On a felt the warmth of spring Saturday morning on Mount Royal. At Ménick, a well-known barbershop on Masson Street, life continued as usual. The owner, who looks remarkably youthful at nearly 85, greeted customers with a smile and inquired about their well-being. Mourners came to express their condolences for the passing of Rodger, a prominent figure in the local sports community. The shop was bustling with memories, as calls of sympathy flowed in from as far away as Florida.
Ménick Remembers Rodger
Inside the barbershop, Marc de Foy Ménick reminisced with Louis-Phillipe Neveu, the head of TVA Sports, about Rodger’s tenacity. “Rodger always wanted the last word,” Ménick recalled, embodying a mix of sadness and gratitude as he spoke of their friendship. Everyone smiled while sharing stories about Rodger, highlighting the warmth he brought to their lives.
A Lasting Bond
Ménick, just 18 when he first established roots at this location in 1959, reflected on the significance of his friendships with Rodger and former NHL coach Michel Bergeron. He noted their lively debates, which were fueled by a genuine respect for each other’s opinions. “If you can’t tell your friend when they’re wrong, what’s the point?” Ménick stated, underscoring the camaraderie they shared.
- Rodger’s Impact: Rodger introduced Ménick to the Montreal sports scene, connecting him with notable figures.
- Memorable Matches: His friendship with Johnny Rougeau deepened when he attended events with Rodger.
- Team Relations: His role as press secretary for Laval’s hockey team allowed him to meet icons like Mike Bossy.
A Special Request
One poignant memory stands out for Ménick. Rodger asked him to be a father figure at his wedding, a significant honor. Despite his initial discomfort, Ménick cherished this request, highlight the deep bond they shared. “I couldn’t believe he chose me over others,” he said, reflecting on Rodger’s unwavering belief in their friendship.
Life Without Rodger
Emotions overcame Ménick when asked how he would navigate life after Rodger. He struggled to hold back tears as he reflected on their daily conversations. “Rodger would often stop by the salon after work to share his thoughts,” Ménick reminisced. “I hated it at times, but it was always Rodger.”
A Fond Farewell
Ménick recalled a light-hearted moment when they were pictured preparing cocktails together—a funny juxtaposition, given Rodger’s lifelong abstention from alcohol. “An antique dealer gave me that photo as a gift,” Ménick explained, sharing another treasured memory.
As Ménick wiped away tears, he acknowledged the loss felt by the community. Rodger was the second member of the Clique de Rosemont to pass away, following Pierre Lacroix’s death in December 2020. With only Ménick and Michel Bergeron left, the nostalgia of vibrant conversations and shared laughs hangs heavy in the air. “Rodger will be missed dearly. I owe much of my success to him,” Ménick concluded, emphasizing the impact Rodger had on his life.
