Jazz pianist Oliver Jones to be laid to rest in a public funeral in Little Burgundy

Montreal - A public funeral was held in Little Burgundy on Thursday for the legendary jazz pianist Oliver Jones. Mourners gathered at Union United Church to pay their respects to the generous, talented and humble man who had played piano there since he was five years old. His widow Monique Leclerc Jones described him as an angel, while his son Richard Jones recalled their years of travel, friendship and golf.

The service featured speeches and performances by musicians such as Ranee Lee, Kim Richardson and the Dr. Oliver Jones Trio, who played a composition of Jones' own titled "Lights of Burgundy." The jazz pianist rose to stardom from the same impoverished neighborhood as fellow Montreal native Oscar Peterson, studying piano under Peterson's sister Daisy.

Jones received numerous awards and distinctions throughout his life, supporting young musicians and championing the local jazz scene by performing annually at Montreal's International Jazz Festival. Jim West, a longtime friend and producer, remembered the years of music and travel shared with Jones, noting his humility and kindness.

The provincial legislature's local member and the provincial minister responsible for the city also attended the service, highlighting Jones' impact on the community. The audience, packed inside the church, cheered, sang and danced as the service concluded with emotional renditions of "Amazing Grace" and "Hymn to Freedom."