"Heaven is a better place today because of this
But the world is just not the same."
-Gord Downie, Heaven Is a Better Place Today
As the singer/lyricist for The Tragically Hip, Gord Downie was a powerful, intellectual voice that often spoke for not just himself or the characters portrayed in his songs, but indeed an entire nation. As a person, however, Downie was a shining example of class, dignity and respect.
When his band's reach ballooned from regional to national scale, he often used this stature not to self-promote, but to raise awareness of issues bigger than any one of us; of note, after being diagnosed with terminal brain cancer and while on national TV performing one of his final shows, he criticized our government's relationship with indigenous people. Where many would use this kind of large-scale platform to their own benefit, Downie went out of his way to draw attention to the big picture, to remind us that we face very important issues as a nation long after he's gone.
On a personal level, though the loss of one of my all-time favourite singers is obviously heartbreaking, I do feel a little more at ease with it because we've all had time to prepare ourselves for this day. Gord held on and stayed strong for much longer than many in his position, and he got the chance to live his final months and say goodbye the way he wanted to. Not all of us get that luxury, and I'm so grateful that we all got to share in his sorrow and triumph together.
Even though cancer took him away far too soon, Gord Downie lived a fuller life than most of us can ever dream of. His love of music is unquestionable, and he was fiercely creative right up to the end. He's left behind a king's ransom in memorable songs and stories, and was deeply loved by family, friends and, indeed, an entire nation.
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