PRIVATE FUNERAL/PUBLIC MEMORIAL FOR JEFF HEALEY

Media information / For immediate release


Private funeral for renowned musician Jeff Healey

Plans for public memorial to be announced later


TORONTO, Ontario, March 4, 2008 – Arrangements for a private funeral service for renowned Canadian musician Jeff Healey have been finalized; however, details are not being disclosed as the family wishes to preserve its privacy. The guitarist and bandleader – whose music straddled different musical genres – passed away on Sunday, March 2.

“We would like to thank our family, friends and Jeff’s fans for their condolences and kind thoughts at this most difficult time”, said Cristie Healey. “Jeff’s music touched many people on many different levels. More importantly, in his personal life, Jeff was a loving husband and a committed family man, generous and kind, extremely down to earth, and a loyal friend. Jeff had a determination that he brought to all aspects of his life, and this was an inspiration to all that knew him. Now we need to say our goodbyes in private; however, we respect the public need to participate in celebrating Jeff’s life and music and we are planning a public memorial, with details to follow.”

As a child, Jeff was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, retinoblastoma, which resulted in his loss of sight. As a result of early intervention, Jeff was able to enjoy 39 years free from cancer. Unfortunately, this form of cancer is hereditary and can predispose the carrier to other cancers later in life. With this in mind, in lieu of flowers, Jeff’s family has asked that donations to Daisy's Eye Cancer Research Fund (to support their efforts to discover a cure) would be greatly appreciated. This was a cause that Jeff had supported for many years, and for which he played numerous benefit performances. Donations may be made through the organization's website: www.daisyseyecancerfund.ca. Alternately, a cheque could be made out to Daisy's Eye Cancer Research Fund, c/o 52 Princess Margaret Blvd., Toronto, ON M9A 1Z8.

Details for a celebration of Jeff's life and music will be announced soon.

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For further information, please contact:

Richard Flohil
rflohil@sympatico.ca
Business: (416) 351-1323
Cell: (416) 997-4788


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