Quebec to hold state funeral for Guy Rocher

Sociologist Guy Rocher, considered one of the architects of the Quiet Revolution in Quebec, will be given a state funeral.

The government announced Thursday that the family had accepted an offer from Premier François Legault for a “national tribute.”

Rocher, born in Berthierville on April 20, 1924, died Wednesday at the age of 101.

He’s been called the “father of Quebec sociology” and was also one of the authors of Bill 101.

Premier of Quebec François Legault posted to social media Thursday morning: “I announce that national funeral rites will be offered in homage to Mr. Guy Rocher. Last artisan of the Quiet Revolution, he marked our history by democratizing education, by participating in the Charter of the French Language and in the creation of CEGEPs. He contributed to shaping the Quebec of today and leaves us an inestimable legacy in matters of education, of protection of the French language, and of the secularity of the State.”

Rocher obtained a master’s degree in sociology from l’Université Laval and a doctorate from Harvard, his thesis focusing on relations between Church and State in New France.

Bloc Québécois leader Yves-François Blanchet posted to social media on Wednesday: ” You have no idea how much I respected this more handsome and larger-than-life man. I have a precious memory of a final conversation last week; his voice was smiling. He is among the founders of modern Quebec, a nationalist in sociology and a gentle and patient teacher in his assertion and explanation of the right of Quebecers to be different. I hope we all live up to his legacy, as the collective choice to live in a secular state is at the heart of his legacy. Thank you, Mr. Rocher. You are not a hundred years old; history will make you eternal.”

An online condolence book will be available starting Friday for those who wish to offer their condolences to Rocher’s family.

–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews