Rest in Peace, Gord Downie of The Tragically Hip

UPDATED: SiriusXM Canada is celebrating the life and music of Gord Downie with ‘The Tragically Hip Radio.’ You’ll hear wall-to-wall music from The Tragically Hip, including studio tracks, live songs, interviews and more on The Verge Channel 173 both on-air and online immediately through Friday, October 20th at midnight. The Tragically Hip Radio will then take over Iceberg online on Channel 758 starting Saturday, October 21st at midnight.

This morning the Tragically Hip announced on their web page that Gord Downie had passed away the night of Tuesday, October 17th at the age of 53. Here is their message:

Last night Gord quietly passed away with his beloved children and family close by.

Gord knew this day was coming – his response was to spend this precious time as he always had – making music, making memories and expressing deep gratitude to his family and friends for a life well-lived, often sealing it with a kiss… on the lips.

Gord said he had lived many lives. As a musician, he lived “the life” for over 30 years, lucky to do most of it with his high school buddies. At home, he worked just as tirelessly at being a good father, son, brother, husband and friend. No one worked harder on every part of their life than Gord. No one.

We would like to thank all the kind folks at KGH and Sunnybrook, Gord’s bandmates, management team, friends and fans. Thank you for all the help and support over the past two years.

Thank you everyone for all the respect, admiration and love you have given Gord throughout the years – those tender offerings touched his heart and he takes them with him now as he walks among the stars.

Love you forever Gord.

The Downie Family

In the final years of his life, Gord Downie worked towards Canadian reconciliation. He established the Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjak Foundation, and recorded Secret Path. His passing today brought Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to tears.