Family and friends gather at a private funeral for Gordon Lightfoot in Orillia, Ontario.

Close friends and family of Gordon Lightfoot gathered Monday for a small, private funeral held in Orillia, Ontario. church where he was once a choirboy.

A group of about 50 people gathered at St. Paul’s United Church for the nearly two-hour ceremony, which included a choral performance accompanied by an organ.

Under the virtually cloudless sunny skies, the local community went about the day like any other, with some doing gardening and a few curious onlookers wandering by the church to watch the goings on.

A neighbor set up a deckchair in front of his house to see if Canadian rock royalty like Joni Mitchell and Neil Young would pull up.

However, they didn’t appear to be. Most of the visible mourners appeared to be Lightfoot’s extended family, bandmates and others who have worked with him over the years.

After the ceremony was over, Lightfoot’s coffin was loaded into a hearse and left the church grounds as a small crowd gathered to watch the proceedings from across the street.

Lightfoot is to be buried next to his parents in St Andrew’s and St James’ Cemetery.

A public visitation was held at St. Paul’s United Church on Sunday, which security forces estimated drew more than 2,400 people for the event.

Elsewhere, a book of condolences could also be signed at Toronto’s Massey Hall, a venue where Lightfoot has performed frequently throughout his career.