Canadian music stars who deceased at age 54
Here are 11 famous musicians from Canada died at 54:
John Rutsey
John Rutsey (May 14, 1953 Ontario-May 11, 2008 Ontario) a.k.a. Rutsey, John or John Howard Rutsey was a Canadian drummer and musician.
His related genres: Hard rock, Heavy metal and Progressive rock.
He died caused by myocardial infarction.
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Robert Baldwin
Robert Baldwin (May 12, 1804 York, Upper Canada-December 9, 1858 Toronto) was a Canadian lawyer.
He was also a politician who served as the first prime minister of the Province of Canada from 1848 to 1851, alongside his political partner Louis-Hippolyte Lafontaine. Baldwin was known for his advocacy of responsible government, which aimed to give elected officials greater authority over government policy. He helped achieve important democratic reforms, such as the introduction of secret ballots for elections and the expansion of voting rights. Baldwin's efforts towards religious and social equality and the fight against institutional discrimination have earned him a place in Canadian history as a champion of human rights.
Baldwin was born into a prominent family, with his father being a lawyer and member of the Legislative Assembly of Upper Canada. He followed in his father's footsteps and became a lawyer in 1825, quickly gaining a reputation for his legal expertise.
In 1836, Baldwin was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Upper Canada as a Reform politician, advocating for responsible government and fighting against the Family Compact, a group of powerful elites who held significant influence over government decisions. Baldwin formed a close partnership with Lafontaine, a French-Canadian politician, and together they worked towards achieving their shared goals of democratic reform and equality.
Baldwin's political career was not without its challenges, including a failed attempt to form a government in 1842 and facing backlash from conservative opponents who opposed his progressive ideas. However, he persevered and his efforts to promote responsible government eventually paid off when he and Lafontaine were appointed co-premiers of the Province of Canada in 1848.
During his time as premier, Baldwin introduced many key reforms that strengthened democracy in Canada, including the introduction of secret ballots in elections and expanding voting rights to more citizens. He also advocated for the separation of church and state and fought against institutional discrimination, promoting social and religious equality in the province.
Baldwin's legacy as a champion of human rights lives on today, and he is remembered as a key figure in Canadian history who helped lay the foundation for democracy and equality in the country.
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Barbara Frum
Barbara Frum (September 8, 1937 Niagara Falls-March 26, 1992 Toronto) also known as Barbara Rosberg was a Canadian journalist and newscaster. She had two children, David Frum and Linda Frum.
Frum was a trailblazer for women in journalism and is remembered for her incisive interviewing style and skill at uncovering the truth. She began her career as a print journalist before transitioning into broadcasting, notably becoming the first female co-anchor of CBC's flagship news program The National. Frum was also a regular host of CBC Radio's As It Happens, a show that she helped to transform from a local Toronto program to a national news program with a dedicated following. She received numerous awards and accolades throughout her career, including being named an Officer of the Order of Canada in recognition of her contributions to Canadian journalism. Despite her untimely death, Frum's legacy lives on, and she is remembered as one of the most influential and respected journalists in Canadian history.
Frum was known for her fearless and unflinching approach to journalism. She was not afraid to ask tough questions and hold those in power accountable. Her interviews with world leaders, including Margaret Thatcher and Indira Gandhi, are considered some of the most insightful and memorable moments in Canadian television history.
Frum was also a champion of women's rights and an advocate for social justice issues. She spoke out against discrimination and inequality, and often used her platform to shed light on important social issues such as poverty, health care, and education.
In addition to her work in journalism, Frum was an accomplished author. She wrote several books, including As It Happened: A Memoir and The War in the Falklands: The Full Story. She also contributed articles to a number of publications, including The Globe and Mail and Maclean's magazine.
Frum's impact on Canadian journalism and broadcasting cannot be overstated. She broke down barriers for women in the industry, and set a high standard for journalistic integrity and excellence. Her legacy continues to inspire and influence new generations of journalists and broadcasters in Canada and beyond.
She died as a result of leukemia.
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Sheldon Oberman
Sheldon Oberman (May 20, 1949 Canada-March 26, 2004) was a Canadian personality.
Oberman was a beloved children's author, storyteller, and teacher who worked extensively with schools and libraries across Canada. He published several books for children, including the award-winning "The Always Prayer Shawl" and "By the Hanukkah Light."
In addition to his writing, Oberman was also a respected teacher and mentor, known for his ability to inspire and engage young readers. He was a passionate advocate for literacy and education, and his work had a tremendous impact on countless children and educators.
Throughout his career, Oberman received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to children's literature and education, including the Ruth Schwartz Children's Book Award and the Anne Izard Storyteller's Choice Award. His legacy continues to inspire and influence readers and writers around the world.
Comment: You have provided a good start to Sheldon Oberman's biography. Here is an expanded version of his bio.
Sheldon Oberman was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, on May 20, 1949. Growing up, he was fascinated with the power of storytelling and the art of writing. He attended the University of Manitoba, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Education degree in 1972.
