Stompin’ Tom Connors has passed away at the age of 77 in Peterborough, Ont. I just got off the phoen with Brian Edwards, Tom’s promoter of 25 years. Brian says Tom passed on at about 5 pm ET today, surrounded by family and friends. There was no precipitating illness at the end. “He just wore out,” said Edwards. On March 13, a memorial is scheduled at the Peterborough Memorial Centre, the same place where the Peterborough Petes play “that good ol’ hockey game”, but Edwards says it’ll be more of a celebration of life than anything else. “It’s very rare you can work with someone who’s got fans from 4 to 104,” Edwards said. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Lena, his 2 sons, 2 daughters and his grandchildren. God bless.
You can read Stompin’ Tom’s dying letter to his fans and to Canada right here:
We have lost a true Canadian original. R.I.P. Stompin’ Tom Connors. You played the best game that could be played.
— Stephen Harper (@pmharper) March 7, 2013
Today Canada has lost a true musical icon – Stompin’ Tom Connors. My thoughts are with his friends and family. #budthespud
— Thomas Mulcair (@ThomasMulcair) March 7, 2013
Very sad to hear of #StompinTom‘s passing. He sang Canada’s songs, our places, our lives. — Elizabeth May MP (@ElizabethMay) March 7, 2013
Sad to hear about Stompin’ Tom – we lost a true Canadian icon. At least where he is now, it’s hockey night every night. #bcpoli
— Christy Clark (@christyclarkbc) March 7, 2013
I will miss you, you helped make my drives to pei so easier with your songs you will never be forgotten God Bless you ole mule skinner.
What a great icon. He was up there with the greatest.
Why do these great icons have to die so young.
I am down in Florida for the winter, just picked up the news
I never went to see him perform. One of those things I had always planed to do
To late it is, now
Don’t know so much about him but for sure, for many years, just makes you feel good, to hear him sing his “good old” songs
I had the pleasure of working with the Blyth Festival when we premiered a play about the life of Stompin’ Tom with his memorable tunes rockin’ the stage every night. A legendary musician and Canadian patriot. Stompin’ Tom has millions of fans that will miss him but his great music lives on!
My introduction to him was when living in Sudbury. I now live in Texas and yet, thirty years later, the news of his passing brings both sadness of loss and yet pride of my Canadian heritage to my heart.. Stompn Tom, was Canada’s music poet, and his lyrical history will last for as long as there is a Canada.