Gordon Lightfoot, a renowned singer-songwriter, passed away last week at the age of 84. Numerous followers mourned the loss of this Canadian national hero and one of the most popular folk musicians of his time.
On May 7, the musician’s memorial service was held. In a touching sight, one old buddy gathered by his side.
In his Canadian hometown of Orillia, Ontario, Lightfoot, whose classic songs include “Sundown” and “If You Could Read My Mind,” was remembered at St. Paul’s United Church.
The musician, who maintained his Canadian identity even as he rose to fame internationally, allegedly asked for his funeral to be held at the Orilla church, where he had participated in the choir as a young man.
Blair Bailey, director of the St. Paul’s choir, told CTV News that “he is the one who wanted it to be here, in this church that he grew up in.”
50 close friends and family members reportedly attended Lightfoot’s funeral yesterday, which was a modest, private event. However, local fans had the chance to pay their condolences at a public viewing on Sunday.
Those who were there observed a touching moment as a dog by the name of Taurus snuggled up by the late musician’s side.
Longtime Lightfoot spokeswoman Victoria Lord said that Taurus is a member of one of the tour staff members, and the two grew close while traveling together.
“He used to go on the road with him and wait for Gordon sidestage,” Victoria Lord told Newsner. “Gordon loved dogs.”
It’s not uncommon for dogs to lie near the graves or caskets of their deceased family members as a painful, bittersweet memorial. Dogs are loyal to the very end.
How a person treats animals reveals a lot about them. Even though Taurus wasn’t Lightfoot’s actual pet, it’s obvious that they had a close bond, and the dog will miss him dearly.
At the age of 84, Gordon Lightfoot passed away on May 1. The artist, who apparently died of natural causes, was first announced on his Facebook page.
With singles like “If You Could Read My Mind,” “Sundown,” and “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald,” Lightfoot experienced his greatest level of worldwide popularity in the 1970s. Many of his albums achieved platinum status.
One of the most popular folk performers of his generation, Lightfoot was revered by his contemporaries and honored as a national hero in his native Canada.
“He is our poet laureate; he is our iconic singer-songwriter,” said Rush singer Geddy Lee in the 2019 documentary Gordon Lightfoot: If You Could Read My Mind, per CBC.
“I can’t think of any Gordon Lightfoot song I don’t like,” Bob Dylan once said. “Every time I hear a song of his, it’s like I wish it would last forever… Lightfoot became a mentor for a long time. I think he probably still is to this day.”
“Gordon Lightfoot captured our country’s spirit in his music – and in doing so, he helped shape Canada’s soundscape,” Trudeau wrote on Twitter after Lightfoot’s passing, calling him “one of our greatest singer-songwriters.”
Please spread the word about this endearing tale in Gordon Lightfoot’s honor!
