceremony of the 50th pee-wee tournament, where he volunteered.
“Alexandre Charbonneau and Guillaume Rochon contacted me. It’s good to see that I haven’t been forgotten. I take it day by day. Things are going well thanks to my partner Sylvie. We should be there,” finished the man who had no equal in influencing the decisions of umpires, in baseball as a catcher, by bringing the balls thrown outside towards the corners of the plate.
