Jean Bliveau funeral to be 'humble and accessible,' say Montreal Canadiens

The Montreal Canadiens promisethe funeral services of Jean Bliveau will be "humble and accessible," just like Bliveau himself.

He is probably the most respected hockey player in the world, and he touched so many lives in all aspects of his life, for almost seven decades, said Montreal Canadienspresident and co-owner Geoff Molson.

When I saw him [sitting] behind the bench, at every match, there were fans lined up for his autograph. He always stayed until the very last person left ... He always took time for the fans and for the community.

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Starting today, the public is invited to pay tribute to Bliveau by visiting a bronze statue of him in front of the main entrance of the Bell Centre in Montreal.

Bliveau's body will rest at the Bell Centreon Sunday and Monday.

The public is invited to pay tribute to him between 10 a.m. and 6p.m.

In order to join the line, peoplemust enter through the main entrance of the amphitheatre.

We open our doors for anybody to pay their respects, Molson said.

The funeral is set for Dec. 10 at Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral.

The Quebec government announced Tuesday afternoon that it will honour Bliveau with what it calls a national funeral.

More funeral details will be announced in the coming days.

Canadiens to honour Bliveau all season

The Montreal Canadiens organization will honour the former Habs legend starting tonight on the ice at their game in Minnesota. Every player will have a number4on his helmet.

When the Habs return to the Bell Centre for a home game on Tuesday, Dec. 9, a pre-game ceremony will take place.

Tuesday night, we have a game and we will honour Jean Bliveau in the Canadiens way, Molson said, adding that the ceremony will be just the start.

There are other things we want to do for Mr. Bliveau during the season. Number 4 will be respected everywhere in the Bell Centre...I think that we will do our best to honour him as much as possible for everything he did in his life and career.

Bliveausat three rows behind the Canadiens bench to take in every match. Molson said plans are still in the works, but his seat will be honoured in some way.

Its a unique seat and it is extremely rare to have a person of his stature to be behind the Montreal Canadiens We have every intention of making sure that it is remembered for a very long time.