Blind bluesman Jeff Healey is to be honoured with a public memorial in his native Canada after dying suddenly at the weekend.

The guitarist’s widow, Christie, admits she feels compelled to offer her late husband’s fans the chance to pay their respects after receiving condolences and kind words from them.

Cristie Healey is also planning a private family funeral service.

Speaking for the first time since Healey lost his battle with cancer on Sunday, Christie says the guitarist was "a loving husband and a committed family man." In a statement released on Tuesday (04Mar08), the grieving widow said, "We would like to thank our family, friends and Jeff’s fans for their condolences and kind thoughts at this most difficult time.

"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."