I found myself passionately recounting to new friends what the man did for our nation over his many years in power, explaining that he was more than a Prime Minister, that he was a visionary who helped guide our nation to greatness. Los Angelinos had a hard time understanding that a politician could do anything but lie and sell the people out to big business. – Jonathan Sprung Los Angeles, CA

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Waiting at the Gates
One Final Farewell
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Archived Letters

Your responses:

Damn that hurts.

And I was still betting on another comeback.

Steve Purcell
Lyon, France
Canadian abroad

The themes are universal as mankind is pulled onto the shoulders of giants.

Let Tuesday's Cathedral bells proclaim the passing of such a man.

Andy Palchak
Kalispell, Montana

Sincerely,
Anthony Fenton

Our heartfelt condolences to each of you during this time of grief too difficult to express. Pierre Elliot Trudeau was a giant among men with his keen mind, love of family, love of his beloved Canada, and fairness to all peoples. We, also, are deeply saddened by his passing, his loss will be felt for a very long time.

Though US born, both my parents were French Canadian, and I inherited a strong attachment to Canada and it's people. My awareness of this great land coincided with the time Mr. Trudeau was Prime Minister, my growing up years. I followed his career intently, though news from Canada was quite scarce (I'm ashamed to say) in American media. Now, thanks to our computer, and a Canadian link on our satellite system, we've been able to witness Pierre Trudeau's funeral and the outpouring of love for him, from Canadians, from one end of your country to the other. Even in your sadness you must be very proud.

In closing I'll simply add that having lived during his life time has been a privilete.

Rita L. Couture
Portland, Oregon, USA

Howard Stidwill
St. Charles, Il

I suspect his constitutional legacy, in the form of Quebec's abiding "non placet" to his settlement, will be with Canadians for generations to come. His insistence on rewriting the BNA struck me as a violation of the most basic of all political laws, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." But the problem of Quebec and the Constitution may be part of the paradox of Quebec in Canada, which is to say the paradox of Canada: why does it work? The sensible reply of these leaders (Laurier and now Trudeau) of Canada, who were opposed by none so fiercely as some of their fellow habitants, was to ask, does it matter why Canada works? It does, let's keep it working. As an American I can only look on and marvel.

I was watching him, standing in front of what appeared to me to be the walls of Vieux Quebec, near the National Assembly, in 1970, invoking martial law. He wasn't kidding. It was scary. UnCanadian, even, but then so is terrorism; and you don't seem to have had any since then. This too must be partly credited to Pierre Trudeau.

I think if you could ask him in 50 years, or a hundred, if it was worth it, he would ask, "Is Canada strong, united, and free, a just society for its people?... That's all I wanted."

Kiva Offenholley
Brooklyn, NY
USA

(PS – Plus maybe a spot on the $20 note? Whaddaya say, guys?)

Trudeau's death has changed that. It made me remember how much fun, or at the very least intense, it was to be Canadian in the 70s and early 80s. Trudeau made my life difficult: he insisted I learn French. He insisted that I make an attempt to understand other Canadians like those in the West, who seemed so odd, and those in the East, who seemed just as odd. In the schools of his Canada, we were told it was good to wonder about other cultures, other peoples; that difference was not a bad thing but made the world – and our country – interesting. I ventured to Quebec for schooling because of him. I traveled around the world and studied China; after all, once one learns a second language, a third and fourth language is that much easier. I even went to Harvard because I had been taught to question my prejudices about others – even Americans – no matter how true they appeared to be. And I rejected the chance to become American in order to come back to Canada - and even live in the Weird Wild West – because I seemed to remember that Canadians believed in these values.

Trudeau's passing, and the commentaries and tributes that have poured out from Canadians, has reassured me that some people still do. But we are complacent: we have all forgotten what life was like before Trudeau – how turgid Quebec was before the Quiet Revolution, how racist and viciously White the entire country was, the intense power of the church in politics, and how all-powerful the rich were – and how hard Trudeau and all the rest of them had to work to open things up and allow for significant social change. I sincerely hope that these memories of Trudeau and his era will urge all of us to begin working again for a more just society, not a society that eschews change, fears difference, and worships the wealthy.

Merci, Pierre, for once again reminding me of why I should remain a Canadian.

