Trudeau issued a statement on his website later that morning, expressing that “for almost five decades, Gord Downie uncovered and told the stories of Canada. He was the frontman of one of Canada’s most iconic bands, a rock star, artist and poet whose evocative lyrics came to define a country.” Canada’s identity & culture are richer for Gord Downie’s work.” “There will never be another one like you, Gord. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who famously embraced Downie ahead of the Hip’s final concert in Kingston on Aug. They also thanked fans and the public “for all the respect, admiration and love you have given to Gord throughout the years - those tender offerings touched his heart and he takes them with him now as he walks among the stars.”ĭownie and the Tragically Hip have contributed significantly to Canadian culture over the decades. “Thank you for all the help and support over the past two years.”

The family thanked the “kind folks” at Kingston General Hospital (KGH) and Sunnybrook Hospital, as well as Gord’s bandmates, management team, friends and fans. No one worked harder on every part of their life than Gord. At home, he worked just as tirelessly at being a good father, son, brother, husband and friend. “As a musician, he lived ‘the life’ for over 30 years, lucky to do most of it with his high school buddies.

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