‘Gordon Lightfoot was greater than only a musician. He was a storyteller; he captured the essence of Canada and its individuals,’ says Orillia mayor
Greater than 100 individuals gathered in entrance of the “Golden Leaves” sculpture of Gordon Lightfoot in Tudhope Park on Wednesday to honour the life and legacy of the beloved singer one 12 months after his loss of life.
The Lightfoot Days Pageant committee organized the occasion in honour of the internationally well-known singer-songwriter who was born and raised in Orillia.
John Winchester, the president of the native grassroots committee, says the occasion allowed followers to mirror on Lightfoot’s musical legacy.
“When he handed away a 12 months in the past, it was exhausting to imagine that it truly occurred,” he stated. “We have to bear in mind how vital he was to the social material of this nation.”
Winchester says Lightfoot instructed Canada’s tales and shared classes about life via his music and his lyrics.
“I feel it is actually vital that we proceed to have fun what he meant to Canadian music,” he stated.
Winchester says Lightfoot by no means forgot his roots that have been deeply entrenched in Orillia, the place his love of singing was nurtured.
“He at all times got here again to go to household and did quite a few (fundraising) live shows right here freed from cost,” he stated. “He was at the start a boy from a small city.”
Winchester was happy to see a “fantastic” turnout for Wednesday’s occasion.
Orillia Mayor Don McIsaac was in attendance throughout Wednesday’s celebration of Lightfoot.
“Gordon Lightfoot was greater than only a musician,” he stated. “He was a storyteller; he captured the essence of Canada and its individuals.”
McIsaac says it wasn’t solely Lightfoot’s music that made him a legend.
“He was a humble and gracious man,” he stated. “He by no means forgot his roots. He cherished Orillia and we cherished him again.”
McIsaac says Lightfoot’s music will proceed to encourage future generations of musicians and music lovers.
June Pye from Ramara says she attended the occasion on Wednesday afternoon as a result of Lightfoot is part of our native “legacy.”
“He was crucial to all of us,” she stated. “All of us cherished him.”
Lightfoot’s music has touched the lives of individuals all through the world, Pye says.
“He is an Orillian, he was born right here and went to our church,” she stated. “Everyone seems to be pleased with him.”
Pye stated the ambiance at Wednesday’s gathering was “joyous.” She pledged to have fun Lightfoot on daily basis in her coronary heart.
“We as Orillians can come and stroll via right here on daily basis,” she stated. “Recollections do not go away, they’re at all times with us.”
Gail Gerrie, who’s initially from Toronto and at the moment lives on the Leacock Retirement Lodge, adopted Lightfoot’s profession since its very starting.
“I like his storytelling,” she stated. “I like his songs, I like his voice, I like all the things about him.”
Gerrie says it is vital for followers of Lightfoot to collect in Orillia every year to have fun his profession.
“His hometown was vital to him,” she stated. “He is vital to us which is why all of us got here right here as we speak.”
Fittingly, as we speak’s occasion included Lightfoot’s music. Native musician Steve Porter carried out Face of a Thousand Individuals, whereas native elder Jeff Monague carried out a rendition of Christian Island, a magical Lightfoot tune.
Including a contact of Celtic aptitude to the tribute, the Brant Road Session, a Celtic group from Orillia, carried out, and Brant Road Session member, Alan Cooper sang Too Ra Bathroom Ra Bathroom Ral, honouring the profound Celtic influences woven into some Lightfoot’s music.
Gerrie says she is wanting ahead to attending the Lightfoot Days Pageant from Oct. 31 to Nov. 3. For extra details about the pageant, click on right here.
