Quebec’s sports world, as well as the political and artistic fields, mourn the death of former major league pitcher Derek Aucoin on Sunday, who died Saturday night of brain cancer at the age of 50.
Shortly after the announcement of Aucoin’s death by his family, the Twitter sphere remembered the great human qualities of the man who had been radio-hosted after his baseball career.
A true ambassador for his sport, the former Expo marked many lives with his attitude marked by positivism, even in illness, and his characteristic bonhomie.
“Live, use your strengths and follow your dreams”, the message from Derek Aucoin
Ruined to hear about the departure of my brother Derek Aucoin, an exceptional man of unparalleled kindness and generosity. Thank you for being there for me through difficult times. Isabelle and Dawson wholeheartedly with you. Hi Derek. I love you. the mayor of Baseball Town 😭 pic.twitter.com/dFtfChEYwk
– DenisCoderre (@DenisCoderre) December 27, 2020
The beautiful and beautiful baseball family in Quebec mourns the departure of our great Derek! You were the perfect teammate and a great ambassador!
From the midfield, I will never forget the sound of your fastball blowing the catch glove!
Hi good#RIPDerekAucoin– Marc Griffin (@marcgriffinRDS) December 27, 2020
Just a few weeks ago, I was asked to describe Pierre Lacroix. All I could say was what a sweet sweet man he was. These are the same words that come to mind to describe the gentle giant Derek Aucoin. Derek had such a good attitude in the fight against cancer. Quebec heroes. https://t.co/Pga0PlP35p
– Mitch Garber (@mitchgarber) December 27, 2020
We are very sad to hear of the passing of Derek Aucoin, who touched the lives of so many people with his kindness and generosity. His impact on Expos and Canadian Baseball will never be forgotten.
We love Derek’s family and friends during this difficult time 💙
– Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) December 27, 2020
Derek Aucoin, for a wonderful man, my sincere condolences to his wife, son and family. 🙏❤️
– Phillip Danault (@phildanault) December 27, 2020
All our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of Derek Aucoin. He was able to inspire generations and will remain an important ambassador for baseball in Montreal and Quebec. pic.twitter.com/801yqjfAYo
– Valérie Plante (@Val_Plante) December 27, 2020
I’m very sorry about the news that Derek Aucoin left. The few times we saw each other on Celebrity Face to Face at the Bell Center, he was always very kind and humble. Like the title of the book that tells his story, he fought the battle with his head held high. RIP😢
– Jean-Thomas Jobin (@JeanThomasJobin) December 27, 2020
The biggest thing about Derek Aucoin was his heart! He will be missed, but he will have had time to inspire many. His long arms allow him to hug Dawson and Isabelle even from the sky!
– Eric Leblanc (@eleblancRDS) December 27, 2020
I only talked to him three times on the phone and once live on TV, and I’m sorry this morning. Tell you how loving he was. RIP Derek Aucoin. pic.twitter.com/ajCPJJvVCB
– Guy A Lepage (@guyalepage) December 27, 2020