10/18/2017
Rest in Peace, Gord Downie.
You were an odd one in music: charming and witty and always so present with those who had your attention. You had presence. You were a brilliant front man, an insightful and reflective poet and lyricist, and a great friend to those who knew you.
You left a wonderful catalogue of songs, and an indelible mark on our Nation - tangible proof that our history was song-worthy- tales of our parent's Prime Ministers, hockey players, the nautical disaster, our First Nations, the wrongly convicted. There was something to right in your words, Gord- you gave us the truth.
We'll miss you, Canada is going to miss you. I expect most of Canada knows that you are gone now, We all knew you were going. The brain cancer made certain of it. Our Nation will be shedding collective tears and sharing our stories of your band, The Hip, and of you personally.
I've got my stories as well; of shaking hands, of sound checks, festivals, and theaters, and stadiums, and set lists, and photographs- even without all this excess, I had the songs, and that was all I ever needed. My thoughts rest on you, and drift to your loved ones.
Rest in Peace, Gord Downie.