Yours,
Erika Evasdottir
Vancouver, BC

Jonathan Sprung
Los Angeles, CA

Growing up under his leadership has meant that a tremendous pride in my Canada is, and always will be, a huge part of my life. I have lived in the United States since 1979 and anyone who knows me well understands that for me to be Canadian is an honour and privilege, not to be taken lightly. I feel very alone in this large country that has such world renown. I know that there are very few people from the U.S. who could possibly feel such a strong tie to an era such as the Trudeau era in Canada. I count it a blessing to have grown up in a country that, at that time, felt such incredible unity mainly due to the charismatic prime minister who captured our hearts. Thanks to you, Pierre Elliot Trudeau. The name itself conjures up my vision of Canada. God bless the family with peace at this time.

Natalie Garcia
Reno, Nevada
U.S.A.

I have watched all of the CBC coverage of the death of Pierre Elliott Trudeau, which has been excellent.

I have noted that, probably as it should be, there has been no program that I have seen where Americans could express their views. Growing up in Detroit, in a family where my father left England and lived in Canada before coming to the United States, we were always almost more in tuned with Canadian politics that American.

From the day Mr. Trudeau appeared on the political scene that I remembered, I admired him immensely, in many ways he reminded me of John F. Kennedy, so bright, so intelligent and with a wonderful wit and sense of purpose and humor.

I have truly mourned his death this past few days, and know that Canada has lost a great leader. As a world, we seem to have lost the capacity to have great statesmen lead our countries to truly better standards for humanity.

Sincerely,
Judith Morris
Port Huron, MI

Just a side note, my son's middle name is Elliott.

Nancy Elop
Alamo, California

I'm a Canadian at heart and I'm visiting my homeland (Nicaragua) and want to let you know that because M. Trudeau's leadership was known worldwide, I have decided to write an article in a local newspaper (El Nuevo Diario) which will be published sometime this week.

My heart goes to his family and friends and to all Canadians. I'm sure M. Trudeau's legacy will remain with us all for ever.

Cecilia Avendana
Nicaragua

We have lost a great man, a great leader and a hero.

Thank you Mr. Trudeau

Rest in peace
Christopher Pariaug
Gaborone, Botswana

He was a Canadian icon. A maverick of Canadian history. On this sad October day, my thoughts are with Canada.

Theresa L. Boychuck
Canadian
Republic of Mauritius

"Canadian charm?" I said. "There's no such thing as Canadian charm, just charming Canadians."

Then, without hesitation, another member of the party remarked, "You mean like Pierre Trudeau?"

Canadian charm – there was, until this week, such a thing.

Alex Churchill
London, United Kingdom

G.B. Adams
New River, Arizona

I was never able to vote for Monsieur Trudeau, but I certainly enjoyed being his neighbor. Adieu, Monsieur Trudeau. May you rest in peace knowing that the you have made a difference in our society.

Thomas Ham
Potsdam, NY

He helped to free some of the hostages in the Iranian crisis of 1979-80;

He withdrew the Olympic team from the Moscow Summer games in 1980;

He sometimes told Ronald Reagan a few things Reagan did not want to hear.

He stood tall.
He still does.

Jon B.
Houston, TX, USA

Charles Allen
Redford, MI

Bob Byrch
Tampa, Florida

I knew right away. All he had to say was "Pierre." I burst into tears that wouldn't stop. I felt like my father had died. In a way he did. Trudeau was the father of the Canadian Constitution. He was the only P.M. I knew for the first 11 years of my life. I am so proud that I am Canadian. Love him or hate him, there is no denying that Canada is stronger because of him. In our hearts and abroad.

I only wish I was in Toronto now so I could share my grief. When I tried to explain how I felt about Trudeau, my American friends looked at me in a strange way and said "A politician was one of your heroes?". How do you explain that? He was unique. Canada is unique. It was a perfect fit.

I'll miss you Pierre,
Tamera Kremer

Where did I begin to have such proudness and belief in Canada? This question has always been asked of me and I always attributed it to my parents. They are and have been proud of their country and living in Montreal for some 78 years. Trudeau was part of that equation though. At a time in Canada and Quebec, where it would have been easy for us to roll over, Trudeau fought for Canadian unity and for all people who lived there. It didn't seem to matter who or where you came from, he recognized us all as Canadians and brought us security, imagination and and rights. To be proud of the true north, strong and free.

My condolences to his family and his friends. He was special and made it his life to make a difference in his country and the world.

Missing Canada and it's grief,
Lorraine Duclos
Los Angeles, CA

Bon chance, Canada!

Mike Hudecki
Buffalo, New York

When I first read of his illness and ultimately his death by way of CBC on the Internet, tears were streaming down my face and they were on the faces of many citizens over these past few days. It matters not how far you are from your homeland at times such as these, you still feel the sadness in your heart and soul.

Adios to an honourable and well respected Canadian. May he rest in peace.

