Oliver Jones honored at funeral service in Montreal

Mourners gathered at Union United Church in Montreal’s Little Burgundy neighbourhood to honor the life of legendary jazz pianist Oliver Jones. The funeral service featured jazz and gospel music, including a performance of Jones’ own composition, ‘Lights of Burgundy,’ by the Dr. Oliver Jones Trio.

Jones, who died on July 22 at the age of 91, was a prominent figure in the Canadian jazz community and a member of the Order of Canada. He rose to prominence from the same Montreal neighbourhood as his mentor, Oscar Peterson. During the service, family members and colleagues, including his widow Monique Leclerc Jones and his son Richard Jones, shared tributes to his talent, humility, and lifelong connection to the local music scene.