The City of Côte Saint-Luc is deeply saddened by the passing of Oliver Jones, the celebrated Canadian jazz pianist, composer and Officer of the Order of Canada, who died on July 22, 2026, at the age of 91.
Born in Little Burgundy in 1934, Oliver Jones made Côte Saint-Luc his home for many years. He was a beloved neighbour, a proud ambassador of our city, and one of the most respected musicians this country has ever produced. His warmth, humility and generosity were as remarkable as his talent.
Over the years, the City had the pleasure of interacting with Oliver Jones on several occasions. In August 2013, Oliver Jones performed for several hundred people at the Harold Greenspon Auditorium where he received a warm reception. In July 2014, Mr. Jones served as honourary chairman of the 35th Annual Côte Saint-Luc Golf Classic at Meadowbrook Golf Club, and led his own foursome on the links. The City was happy to surprise him with an 80th birthday cake at the Golf Classic Banquet. On June 29, 2015, the City inaugurated a public piano at Rembrandt Park and we were thrilled that Mr. Jones agreed to perform for the assembled crowd.
The City awarded Oliver Jones the Gerry Weinstein Ambassador of the Year Award in October 2017, honouring the Côte Saint-Luc citizen who best portrays charitable qualities and serves the community at large. Most recently, on October 26, 2025, the Eleanor London Côte Saint-Luc Public Library celebrated his legendary career with a special tribute concert featuring Taurey Butler, Éric Lagacé, Jim Doxas, Ranee Lee and others, and the City added a bench plaque in tribute to Mr. Jones in Ashkelon Gardens, behind the library.
The members of Council, staff, volunteers, and the public were honoured to have known Oliver Jones and will miss him.
The City extends its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Oliver Jones and to the wider Montreal jazz community.
