MONTREAL (Reuters) - Claude Ryan, former leader of the Quebec Liberal Party and a staunch defender of Canadian unity, died of cancer in Montreal early on Monday at age 79, his family said.
Ryan was one of the top leaders of the pro-Canada movement in the French-speaking province, where he led the Quebec Liberals from 1978 to 1982.
One of his sons told news channel RDI that Quebec Premier Jean Charest had called the family to offer a state funeral, usually reserved for leaders and dignitaries.
"He was fully alert until the night of Friday to Saturday, when he fell into a light coma," said Paul Ryan.
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