Minute's silence for Beatle George

George Harrison generally stayed out of the public eye in the 1990s

LOS ANGELES, California -- The family of the late George Harrison have called for "a minute of meditation" on Monday as a tribute to the former Beatle.

"We are deeply touched by the outpouring of love and compassion from people around the world," said a statement from Harrison's wife, Olivia, and son, Dhani.

"The profound beauty of the moment of George's passing -- of his awakening from this dream -- was no surprise to those of us who knew how he longed to be with God. In that pursuit, he was relentless."

The statement was released late on Saturday by family friend Gavin de Becker, who announced Harrison's death from cancer in Los Angeles at the age of 58.

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As a tribute, Harrison's widow and son asked fans to join them for a minute of meditation.

"Olivia and Dhani invite you to join them in a minute of meditation in honour of George's journey, wherever you are on Monday at 1:30 p.m. PST (1830 GMT)," de Becker said.

In Liverpool, where Harrison was born, a candlelit vigil is planned for Monday.

City officials have invited fans, friends and family of Harrison to attend the memorial, which will be held on the plateau outside St George's Hall, Lime Street.

Present day pupils from his former school, Dovedale Primary School, will attend along with students from the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts, now a fame school owned by Sir Paul McCartney but previously Harrison's former senior school, the Liverpool Institute.

Council leader Mike Storey told the Press Association: "This will be the city's tribute to George Harrison and I would invite anyone who respected him for his music or his achievements to come and remember him.

"He was a modest man who did not relish pomp and circumstance, so we believe this simple candlelit vigil would be in keeping with his wishes.

"We were also keen to follow the wishes of his family that fans across the world should have a minute's silence and contemplation at 6.30pm."

Private service already held

Meanwhile, a private family cremation service has already been held.

Profoundly spiritual, Harrison's faith meant that his body should be cremated as quickly as possible and within minutes of his death staff from funeral firm Hollywood Forever were called.

Annette Lloyd, production director of Hollywood Forever, told the UK Press Association: "We received the first call about 20 minutes after Mr Harrison's death.

"All they told us was that a VIP had died, they didn't give us the name. Two members of our staff at the home proceeded to the address that was given.

"It was at that point that they found out it was George Harrison."

She added: "Before the body was taken from the home to the doctor's office, the family, our staff and the security staff joined hands and said a prayer around him.

"That was the only instance I know of some kind of informal, very brief prayer."