The music world lost a true Canadian icon last week with the passing of famed singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot at the age of 84. Lightfoot, who penned hits like “Sundown” and “If You Could Read My Mind,” was celebrated in his hometown of Orillia, Ontario, Canada at a moving memorial held on May 7th.
St. Paul’s United Church was the location of Lightfoot’s memorial service, and it was the same church where he sang as a choir member as a teenager. The singer specifically requested that his funeral be held there, as he stayed true to his Canadian roots even as his fame grew globally. According to Blair Bailey, the choir director at St. Paul’s, Lightfoot himself had requested that the service be held at the church where he grew up.
While Lightfoot’s funeral was a private affair, with only 50 close friends and family members in attendance, members of the public were able to pay their respects at a visitation the day before. However, one mourner, in particular, caught people’s attention: a dog named Taurus.
Taurus, who belonged to one of Lightfoot’s tour crew, had spent plenty of time on the road with the musician and had formed a special bond with him. Victoria Lord, Lightfoot’s longtime publicist, explained that “He used to go on the road with him and wait for Gordon side stage. Gordon loved dogs.”
It’s not uncommon for pets to show affection towards their human companions even after they’ve passed away, and Taurus proved to be no exception. The loyal dog curled up next to Lightfoot’s casket during the visitation, providing a touching tribute to a beloved musician.
Although Lightfoot may be gone, his music will live on. The singer-songwriter achieved international success in the 1970s with hits like “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” and several platinum albums. He was widely respected by fellow musicians and regarded as a national hero in Canada.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted out his condolences, stating that “Gordon Lightfoot captured our country’s spirit in his music – and in doing so, he helped shape Canada’s soundscape…he was one of our greatest singer-songwriters.”
As for Taurus, while he may miss his human friend, his touching tribute has left an indelible mark on those who witnessed it. Lightfoot’s legacy lives on through his music, as well as the memories of those who knew and loved him.