Former NHL'er to Speak at Rotary

Bob Belliveau-Ferrin Lemieux considers himself a paradoxical fellow whose absurd notions, conundrum creating actions, illogical propositions, enigmatic presence, incongruity to ineptness and self-contradicting diatribes will keep you confused but aware of his presence.

He is direct ,but understanding;

Intolerant but patient;

Accusatory, but forgiving;

A bar-room brawler, but church goer;

A foe of irresponsibility, but friend to conservation.

After 23 years in the world of professional sports, 12 years as a political lobbyist, and 12 more in the nature photography business or is it business of nature photography, the fellow with three last names has a right to be what he is........ DIFFERENT!

Bob began his hockey career with the Montreal Canadiens organization at age 13 and played his first professional game at age 17. He captained the Montreal Junior Canadiens under Hall of Fame coach Scotty Bowman and with super stars and Hall of Famers Serge Savard, Jacques Lemaire, and Yvan Courneyour.  

Bob retired at age 24, after five years as a pro, most of them without the benefit of a helmet. (that may explain some of his actions and trains of thought), as was immediately captured by the Detroit Red Wings organization and sent to their number one development team in Fort Worth Texas where he was told to sell hockey to Texans and develop stars for the inept  "Dead Wings" of the '70's.

Bob has enjoyed working the administrative end of three different major league sports; box lacrosse, hockey and soccer.

He has done it all….marketing and public relations director, player, coach, general manager and finally league founder and commissioner.

Bob’s exploits have provided him with six championships and numerous personal sports awards.

In 1986 Bob, once and for all,  retired from the world of professional sports, and ventured into the role of parent activist and political lobbyist in Michigan and Washington.

He founded the DADS Foundation, dedicated to the education of young adults about the negative impact of illegal substance use and abuse.  Bob and his colleagues at the DADS Foundation authored and guided nearly 100 pieces of pro-family legislation through the Michigan legislature and into law.

Bob retired a third time, 1998, and devoted his remaining years to getting away and becoming one in nature. He became a nature and wildlife photographer..

Bob has been published in a number of magazines, pictorials and books and has recently finished his second book; About his life in the world of professional hockey. It is now in the hands of his editor and he hopes it will be published sometime soon.

Most importantly, Bob considers Dorchester home where he was raised by his grandparents Ruth and Marcel Belliveau. He has moved back to New Brunswick, lives in Johnston's Point, near Port Elgin, with his wife of 46 years Mariette. He is the father of two children, seven grandchildren and a great-grandson........