Maureen Griffin,
Oaxaca, Mexico

Heather Waye
Corvallis, Oregon

I wasn't alive for most of the Trudeaumania days, but this man's vision for a truly equal, bilingual nation, has greatly influenced my life. My parents believed in Former Prime Minister Trudeau's vision of a bilingual nation. They saw the advantages of becoming bilingual in Canada and therefore put me into a French Immersion program as a child. As a teenager, I went to a francophone school in Penetanguishene, Ontario and learned first hand about the unique differences that exist between the English and French cultures in Canada. As a young adult, I attended Glendon College, York University's bilingual campus, and I learned about the advantages a bilingual person has living in Canada. Now, as an adult living in Europe, I am proud that I worked hard to adopt two "native" languages because I understand how important this is being overseas. As my parent's passed Trudeau's dream down to me, I will pass his legacy onto my future children. Others may not know much about Canada, but they do know that it is large, it is peaceful, it is beautiful, it is multicultural, its' citizens are friendly and that it is both French and English. Thank you, Pierre Elliott Trudeau, for reminding me how proud I am to be a citizen of a country that is bilingual, of a country that values differences, of a country that respects democracy, of a country that solves its' problems peacefully, of a country that has visions for its citizens and of a country that is so highly regarded on the international scene. Thank you for fighting for what you believed in.

Once again, Former Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau is bringing Canadians from coast to coast and around the world together. We are all reminded of his years in office, of his commitment to federalism, and of his strong belief in Canada. May his legacy continue to remain in the hearts of Canadians around the world and may others continue to work hard to keep this great land together.

From a Canadian (not an ex-patriat!)
Erinn Clark
Germany

He had a charm and an alluring knack of bringing politics to all ages and growing up in Ottawa throughout the 60's & 70's, I can attest to the profound, honest interest of our country and life in general, he installed in young Canadians of that era.

Sincerely,
Judi Johnston

New Zealand

Sandra Friesen
Germany

As a teenager growing up in his Canada, I came to believe that Pierre Trudeau's vision of a bilingual and multicultural state was the correct one. Forsaking family Conservative traditions running back to 1763, as long as our family has been in Canada, I joined the Liberal party because of him. (After all, the Tories had fought his vision of a new Canada, the flag, bilingualism, constitutional reform etc. True too, they had cut up the Avro CF-105 Arrow.)

As a Young Liberal, and later as a national advanced technology policy chair, there were a number of opportunities to meet him, most memorably in small-group situations.

However, the signature moments for me were:

-when he declared War Measures and official Ottawa was in a state of slow-motion shock, like the feeling you get when a car accident begins to occur - a sort of gray area between peace and war - all night, army trucks from Petawawa rumbled past our home on Highway 17 and the next day the Britannia Drive-In was an army camp;

-when, in the middle of the FLQ crisis, my highschool teacher Mr.Murphy said he hoped they boys in our class were getting their fair share of sex because soon they might be roaring around the Gatineau Hills on their snowmobiles, shooting at anything that moves.... Trudeau showed me that I could look at my French-Canadian compatriot as equal and that learning his language was a mark of basic respect - and a very small price to pay for helping to keep our country together;

-how steadfastly he balanced the force of arms and the need to preserve our parliamentarydemocracy; in the face of much criticism he handled the FLQ crisis superbly;

-first meeting him at a Liberal convention and later at a think-tank conference when my wife asked him if he wanted to meet a young liberal (our one-year-old boy) whom he came over, peered at and tickled - he then said "Very young indeed...", all captured by a Kingston Whig Standard photographer who kindly sent us a photograph;

-the chance to have a very long (and personal) talk with him after a Liberal meeting at Harrington Lake;

-his address to the U.S. Congress when he explained what his policies were really all about;

-his fiery remarks during the first Quebec referendum about not letting people tear down and take away our Canada and that NO would be our answer;

-his first comment to a packed hall at the Chateau Laurier after just winning the surprise election of 1980: "Well....welcome to the 1980's..."

-Liberal Party President Iona Campagnolo's first reaction when he announced his retirement on Leap Year Day in 1984...."We should have known..."; and

-the tribute night for him at the 1984 Leadership convention - when time almost seemed to stand still.

Trudeau, unquestionably, was the greatest Canadian of the 20th Century and one of the most brilliant players on the international stage of his era. His imprint on Canada touches everyone of my generation.

While the subsequent decline of the Liberal Party caused me to terminate my involvement in 1987, my extremely high regard for Pierre Elliott Trudeau as a political leader and as the saviour of our country in the second half of the 20th Century will never diminish.

