The state funeral to honor the remarkable sociologist, Guy Rocher, will be held today at the Université du Québec à Montréal.
The ceremony, paying tribute to the legacy of Guy Rocher, will commence at 2 p.m. in the prestigious Salle Pierre-Mercure. Organized in collaboration with his family and friends, the event will be a solemn gathering to honor one of Quebec’s distinguished intellectuals and a key figure in the Quiet Revolution.
Prior to the ceremony, a public viewing of his remains will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Agora of UQÀM’s Judith-Jasmin Pavilion, providing an opportunity for the community to bid farewell to this influential thinker.
Limited tickets are available for the state funeral, but those unable to attend can express their condolences by writing a message to Rocher’s family in the government’s condolence book at Québec.ca/condolences.
Born in Berthierville on April 20, 1924, Guy Rocher passed away on Sept. 3 at the notable age of 101. Throughout his life, Rocher made significant contributions to Quebec’s history, particularly in shaping the education system and advocating for the primacy of the French language.
Rocher’s involvement in the Parent Commission, which revolutionized education in Quebec, and his pivotal role in the establishment of Bill 101 as the official language of Quebec stand as testaments to his enduring impact on the province.
A revered author in the field of sociology, Rocher authored seminal works like “Introduction to General Sociology,” a cornerstone in the discipline since its publication in 1969.
Honoring his memory, Premier François Legault and other dignitaries will attend the funeral, recognizing Rocher’s invaluable contributions to Quebec’s cultural and linguistic heritage.
