Pathetic Facts

Canadian music stars who deceased at age 49

Here are 11 famous musicians from Canada died at 49:

Bobby Bauer

Bobby Bauer (February 16, 1915 Waterloo-September 16, 1964 Kitchener) was a Canadian personality.

Bauer was a professional ice hockey player who played as a right winger for the Boston Bruins in the National Hockey League (NHL) from 1935 to 1947. He was known for his exceptional scoring ability and strong defensive play, and is considered to be one of the greatest players in Bruins history. Bauer won two Stanley Cup championships with the Bruins in 1939 and 1941, and represented Team Canada at the 1948 Winter Olympics where he helped his team win a gold medal. After retiring from professional hockey, Bauer worked as a hockey coach and official, and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1966.

Bobby Bauer grew up in Kitchener and began playing hockey at a young age. He played for various local teams before joining the Kitchener Greenshirts, where he caught the attention of the Boston Bruins. Bauer signed with the Bruins in 1935 and quickly became a key player on the team, forming a potent line with teammates Woody Dumart and Milt Schmidt.

In addition to his success with the Bruins and Team Canada, Bauer also served in the Canadian armed forces during World War II, playing on a military hockey team and touring Europe to play against other military teams.

After retiring from playing, Bauer worked as a coach and scout for various hockey teams, including the Bruins and the Kitchener-Waterloo Dutchmen. He also served as an NHL official for several years. Bauer passed away in 1964 at the age of 49 from lung cancer. In honour of his contributions to hockey, the city of Kitchener renamed the old Kitchener Auditorium to the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex and erected a statue of him outside the arena.

Read more about Bobby Bauer on Wikipedia »

Rick Blight

Rick Blight (October 17, 1955 Portage la Prairie-April 3, 2005 Portage la Prairie) was a Canadian ice hockey player.

Rick Blight played for the Vancouver Canucks and Winnipeg Jets during his professional career. He was selected eighth overall by the Canucks in the 1975 NHL draft and went on to score 109 goals and 126 assists in 337 career NHL games. After retiring from playing hockey, Blight worked in real estate and was a general manager for the Portage Terriers of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League. His death was a shock to the hockey community and he is remembered for his skill and contributions to the sport.

Rick Blight started his hockey career at the University of Denver where he played for three years. As a collegiate player, he scored a total of 135 points in 100 games. After being drafted by the Vancouver Canucks, Blight played for the team from 1975-1980. He then moved onto the Winnipeg Jets for two seasons before retiring from the NHL in 1982.

Throughout his playing career, Blight was known for his scoring abilities and quick hands. In his rookie season with the Canucks, he scored 22 goals and was named to the NHL All-Rookie Team. Over his entire career, he amassed 235 points and was a fan favorite in both Vancouver and Winnipeg.

After retiring from playing, Blight remained involved in hockey by becoming a coach and general manager. He held various positions for the Portage Terriers of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League and also worked in real estate.

Blight’s death was a shock to the hockey community and his family. He was only 49 years old at the time of his passing. Despite the tragic end to his life, he is remembered as a talented player who made significant contributions to the sport of hockey.

He died as a result of suicide.

Read more about Rick Blight on Wikipedia »

Walt Poddubny

Walt Poddubny (February 14, 1960 Thunder Bay-March 21, 2009 Thunder Bay) was a Canadian ice hockey player.

Poddubny played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for nine seasons from 1983 to 1992, with his longest tenure coming with the Toronto Maple Leafs from 1986 to 1989. He was known for his skill as a playmaker and scored a career-high 40 goals during the 1986-87 season as a member of the Maple Leafs. In addition to playing for the Maple Leafs, Poddubny also played for the Rangers, Devils, Oilers, and Whalers during his NHL career. After his time in the NHL, Poddubny played several seasons in Europe before retiring in the late 1990s. He tragically passed away in 2009 at the age of 49 due to undisclosed medical issues.

Walt Poddubny began his professional career with the Birmingham South Stars of the Central Hockey League (CHL) in 1982. He showed great promise in his first season, scoring 81 points in just 57 games. This performance earned him a call-up to the New York Rangers of the NHL the following year. Poddubny also played for the Canadian national team, winning a silver medal at the 1985 Spengler Cup.

