RIP Gord Downie: February 6 1964 – October 17 2017

Gord Downie has taken his last waltz: a temporary stillness hangs like a fog over our country.

He was an incomparable soul that collectively reminded millions of us Canadians of what it meant to be here, and what it still means to be here when he is no longer in human form. He’ll always be around us through his music, words, and influence.

When I think of Gord (as how he is referred to by all Canadians) I think of his panache and childlike wonder, but also the passion and wisdom of someone who was unafraid to express himself, to fight for what’s right, and to continue fighting down to his last moments.

Gord played with words and expressed what perhaps we could never pen ourselves, and represented Canada extremely well through his lyrics and life. Many believe he’s a part of our national identity, with that peaceful smile and knowing energetic eyes. At one time, you could soak up much more from him at a live show than a rain forest and a sun bath combined, which only dusts the  cover of why we haven’t been able to take our eyes off him from the moment we first saw him.

And even nearing the end of his life, Gord truly lived, he felt, he breathed life and radiated everything that he had until he was ready to go.

Like others, he courageously battled terminal brain cancer with grace. Many of us had already been mourning the living, as soon as we heard the news of his illness. To have the nation watch your slow burn as of one of Canada’s finest could only be the most humbling but also life-affirming experiences. And just maybe, Gord was just too powerful than us all.

Thank you Gord. You’ve given us hope when we needed it most through your songs and leading by example. You illuminated selfless showmanship and tested the importance of tenacity. You impacted our lives and our culture in Canada like you probably never imagined. You exemplified what it means to be a true spirit animal. And you proved resiliency in the face of unknown adversity.

Gord was a Canadian Rock Legend who truly lived, fully, completely.

And now, we can take time to reflect, openly weep, and feel for the loss, but may we be inspired through his everlasting words:

“Raise a glass of hope
Raise a glass of liberty
and a glass of something else
May we be at ease with ourselves.
You will be known
You will be loved.”

With love, deep respect and admiration, and empathy for his family and fans everywhere from the entire team at 102.7 THE PEAK.

RIP Gord Downie February 6th 1964 – October 17th 2017

*Please consider donating to the Gord Downie Fund for Brain Cancer Research.

LISTEN: We put together a tribute to all that Gord Downie was. If you loved Gord, give this a play and grieve with us.