Montreal Canadiens icon Guy Lafleur, who captured five Stanley Cup titles and was a hockey hero in Quebec long before his NHL playing days passed away in April 2022 at the age of 70.
The cause of death was not immediately known. However, Guy Lafleur suffered through health issues in the latter stages of his life.
In September 2019, Guy Lafleur underwent quadruple bypass heart surgery, which was followed by lung surgery two months later.
Guy Lafleur was discharged from hospital three weeks after his bypass surgery, preparing mentally and psychologically for the lung operation that would follow when his strength permitted it, a minimum of two months
Then, in October of 2020, Guy Lafleur endured a recurrence of lung cancer.
Guy Lafleur was a heavy smoker but he smoked his last on Sept. 23, 2020, quitting a vice he’s had for longer than he can remember.
“That’s it, no more,” Guy Lafleur said. “I don’t miss it. Life is too short.”
Messages of good wishes poured in during his two rehabilitations, including notes from people whose lives have flourished after similar operations.