TORONTO —  Plans are underway to organize a public memorial for late Canadian guitarist Jeff Healey.

Healey's widow, Cristie, says details have yet to be finalized and that she appreciates the condolences and kind thoughts that have been sent her way. The renowned guitarist and bandleader died Sunday at age 41 following a battle with cancer.

Cristie Healey says a private funeral service will be held but that details are not being released.

She praised the guitar hero as "a loving husband and a committed family man."

In lieu of flowers, the family asked that donations be made to Daisy's Eye Cancer Fund, an international children's charity.

"We would like to thank our family, friends and Jeff's fans for their condolences and kind thoughts at this most difficult time," Healey said Tuesday in a release.

"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."

Healey was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, retinoblastoma, as a child, resulting in his loss of sight and predisposing him to other cancers later in life.