After retiring from playing, Poddubny became a successful businessman in Thunder Bay, where he owned several businesses, including a sports bar and a hockey school. He was also involved in coaching local youth hockey teams. In 2007, he was diagnosed with cancer and underwent successful treatment. However, in 2009, Poddubny was hospitalized with an undisclosed medical issue and passed away shortly thereafter. He was mourned by many in the hockey community, including former teammates and fans.

Read more about Walt Poddubny on Wikipedia »

John Sparrow David Thompson

John Sparrow David Thompson (November 10, 1845 Halifax-December 12, 1894 Windsor Castle) also known as Sir John Sparrow David Thompson, KCMG, PC, QC or John Sparrow Thompson was a Canadian politician and lawyer.

Thompson served as the fourth Prime Minister of Canada from 1892 until his death in 1894. Prior to his role as Prime Minister, he held various positions in government, including Minister of Justice and Attorney General. Thompson was also a prominent lawyer and played a key role in drafting the British North America Act, which laid the groundwork for the Canadian Confederation. Throughout his career, he was known for his expertise in constitutional law and his commitment to preserving the unity of Canada. Thompson was knighted by Queen Victoria in 1894, shortly before his death. He is remembered as one of Canada's most influential statesmen and is buried in the Cataraqui Cemetery in Kingston, Ontario.

Thompson was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and grew up in a prominent family of lawyers and politicians. He attended Dalhousie University and went on to study law at the University of Michigan. Thompson was admitted to the Nova Scotia bar in 1865 and quickly gained a reputation as a skilled litigator. He soon became involved in politics and was elected to the Nova Scotia Legislature in 1877.

Thompson's political career continued to rise, and in 1882 he was appointed to the federal cabinet as Minister of Justice and Attorney General. He played a key role in the negotiations that led to the adoption of the Canadian Pacific Railway, which connected Canada from coast to coast. In 1885, Thompson was elected to the House of Commons as a member of Parliament for Antigonish, Nova Scotia.

As Prime Minister, Thompson worked to strengthen ties between Canada and Britain and to promote economic growth through trade. He also pursued policies aimed at promoting the rights of francophone Canadians and improving relations with the United States. His sudden death in 1894 shocked the nation and cut short a promising political career. Today, Thompson is remembered as an important figure in Canadian history and is commemorated on the Canadian ten-dollar bill.

He died caused by myocardial infarction.

Frederick Banting

Frederick Banting (November 14, 1891 Alliston-February 21, 1941 Dominion of Newfoundland) also known as Dr. Frederick Banting was a Canadian physician, scientist and surgeon.

Banting is best known for his discovery of insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels and is used to treat diabetes. Along with his colleague Charles Best, Banting went on to develop methods for extracting and purifying insulin, which led to the first successful treatment of a person with diabetes in 1922. Banting received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1923 for this groundbreaking work.

Banting continued his research into diabetes and other medical topics throughout his career, and was responsible for several other important medical breakthroughs. He also served in the Canadian military during World War I and later in World War II.

Banting died in a plane crash while on a secret mission for the Canadian government during World War II. His legacy lives on through the millions of people with diabetes who have been able to manage their condition thanks to his discovery.

Banting received his medical degree from the University of Toronto in 1916, and joined the Canadian Army Medical Corps as a medical officer during World War I. After the war, he undertook surgical training and established a successful medical practice. It was during his practice that he became interested in diabetes and began conducting research into the disease at the University of Toronto.

In addition to his work with insulin, Banting was also a skilled painter, musician, and inventor. He received numerous awards and honors for his medical achievements, including the Order of Merit from the Canadian government in 1934.

Banting's discovery of insulin has had a profound impact on the treatment of diabetes and has saved countless lives. He is widely regarded as one of Canada's greatest medical scientists, and his contribution to the field of medicine continues to be celebrated around the world.

Read more about Frederick Banting on Wikipedia »

Norman Bethune

Norman Bethune (March 4, 1890 Gravenhurst-November 12, 1939 Tang County) also known as Dr. Norman Bethune was a Canadian physician and surgeon.

Bethune made significant contributions to medicine during his career, including developing the first mobile blood transfusion service during the Spanish Civil War. He also designed a type of surgical tool, which was later named after him, that made it easier to perform surgery on the battlefield. Bethune was also a political activist and his views on socialism and communism influenced his medical work. He is remembered as a hero in China, where he volunteered to provide medical assistance during the Second Sino-Japanese War.

