Unassuming

By Baxter

This is the final resting place in Saint Remi, Quebec of Pierre Trudeau, who died 10 years ago next month. We cats stopped by today to check it out.

It looks a little different now — a short metal gate and an overhead plaque have been added — but only a little. What you can't see in this photo is the fact that the Trudeau family mausoleum sits in a small suburban Catholic cemetery right across a two-lane highway from an industrial park.

Okay, we understand that Trudeau may not be the most important Canadian. That title probably goes to John A. McDonald, the first prime minister. And among recent PMs, Lester Pearson might edge Pierre out in the statesman category.

But for the first time ever in the country's history, Trudeau made Canada cool. He is the one Canadian leader that many people around the world can name. And the modesty of his gravesite paradoxically carries a big punch. Consider us cats amazed.