A documentary about the life of Yvon Durelle will air on CBC television during the hockey playoffs, says the former boxer's widow.
Therese Durelle was married to Yvon for 55 years and moved from Baie Ste.-Anne to Moncton after his death from a stroke in January 2007.
The documentary will not be just about her husband's career as a boxer, she said.
"It's going to be on his life."
Therese Durelle said a television crew began to shoot footage about a month ago for the series, called Grave Concerns.
The show focuses on people suffering from illnesses who have passed away, she said.
"This year they chose Yvon."
Even though her husband suffered from Parkinson's disease and was not very well for the last few years of his life, his death last year was unexpected, she said, adding he was sick, but not that sick.
"It's hard to know Yvon is not with me any more."
Durelle said she plans to give away the items she still has from a museum the couple had in their home, but she doesn't want to give the collection to someone who will just keep it at home.
"I would like to give it to somebody who will show it, so people can see it."
Colin Thornton, who filmed the TV episode, said the show focuses on famous Atlantic Canadians.
The boxer was chosen along with songwriter Gene MacLellan and writer Jack Kerouac from a list of 12 people, he said.
Everybody understands Durelle's boxing career, Thornton said, but the producers wanted to look at things people might not know about him, like his life as a father, his big heart and his importance to Acadians.
Outside the ring, Durelle was a big softy but inside it, he was tough as nails, he said.
"The contrast I find staggering."
Thornton said every member of Durelle's family in New Brunswick participated in the making of the episode. They were very open and have every right to be proud of Durelle, he said.
"He's a hero."
The Durelle episode of Grave Concerns will air April 29 on CBC television.
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