Additionally, Norman Bethune is celebrated for his philanthropic efforts and advocacy for equal access to healthcare. He believed that healthcare should be a basic human right and dedicated his life to serving those in need. Bethune's ideas and contributions left an indelible mark on medical history and continue to inspire medical professionals around the world. He was also a gifted artist and writer, and his drawings and poetry have been published in various collections. Bethune's legacy lives on through the numerous medical organizations and hospitals named after him, as well as his continued influence on the fields of medicine and international humanitarianism.

He died as a result of sepsis.

Read more about Norman Bethune on Wikipedia »

Pierre Laporte

Pierre Laporte (February 25, 1921 Montreal-October 17, 1970) was a Canadian politician and journalist.

Laporte began his career as a journalist, working for various newspapers and radio stations before becoming a news editor for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). He then entered politics, serving as a member of the Quebec National Assembly for the riding of Chambly from 1961 until his death in 1970. Laporte was a member of the Quebec Liberal Party and held several cabinet positions, including Minister of Municipal Affairs and Minister of Labour.

In 1970, during the October Crisis, Laporte was kidnapped by the Front de libération du Québec (FLQ), a separatist group advocating for Quebec independence. The FLQ demanded the release of several of their members from prison in exchange for Laporte's release. Despite negotiations between the Canadian government and the FLQ, Laporte was found dead in the trunk of a car in Montreal on October 17, 1970. His death shocked the country and led to the arrest and conviction of several FLQ members.

Laporte's legacy is commemorated through various memorials and honors, including the Pierre Laporte Bridge in Montreal and the annual Pierre Laporte Award for Excellence in Public Administration.

Laporte was born in Montreal in 1921 to a family of politicians. His father and grandfather had both been members of the provincial legislature, and his mother was a prominent suffragette. Laporte attended Université de Montréal, where he studied law and was involved in various student organizations. After graduating, he worked as a lawyer briefly before switching to journalism. He was known for his investigative reporting and his coverage of national and international events.

In addition to his political and journalistic career, Laporte was also an avid sportsman. He was a skilled athlete and competed in various sports, including ice hockey and tennis. He also served as the president of the McGill University Redmen football team.

Laporte's death had a profound impact on the province of Quebec and the country as a whole. His funeral was attended by thousands of mourners, including prominent politicians and public figures. The October Crisis marked a turning point in Quebec history and had long-lasting implications for Canadian politics and society. Laporte's legacy continues to be remembered and celebrated today, both for his contributions to journalism and politics and as a symbol of the high price of political violence.

He died as a result of assassination.

Read more about Pierre Laporte on Wikipedia »

Davidson Black

Davidson Black (July 25, 1884 Toronto-March 15, 1934 Beijing) was a Canadian personality.

He was primarily known for his expertise in the fields of paleoanthropology and archaeology. Black received his medical degree from the University of Toronto in 1906, later transitioning to a career in anthropology. He is famous for discovering "Peking Man", the 750,000-year-old remains of Homo erectus, in Zhoukoudian, China in the 1920s. Black was also honored with several prestigious awards and recognitions during his lifetime, including being elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada in 1920 and receiving the Dr. A. J. Douglas Medal from the Royal Society of Canada in 1930. Despite his contributions to science, Black's political leanings were controversial, and he was criticized for his support of eugenics and racial theories.

In addition to his discovery of "Peking Man," Davidson Black also made other significant contributions to the field of anthropology. He was a pioneer in the use of X-ray technology in the study of skeletal remains, and was the first to apply this technique to the study of ancient fossils. In 1921, he published a landmark paper titled "The Fossil Man of Rhodesia," which described the discovery of early human remains in what is now Zambia.

Black was also heavily involved in the establishment of the Department of Anthropology at the University of Toronto, where he served as the first professor of anthropology. He was a strong advocate for the discipline, and played an important role in the growth and development of anthropology in Canada.

Despite his controversial political views, Black remained a highly respected figure in the world of science throughout his career. In recognition of his many achievements, several institutions have been named in his honor, including the Davidson Black Memorial Lectures at the University of Toronto and the Davidson Black Fellowship at the Royal Ontario Museum.

Read more about Davidson Black on Wikipedia »

Grey Owl

Grey Owl (September 18, 1888 Hastings-April 13, 1938 Prince Albert) a.k.a. Archibald Belaney or Wa-sha-quon-asin was a Canadian novelist.

