The continued support and admiration for Oliver Jones late into his life, and even after death, is a source of great pride for the family of the legendary jazz pianist.
Speaking at a public viewing at Montreal’s city hall Wednesday afternoon — where Montrealers got a chance to say goodbye to the award-winning pianist — Jones’ son Richard said the “sad day” also served as a reminder of the countless lives touched by Jones and his music.
“I’d sincerely like to thank all Canadians for their love and support of my father throughout his long and illustrious career,” Richard told those gathered at city hall. “A special thanks to the beautiful people and admirers in our great province of Quebec. You have supported my father’s career for decades, and I’d like to tell you how grateful he has been.
“How honoured and special he felt throughout the many years by the love and gracious awards and accolades that were bestowed onto him.”
An urn containing Jones’ ashes was placed at the front of the room next to a picture of the late musician and flowers from well-wishers.
Wednesday’s public viewing will be followed by a public funeral service Thursday at Union United Church in Jones’ old neighbourhood of Little Burgundy.
The city’s flags were lowered in the early morning and will remain at half-mast until end of day Thursday to honour the musician who championed Montreal’s jazz scene and its musicians. The Quebec flag at the National Assembly in Quebec City will also be flown half-mast from dawn to dusk Thursday to mark the funeral.
“Again, another wonderful gesture on behalf of the city and the province, clearly expressing their love, respect, and honour for my father. He would be so proud, and we are as well,” said Jones’ son.
Jazz music filled the hall of honour at city hall as people lined up to pay their respects to Jones’ family.
“I’ve had the pleasure of visiting city hall for the celebrations of my dad’s 80th birthday, which he was made an honourary citizen of Montreal, and again on his 90th birthday, thanks to the previous mayors, Denis Coderre and Valérie Plante,” said Richard Jones. “We would also like to thank our new mayor, Martinez Ferrada, who was so kind and gracious by inviting us to honour my father at our great city hall.
“My father would be so proud to know that the city did this for him. Everyone in my family would like to express how grateful we are. They have definitely made this day as special as could be. We will always remember this. Thank you very much.”
Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada was among those in attendance. She signed a book of condolences for Jones.
“There’s not many people in Montreal that have such a big reach in terms of who they are and what they represented for the city,” the mayor said. “He was not only a great musician, but he was a great Montrealer and he was really embedded in our history and our DNA. And I think it was important for us to pay our respect as Montrealers.”
Jones, who died July 22 at age 91, grew up in the impoverished Montreal neighbourhood of Little Burgundy before becoming a star. He was known for his lightning-fast right hand, a phenomenal technique and a hard-swinging style.
During his life, he supported young musicians and was an important figure in the jazz community, in Montreal and elsewhere. Jones became a member of the Order of Canada and earned many other awards and distinctions in his life.
A public viewing “is reserved for exceptional circumstances in order to highlight the remarkable contribution of a personality to Montreal or Quebec life,” said city spokesperson Nicky Cayer.
“It offers the whole population the opportunity to express their gratitude and pay him a final tribute.”
Representatives of the provincial and municipal governments as well as members of the jazz scene are expected to attend Thursday’s funeral.
–With files from The Canadian Press
