THE funeral service for the late Eric Coverley, one of Jamaica’s beloved icons of theatre, will be held today at the Faith Sanctuary Church in Toronto, Canada starting at 11:00 am.

Interment will be at Highland Memory Gardens, 33 Memory Gardens Lane, followed by a reception at the Jamaican Canadian Association.

A number of national officials are expected to attend the funeral including Dean Peart, minister of labour and social security; Jamaica’s high commissioner to Canada, Raymond Wolfe; and consul general to Toronto, Viva Betton.

Yesterday, Coverley’s family received friends at Highland Funeral Home, 3280 Sheppard Avenue East, between the hours of 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm, and 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm.

Coverley, the late husband of cultural ambassador Louise Bennett-Coverley, also known as “Miss Lou”, passed away peacefully at his home in Canada on Wednesday, August 7, after a long battle with heart problems. He was 91 years old.

A noted playwright and producer, Coverley has made invaluable contribution to the development of the performing and visual arts industry in Jamaica.

As an impresario, he contributed to the legend of Christmas morning concerts and other entertainment events, and designed floats for national parades. Together, he and Miss Lou appeared in many theatre productions and gave their patronage to several generations of young performers.

Condolences have come from the government, leader of the opposition, members of the diplomatic corps, the theatre industry, among others.

In expressing regret at Coverely’s death, Prime Minister P J Patterson said the nation had lost a cultural icon whose life was marked by commitment to excellence and a deep passion for all things good in Jamaica.

“Eric Coverley was the consummate good citizen and his leadership and devotion to community interests will long be remembered,” the prime minister said.