The Godfather of Atlantic Canadian Wrestling Passes Away

The Cauliflower Alley Club is saddened to report the passing of Atlantic Canadian wrestling legend Emile Dupre at the age of 86.

His passing touched me deeply as he was the promoter who gave me my start during the waning territory days of professional wrestling and I stayed in touch with his family until this very day.

What follows is a post from my personal Facebook page upon hearing the news of Emile's passing along with two links to excellent stories by Greg Oliver.  As Greg stated, one story on Emile's passing would not be enough.

"I'm seeing various reports now that the man who afforded me my biggest learning opportunities in professional wrestling has passed away at the age of 86 years old.

My heart is completely shattered upon receiving this news about Emile Dupre. 

I spent six summers touring for Emile Dupre, working 7 nights a week for months on end working with some of the best names in the business.  It was a learning experience like no other and one I've, publicly, been thankful to Emile for since the very beginning. 

I'm sure, I'll post more as I take the time to reflect on this Canadian wrestling icon and just how much he meant to me since first chatting with him and writing to him when I was 19 years old. 

But let me leave you with this for now. Emile Dupre was an, often overlooked, Canadian pro-wrestling icon.  He gave work and opportunities to so many of us with his Grand Prix Wrestling territory. A grand territory that just might have been the best kept secret in pro wrestling. He was whole heartedly supported by a wonderful wife, Paula and an equally as loving family. My thoughts, prayers, well wishes and condolences go out this morning to all of Emile's family and especially Paula, Rene, Jeff and Ron Gougen. May you all find comfort in the cherished memories that you hold so dear. I know that i will try to find that comfort today through those memories. 

Thank you, Emile. May you fly high!"

The Cauliflower Alley Club extends our sincerest condolences to the family, friends and fans of "The Godfather of Atlantic Canadian Wrestling". Please enjoy the two external links below, courtesy of the talented writings of Greg Oliver, the CAC's 2020 James C. Melby Historian Award winner.

Emile Dupre: The Wrestling Years

https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2023/09/17/emile-dupre-dead-at-86-the-wrestling-years/

Emile Dupre: The Promoting Years

https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2023/09/17/emile-dupre-dead-at-86-the-promoting-years/