Grey Owl was also known for his conservation efforts and advocacy for environmentalism. He became a popular speaker and writer in the 1930s, drawing attention to the impact of human activity on the natural world. He wrote several books, including "The Men of the Last Frontier" and "Pilgrims of the Wild," which highlighted his experiences living among Indigenous communities and his observations of wildlife. He was also a fur trader and wilderness guide, spending much of his life living in remote areas of Canada. It was later revealed that Grey Owl was not, in fact, an Indigenous person, but rather a British man who had adopted the persona and cultural identity of a Native American. This revelation did not diminish the impact of his conservation work, which is still recognized today.

Despite the controversy surrounding his identity, Grey Owl's legacy as a conservationist and advocate for the environment lives on. He was ahead of his time in recognizing the importance of preserving natural habitats and ecosystems, and his message continues to resonate with people around the world. In 1936, he became the first ever Canadian wildlife conservationist to be made a Dominion Parks Warden. Today, there are parks and trails named after him in Canada and his former home in Prince Albert has been turned into a museum. Grey Owl's life and work have been the subject of several books, films, and plays, including the 1999 biopic "Grey Owl" starring Pierce Brosnan. His story remains a fascinating example of one man's dedication to environmentalism and the power of literature to inspire change.

He died as a result of pneumonia.

Read more about Grey Owl on Wikipedia »

Sui Sin Far

Sui Sin Far (March 15, 1865 Macclesfield-April 7, 1914) was a Canadian writer and journalist.

She was one of the first writers of Asian descent to be published in North America and is considered a pioneer in Asian American literature. Sui Sin Far's writing often explored themes of identity, racism, and cultural conflicts. She produced a body of work that included both fiction and non-fiction pieces, which were published in various newspapers and magazines in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. She was known for her strong and powerful voice, as well as her ability to shed light on the struggles of marginalized groups. Despite facing numerous obstacles due to her gender and race, Sui Sin Far continued to write and advocate for social justice throughout her career. Today, she is remembered as a groundbreaking figure in the history of Asian American literature and a true trailblazer for writers of color.

Sui Sin Far's real name was Edith Maude Eaton, and she was born in England to a Chinese mother and a British father. She spent her childhood in various parts of the world, including the United States, Jamaica, and Canada. Her experiences as an immigrant and a mixed-race person greatly influenced her writing, as she often wrote about the struggles and complexities of being caught between two cultures. Sui Sin Far worked as a teacher and a journalist before turning to writing full-time. Her most famous works include the short story collections "Leaves from the Mental Portfolio of an Eurasian," and "Mrs. Spring Fragrance." She also wrote several essays on topics such as the Chinese Exclusion Act and the treatment of Asian immigrants in North America. Sui Sin Far passed away at the age of 49 due to a long illness, but her legacy continues to inspire a new generation of writers and activists fighting for social justice.

Read more about Sui Sin Far on Wikipedia »

Bruce Fairbairn

Bruce Fairbairn (December 30, 1949 Vancouver-May 17, 1999 Vancouver) a.k.a. Fairbairn, Bruce or Bruce Earl Fairbairn was a Canadian musician, record producer and trumpeter.

He was best known for his work producing successful albums for popular rock bands such as Aerosmith, Bon Jovi, and AC/DC. Along with his work in the music industry, Fairbairn also toured and recorded as a trumpeter with various jazz and rock bands throughout his career. He began his career as a musician in the 1970s, playing in a number of local Canadian bands before transitioning into production work in the 1980s. Fairbairn's impact on the music industry is widely recognized, with his contributions to the sound and style of rock music in the 1980s and 1990s continuing to influence musicians to this day.

Fairbairn's success as a producer was attributed to his ability to blend different genres of music and push boundaries, resulting in unique and diverse sounds that appealed to a wide audience. He worked with many high-profile musicians throughout his career, including Van Halen, Kiss, Scorpions, and The Cult. Fairbairn's work on Bon Jovi's album "Slippery When Wet" in 1986 helped to establish the band as one of the biggest names in rock music. He also produced AC/DC's album "The Razors Edge" in 1990, which included the hit song "Thunderstruck".

Tragically, Bruce Fairbairn passed away in his home in Vancouver in 1999 at the age of 49. His sudden death shocked and saddened the music industry, and many of his collaborators and fans mourned his loss. Despite his brief life, Fairbairn's contribution to the music industry was significant and far-reaching. He was posthumously inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 2003 in recognition of his musical legacy.

Read more about Bruce Fairbairn on Wikipedia »