Rocket's funeral ends with tears
Maurice "Rocket" Richard has been remembered as an intense man who was passionate about his values and convictions.
- For more on Maurice Richard's life and career, visit "Remembering the Rocket."
- Listen to former Montreal Canadien Elmer Lach reminisce about his years on the "punch line" with the Rocket.
- Listen to former Montreal Canadien Dickie Moore and former referee Red Storey tell their stories about the Rocket.
- David Gutnick reports on what the Richard riot meant to Quebecers.
During his homily, Jean-Claude Cardinal Turcotte talked about the famous quote ''the eyes are the window to the soul'' and said we will never forget the look in Richard's eyes.
Turcotte also mentioned the fact that Richard liked to fish and said the Rocket won't be bored in heaven because there are apostles there who are excellent fishermen.
He ended by saying ''happy fishing'' -- which prompted a thunderous standing ovation from the hundreds of mourners inside Montreal's Notre-Dame Basilica and the thousands watching outside on a huge television screen.
The hockey hero's granddaughter read from the gospel, wiping away tears at the lectern.
Mourners in the historic church in old Montreal included Prime Minister Jean Chretien, Quebec Premier Lucien Bouchard and former prime minister Brian Mulroney.
Earlier, fans three and four deep had lined St. Catherine Street as the cortege carrying Richard's casket made its way to the church.
They broke into applause when the coffin was taken from the hearse toward the church. Richard died Saturday of abdominal cancer at the age of 78.