The Passing of Gord Downie

[avoncallingu]

I was not a Tragically Hip fan. But my brother followed his work for most of his growing up and adult life. In fact he (my brother) and my sister-in-law were honoured to be present at the Hip' s last concert in Kingston last summer. Their small group sported t-shirts spelling G-O-R-D and on the back L-O-V-E which wound up in the new documentary coming out this Friday about their last concert tour.

I do feel, however, the heaviness in our Canadian soul today.

This talented man spent his life and talents telling the stories of Canada. I feel that I have missed an opportunity to feel the pulse of our nation.

How can I grieve for someone I didn't know? My heart has room to hurt for other loved ones who are overcome by the leaving of someone who filled their hearts with warmth and who must go on now without him.

My prayers for him and for all those who loved him.

[madchives]

thought i'd mention that cbc's cross country checkup radio phone in show's topic today is:
What are your thoughts on the life and death of Gord Downie?

Everyone knew it was coming, but that didn't make it any easier. Canadians had almost a year-and-a-half to celebrate the frontman of Canada's band -- the Tragically Hip -- and Gord (more than anyone) made the best of it. Join Duncan McCue Sunday on CBC Radio One at 1 p.m. PT, 2 p.m. MT, 3 p.m. CT, 4 p.m. ET, 5 p.m. AT and 5:30 p.m. NT.
http://www.cbc.ca/listen/live/radio1/toronto

a 2 hour live call in show, always interesting

[madchives]

surprised no one (besides a nasty one) posted before me.

i think gord downie is one of our best poet/songster ever, and since i am such a grabber on to of
history in the making, i have watched a lot on the hip and gord, lately.
one odd thing i found when watching the kingston concert was although i have no hip cds
i knew all the words.

cbc tv has 'secret path' on tonight based of course on chanie wenjack
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chanie_Wenjack
hoping the gov't canada can finally support the people who's 'country' we now live in.

just for fun, my dad has a old schoolhouse, and the nearest decent beach is in
bobcaygeon - so more than 40 years ago (i'm older than i look)
i jumped up out of the water and the top popped off, yikes.
if gord was older i could have a line in the song, right?

[avoncallingu]

Thanks, : madchives for your comments.

[Darth Penguin]

To be honest, I do not like the Tragically Hip's music. However they have written and recorded some very catchy songs.

It's not my taste but I appreciate the craftsmanship the band have.

And Gord Downie was only a few months older than me and my late husband so it hits close to me...

[TudorChick]

I also hated their music. Not my cup of tea. Turned the radio off whenever they came on...BUT, I realize how important of a man he was to Canada and to Indigenous people, and I honestly wished him well, and I wished him peace in his dark days. I don't wish Cancer on my worst enemy. He handled it with grace, dignity and even more importantly, on his terms, which I respect. He decided not to sit in a bed but to get out there and give his fans all he had.

For that, I totally respect the man. Never was a fan and won't pretend to be. But I respect him.

I hope he is at peace and i hope his family knows that the Country will remember him always.