Canadian icon Stompin’ Tom passes away
Posted Mar 7, 2013 04:59:57 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Canadian country-folk legend Stompin’ Tom Connors has died. He was 77.
Connors passed away Wednesday at his home from “natural causes.”
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“There’s nobody that ever can be compared to him anywhere,” spokesperson Brian Edwards told 570 News.
“I mean, he got his own postage stamp, he’s an officer at the Order of Canada, 61 albums he’s recorded and every one of them was written about the country that he loved so much.”
“He stayed a Canadian — never ventured across the border. He was true Canadian as anybody could be.”
AUDIO – Brian Edwards – President & CEO of Rocklands Entertainment
The musician knew his health was declining and penned a note to his fans:
Hello friends, I want all my fans, past, present, or future, to know that without you, there would have not been any Stompin’ Tom.
It was a long hard bumpy road, but this great country kept me inspired with its beauty, character, and spirit, driving me to keep marching on and devoted to sing about its people and places that make Canada the greatest country in the world.
I must now pass the torch, to all of you, to help keep the Maple Leaf flying high, and be the Patriot Canada needs now and in the future.
I humbly thank you all, one last time, for allowing me in your homes, I hope I continue to bring a little bit of cheer into your lives from the work I have done.
Sincerely,
Your Friend always,
Stompin’ Tom Connors
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Connors is survived by his wife Lena, two sons, two daughters and several grandchildren.
“They’re devastated. He was such a close family man. It’s a tough one,” Edwards said of Connors’ family.
A public celebration of his life featuring speakers and music will be held next Wednesday in Peterborough.
Tributes poured in on Twitter upon the news of his death:
@pmharper
We have lost a true Canadian original. R.I.P. Stompin’ Tom Connors. You played the best game that could be played.
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@NHL
Sad to hear that legendary Canadian Stompin’ Tom Connors has passed. His legacy lives on in arenas every time “The Hockey Song” is played.
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@jannarden
Tom- I know you’re up there stompin’ somewhere amazing! Thanks for being on the planet! Safe Travels….