Dan Perley
Canadian businessman
San Jose, California

Please accept my heartfelt condolences and prayers on the loss of your father. He has been a remarkable leader, and has had great influence on many people. Thank you for sharing him with us. Grief is difficult and public grief even more so.

As an American, I would like to express condolences to the Canadian people. It is a great loss for Canada and the world.

I receive e-mail news updates from the office of the current Prime Minister and this is how I learned of the sad news last Thursday. I literally tripped getting to the TV to get news coverage from CBC Windsor 9. I'm in the slow process of learning French, owing in no small part to Monsieur Trudeau's influence.

Deanna Tucker
Lake Orion, Michigan

The Canada that Mr. Trudeau leaves behind--warts and all--is the purest form of North American democracy: a multicultural, multilingual, multifaceted society that takes care of its own and cares deeply for the needs of others. The strong commitment to environmental responsibility, the commitment to recognize all cultures equally underneath the Maple Leaf and so many contributions assure his place in history. More than that, he spoke his mind. I haven't sufficient words to describe how refreshing that is, particularly given the brand of politics we have in the US. The policies enacted during his ministries are among the chief reasons I wish to become a Canadian.

Vive l'ésprit et les idées de M. Trudeau!

Ian Crawford
Eugene, Oregon

Thirty-two years later my wife and I are mourning his passing in Tokyo, Japan. In many ways, we represent the legacy of Mr. Trudeau's vision of Canada. Born in Halifax, I am of English, Scottish and German ancestry; born in Trinidad & Tobago, my wife is of East Indian ancestry. Our children attended French immersion schools in New Brunswick, Japanese public schools in Tokyo, and the American School in Japan in Tokyo. They are multi-lingual and multi-cultural. I wonder if all this would have transpired if Mr. Trudeau had not been Prime Minister at a critical time in our lives and challenged our generation to realise a new vision of Canada. Colleagues here from many countries speak of their admiration for Mr. Trudeau. He gave Canada a presence around the world and reasons to be proud to be Canadian. We will not see his like again.

My family and I extend our deepest condolences to Mr. Trudeau's family and to our fellow Canadians at home and abroad who are mourning his passing.

David W. Rackham, Ph.D.
Tokyo, Japan

Kim Lamorie
Los Angeles, California

Sam Mokbel
San Jose, California

Suzanne Trudeau
Portsmouth, England

Christopher Heller
Prague, Czech Republic

D.D. Gray
Budapest, Hungary

Reading of Trudeau's passing has effected me instantly. The giant in Canadian politics. The quintessential Canadian. How does one define being Canadian? It gets clearer the longer you are away:

1) You can at least partially speak french.
2) You have no fear of getting seriously ill and not getting medical attention
3) You can be sure that you will be paying a lot of taxes
4) You can view the beautiful flag of Canada and feel safe.
5) You can make love in a canoe
All of the above (probably even #5) have been creations of Trudeau. Indeed, as bad as most Canadian's knowledge of Canadian history is, EVERYONE can easily recite who Trudeau is.

To say his passing saddens me is not powerful enough. Canada just won't feel the same when I get back.

Moe Haliska
Puebla, Mexico

The news of Mr. Trudeau's passing has caused me to reflect on my childhood growing up in Canada, during which time Mr. Trudeau was PM. I will always remember him fondly. I did not always agree with his policies but respected him for his intellect and his life's work on behalf of the people of Canada.

Howard Bennett
San Jose, CA

I would like to take this time in expressing my condolances. I hope God will comfort all of you in the loss. Mr. Trudeau, looking from a view of an American living here in Detroit with relatives and friends in Canada, was a giant and even in his passing is still a giant.

He was a man of integrity, compassion, valor, a true leader, as well as a great statesman.

When I heard of Mr. Trudeau's decline in health and then of his passing, I was moved. However, I think all of us at this time should continue with the achievements of a strong nation as well as striving to be a better, stronger, as well as a more responsible society. As an American who followed Canadian current events along with the events here in the United States, Mr. Trudeau will walk among the greatest and history will give him an outstanding review of how a nation should be united as well as strong and inclusive to its people. Thank you, Mr. Trudeau, for giving history a chapter of honor and dignity.

Respectfully,
Arthur John Boyko
Detroit, MI. USA

Well, we did not, but did go inside and both my ex-husband and I saw him. It was the thrill of our lives!

To describe Pierre Elliot Trudeau; he was a giant, an intellect, and very charasmatic. Not only did Canadians have a love affair with Mr. Trudeau, but, there are alot of Americans who love him, too. Trudeaumania will always be remembered!

