Winnipeggers unleashed a flood of social media tributes to Gord Downie Wednesday, after news broke of The Tragically Hip frontman’s death.
The band posted a statement to their website saying Downie, 53, died Tuesday evening “with his beloved children and family close by.”
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Kevin Donnelly, senior vice president of venues and entertainment for True North Sports and Entertainment, knew Downie for more than 20 years.
"He was as thoughtful and he was genuine offstage as he was charismatic and sort of crazy onstage," said Donnelly, adding that Downie "represented Canada."
Winnipeg radio station 99.9 BOB FM, which shares a parent company with CTV News, is broadcasting a Gord Downie special tribute that can be streamed online.
Meanwhile, Winnipeg Twitter users shared their grief, as well as their memories of Downie and his impact on their lives and Canadian music and culture.
I don't get upset when celebrities die but Gord Downie is different. He embodied everything it means to be Canadian. Respect #RIPGordDownie
— Marc LeBoo (@marcajlebeau) October 18, 2017
We've lost our poet laureate.
— Davide Capone (@davec4pone) October 18, 2017
Gord Downie captured Canadiana beautifully, brilliantly and honestly.
Rest Peacefully.
And on this, the day of his passing, we need to honour the work Gord Downie has done to seek reconciliation and healing. Do the damn thing
— LM (@LisaMarieHasiuk) October 18, 2017
RIP, Gord Downie. You were a lyrical genius and an amazing, important artist, whose work will be remembered for generations. #ripGord
— Saxon Miller (@saxonmiller) October 18, 2017
Rest in Peace Gord. A incredible Human and extremely proud to call a fellow Canadian , your work & passion will live on forever #RIPGord pic.twitter.com/XJlqrLdrrD
— Andrew (@PegCityJetsFan) October 18, 2017
Gord, you were armed with will and determination, and grace, too. Thank you for everything you've given me, Canada, and the world. #RIPGord
— Ghoulin Koop (@colinkoop) October 18, 2017
Tragically Hip will play in the Bombers locker room all day today. A sad day for every Canadian. Rest In Peace, Gord!
— Darren Cameron (@Darren_Cameron) October 18, 2017
Wpg sign will be red&white this week to honour @gorddownie . His passing has left a void, but his life & gifts will continue to inspire us. pic.twitter.com/1QQdcGRRii
— Mayor Brian Bowman (@Mayor_Bowman) October 19, 2017