“I do want to thank the family for agreeing to have this national gathering to honor his memory as a hockey player … but also as a man who people loved,” said Mayor Valérie Plante
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Montreal has already started looking into a creating lasting tribute to hockey legend Guy Lafleur, Mayor Valérie Plante said Monday.
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But it is too early to discuss whether the city will name a street, park or other public space after Lafleur, who died of lung cancer Friday at age 70, she added at a news conference at city hall.
“Of course, we will find a way to honor the memory and legacy of Mr. Lafleur,” Plante said.
However, she noted that the rules governing the naming of public places stipulate that a person must have died at least a year before a space can be named after them.
The flag at city hall was lowered to half-mast following Lafleur’s death and city council observed a minute of silence in his honor Monday.
“We are definitely looking forward to this memorial, to this moment where Montrealers will be invited to show their affection and respect for Mr. Lafleur,” Plante said of the official funeral, which will be held on May 3 at 11 am, at Mary Queen of the World Cathedral.
Lafleur will lie in state at the Bell Center on Sunday from noon to 8:00 pm and on Monday from 10:30 am to 3:00 pm Fans wishing to pay a final tribute are asked to use the main entrance at 1909 des Canadiens- de-Montreal Ave.
“I do want to thank the family for agreeing to have this national gathering to honor his memory as a hockey player … but also as a man who people loved,” Plante said.
“I’m glad that we’re going to have this shared moment to pay tribute to him,” she added.