Gail Bodner

My sympathies to you, the Canadian people and to his family, on the loss of this great man. You were lucky to have someone of such vigor and passion serve you for so long. He spoke the truth and he wasn't afraid to thumb his nose at those who wanted to divide your land. I loved how he even stood up to the American government. He was indeed the right man at the right time to see you through heady and difficult moments in your history. Every country should be so fortunate. Do hope you teach future generations of his worth to you – and the world.

B. Borton
Toledo, OH USA

In our formative years we had such a wonderful example in action. We are all better for him in our lives and our country is richly blessed.

My prayers are for his family especially his surviving sons and young daughter.

Catherine MacDonald
Germantown TN

Even though that dream is not shared by all, it defines us all as Canadians. It is a year now since I have left Quebec to live in the United States. I long for Pierre Trudeau's vision of Canada to come to fruition. I'd be back. Until then "Fuddle Duddle."

Au revoir mon ami, what a sad day
Cynthia M. Francis
born Montreal, Quebec (Boston, Mass.)

Russell Clampitt
Long Beach, California.

Derek
Florida

He was Primeminister from the time I was 4 years old until I was 20 years old. I consider myself among a generation who consider themselves as Canadians first rather than as a regional entity (ie. Albertan, Bluenoser, etc.) It was Trudeau who was instrumental in bringing together Canada in an idealogical sense.

Thank you to the man who inspired us all and made us proud to be Canadian.

Carla Coffey
United Kingdom

Ron Brown
Melrose, MA USA

As a Canadian growing up in the States, the Prime Minister was a source of pride and my example of what was Canada. I can still picture the image of him canoeing somewhere in the interior, paddling along a coup sur like a Voyageur, with that intense look of knowing where he was taking us (and with a gleam in his eyes to let us know it would be fun!).

Au revoir Monsieur Prime Minister. Gardez la foi

Ed Adamick
Seattle, WA

What contradictions in Trudeau's legacy: the great libertarian who decriminalized homosexuality and abortion, who brought in the Charter, and yet the politician who sent in the army to Montreal, where I was a child of ten at the time. The great enemy of Quebec sovereignty, the creator of official bilingualism, and yet the opponent of Meech Lake. The tender father and the incredibly arrogant statesman. The private man given to flamboyant gestures.

He touched my life directly when my family and I moved to Ontario after the October crisis. And later, when I was trudging through that snowstorm in Ottawa to visit my dying mother, he was walking in the snow deciding to leave. My mother died that same day he resigned for good, 20 February 1984. And later, when I was the lone French graduate student in a PhD program in politics, I found myself explaining the French fact over and over again through Mulroney's constitutional problems. I was asked what the French wanted in part because Trudeau had been there so long.

Laure Paquette
Rutgers University, New Jersey

I live here in Indiana now with my American husband. I know that when I go to work today, people will wish me sincere condolences. Some will even take time to reflect on their own impression of Trudeau. We will probably get into a rousing debate on Canadian-American relationships, similarities and differences.

How sad yet how wonderful a time it is now! Though Trudeau the man is now gone, his bright star still shines for us to see. How long it will shine for us in the years to come, depends on how true we hold to the vision he gave us.

I will always be proud to say that I came from Canada.

Debbie Rewcastle Van Wyck
Indianapolis Indiana

As a Canadian living in the Netherlands, I am greatly saddened by the death of Pierre Elliott Trudeau, who is a symbol of a united and proud Canada. He made us sit on the edge of our seats and gave it as good as he got.

Jodi West
The Netherlands

Regards,
Austin Brooks
London, England

He stands as a symbol to me of what it means to be Canadian. A proud, caring, articulate human being who cares enough about others to face the world and say "I will make a difference!" I will always remember his style, passion, patriotism and wit. He was an incredible man, and a national treasure. My heart goes out to his family, and to my country at this time of great loss.

Bradley Votour
Seoul, Korea

Sincerely,
Anthony Fenton
Japan

He was my hero, beautifully bilingual, intelligent, magnetic and independent. Every young housewife in our neighborhood was in love with him. The day he came to our shopping center in Pointe Claire, Que., we all herded our children there early in the day. He was about two feet from me and I stretched out my hand (while holding on to my two year old), and he looked directly into my eyes and put out his hand to mine, but the crowd pulled us apart and I never got to touch him. But in my heart I did, and my heart is sad today so many years later, I will never forget him.

Mary L MacNeill
Connecticut

Nancy Meek-Klem
A Canadian living in Northville, Michigan