No national funeral for Jean Lapointe: “We are disappointed for Dad”
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“We remain in contact with members of Mr. Lapointe's family. Jean Lapointe marked modern Quebec, added the representative of the Prime Minister. It is important for us to pay tribute to this great man.”
Recently, a similar case arose with the death of Mike Bossy on April 15, 2022. A great hockey star, he n was not entitled to a state funeral. However, Prime Minister Legault honored the family with his presence at the sportsman's funeral.
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Jean-Marie Lapointe has confirmed that there will be a funeral for Jean Lapointe's family and close friends. As places are limited in the church and at the funeral home, the general public will not be able to attend these two events.
“We are working on the idea of a burning chapel so that the public can come and say a last goodbye to him, explained Jean-Marie Lapointe. It's a nice formula. We are in conversation with the City of Montreal to organize all of this. It will be in Montreal, because even though he was born in Bas-du-Fleuve and lived in Quebec, Dad spent most of his life here.”
Jean Lapointe died at the age of 86.
State funeral for artists and athletes
Quebec artists and athletes loved by the general public have had a state funeral in the past.
This was the case for these:
– Hockey player Guy Lafleur in 2022
– Artist agent, singer and spouse of Celine Dion, René Angélil, in 2016
– Sportsman Jean Béliveau in 2014
– Director Gilles Carle in 2009
– Artist Jean Paul Riopelle in 2002
– Hockey player Maurice Richard in 2000
– Poet Gaston Miron in 1996
Who deserves this honor?
When a Quebec personality dies, the Quebec government can highlight the contribution of the deceased to Quebec society by offering to hold a state funeral or a national funeral. They are reserved for personalities who have marked political life in particular, according to a government decision. In principle, state funerals would be reserved for people who have dedicated their lives to their community and its well-being. Or who have accomplished exceptional humanitarian actions. Or who have made their art or discipline shine on a national scale.