Jean Beliveau Funeral Plans Announced

From a Montreal Canadiens press release:

In accordance with the wishes of the Béliveau family, the Montreal Canadiens Hockey Club today announced the details of events in the days leading up to Mr. Béliveau’s funeral.

The team’s management stresses that, in keeping with the family’s wishes, all activities will reflect the image of the late hockey legend: they will be simple and accessible to the public. Out of respect for the public, which has supported Jean Béliveau over the years, the Béliveau family announced that they had agreed to share their grief with the community. They hope, however, that the media and the public will continue to respect their privacy during this painful time.

In order to provide the public with an opportunity to pay their respects to Mr. Béliveau, a bronze statue of the legendary team captain will be on display across from the Bell Centre’s main entrance, on avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal today until Saturday. Mr. Béliveau will lie in state at the Bell Centre on Sunday, December 7 and Monday, December 8, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fans who wish to pay a final tribute to Mr. Béliveau can do so by entering the Bell Centre using the main entrance at 1909 avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal.

Members of the general public who wish to express their condolences can do so by visiting the Montreal Canadiens' website. Fans who would like to honour the memory of Jean Béliveau through a financial contribution are invited to make a donation in the name of the Montreal Canadiens Children's Foundation, an organization that had a special place in Mr. Béliveau's heart, and one that he had greatly invested in.

Mr. Béliveau's funeral will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, December 10, at the Mary Queen of the World Cathedral, located on René Lévesque Blvd., near Mansfield St.

Beliveau lying in state at center ice is the ultimate tribute for a hockey legend. The Montreal Canadiens have twice done this before: Howie Morenz and Rocket Richard.