Former Premier Jacques Parizeau was laid to rest Tuesday in a state funeral.
A silver hearse pulled up to the Saint Germain church in Outremont, as pallbearers carried the former premier's coffin, draped in a Quebec flag, into the building.
Parizeau's family followed closely behind, his wife Lisette Lapointe struggling with each step.
“We will remember,” said Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard, who was on hand along with six of his predecessors: Pierre Marc Johnson, Daniel Johnson, Lucien Bouchard, Bernard Landry, Jean Charest and Pauline Marois.
Other political leaders included Pierre Karl Peladeau, and federal leaders Tom Mulcair and Justin Trudeau, along with former governor general Michaelle Jean.
Passionate, dedicated, determined and divisive, Parizeau lived his life unapologetically, securing his place in Quebec’s history.
Remembered by many as an outspoken sovereignist bent on Quebec’s independence,he devoted himself to building a modern Quebec. Even those who disagreed with his vision respected the man who fought for it.
“Obviously I had many disagreements with him, but I couldn't help but admire throughout his career his passion and his ferocious intellect, and that's the legacy we're seeing here today,” said Trudeau.
“A man of his stature who decided to serve the people, we have to respect that. He could have been a lot of things, but he decided to run and serve,” said Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre.
“He had an idea, and he stick to it, and that is rare these days in politics,” said Quebec City Mayor Regis Labeaume.
Parizeau was also remembered for his contributions to all Quebecers.
“If you're a woman living in Quebec today, if you have equity pay, it's thanks to him. If you have automatic alimony payments it's thanks to him,” said Rosemont MNA Jean-Francois Lisee.
In addition to the scores of dignitaries, there were 785 spots reserved for the public inside the church, and a crowd of several hundred watched the two-hour ceremony on a screen installed outside the church.
An official registry for condolences is available online here.
Parizeau had been in poor health for some time and underwent vascular surgery earlier this year before his death last Monday.
He was 84 years old.