After completing his education, Oberman began his career as a teacher and later as a principal, a role he held for more than two decades. Throughout his career in education, he used his passion for literature and storytelling to inspire and engage his students, paying particular attention to the needs of young readers who struggled with literacy.
In 1983, Oberman's first book, "The Always Prayer Shawl," was published, signaling the start of his career as a children's author. The book was an instant success, receiving praise from readers, parents, and educators alike. This achievement marked the beginning of an illustrious career in children's literature that would span over two decades.
Oberman wrote many other award-winning books, including "Celebrations," "Dreamers and Their Shadows," and "The Wisdom Bird." His work touched a wide range of themes and addressed issues around identity, belonging, and community. His stories were often inspired by his own Jewish heritage and explored the richness of its culture and traditions.
In addition to his writing, Oberman was also a highly sought-after storyteller and speaker. He traveled extensively across Canada, captivating audiences with his dynamic and engaging retelling of traditional tales and his unique ability to connect with children and adults alike.
Sheldon Oberman was diagnosed with stomach cancer in 2003 and passed away the following year, on March 26, 2004. His death was a great loss to the world of children's literature and education. However, his legacy continues to inspire and influence readers and writers around the world, and his contributions to the literary world remain highly praised and celebrated to this day.
He died in stomach cancer.
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Paul-Émile Borduas
Paul-Émile Borduas (November 1, 1905 Mont-Saint-Hilaire-February 22, 1960 Paris) a.k.a. Paul-Emile Borduas was a Canadian personality.
He was a painter, writer, and a leading member of the Automatiste movement in Quebec. Borduas studied art in Montreal and later in Paris, where he became influenced by the work of the Surrealist and Abstract Expressionist painters. In 1948, he co-signed the manifesto Refus Global (Total Refusal) which criticized the conservative religious and political institutions of Quebec and called for a radical change in culture and society. This manifesto became a cultural touchstone and has been credited with inspiring the Quiet Revolution, a period of rapid modernization in Quebec. Borduas’ own work was known for its bold, gestural brushstrokes and its pioneering approach to abstraction. He died in a car accident in Paris at the age of 54. Today, Borduas is widely celebrated as a leading figure in Canadian modern art who challenged prevailing artistic conventions and helped shape the cultural identity of Quebec.
Borduas was born in a large family of 11 children and left school at the age of 14 to work and support his family. Despite his lack of formal education, he was determined to pursue art and began painting on his own. He eventually studied at the École du meuble in Montreal and later at the École des beaux-arts in Paris, where he was exposed to the avant-garde art movements of the time.
After returning to Quebec in 1930, Borduas worked as an art teacher and continued to develop his painting style. He produced a number of notable works, including "Big Nude" and "Earth Rotates," which were characterized by their dynamic, spontaneous brushstrokes and abstract forms.
Borduas played a key role in shaping the Automatiste movement in Quebec, which was characterized by its rejection of traditional artistic techniques and its embrace of spontaneity and individual expression. He was a member of the group that published Refus Global and participated in exhibitions that showcased Automatiste art.
Despite being controversial in his lifetime, Borduas is now widely recognized as an important figure in Canadian art history. His legacy has been celebrated in exhibitions and publications, and his work is held in collections around the world. His contribution to the development of modern art and his role in Quebec's cultural evolution have earned him a place in Canadian cultural history.
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Honoré Mercier
Honoré Mercier (October 15, 1840 Saint-Athanase, Montérégie, Quebec-October 30, 1894 Montreal) otherwise known as Honore Mercier was a Canadian lawyer and journalist. He had one child, Lomer Gouin.
Mercier was known for his political activism and served as the ninth Premier of Quebec from 1887 to 1891. During his time as Premier, he made significant strides in promoting French language and culture in the province. He also supported public education and made reforms to improve working and living conditions for laborers.
Mercier was also a strong advocate for the rights of Indigenous peoples and worked to address the injustices they faced. He famously defended the rights of the Innu people against the Canadian Pacific Railway during the construction of the Quebec North Shore and Labrador Railway.
In addition to his political career, Mercier was a prolific writer and journalist. He founded a newspaper called La Patrie in 1884, which became an influential voice in Quebec politics.
After his death in 1894, Mercier was posthumously awarded the title of "Father of the Nation" by the Quebec National Assembly in recognition of his contributions to the province.
Mercier's political career was not without controversy. In 1891, he was accused of corruption by his opponents and was forced to resign as Premier. He vigorously denied the allegations and ultimately won a landmark defamation trial against his accusers. The trial, which became known as the "Mercier Pardon," was a major factor in his posthumous reputation as a champion of justice and defender of the marginalized.
Despite his early advocacy for rights and autonomy for the Catholic Church in Quebec, Mercier eventually became a proponent of secularism and separation of church and state. This position was unpopular with some of his constituents, particularly among the Catholic clergy, but he believed it was essential for promoting democracy and individual freedoms.
Mercier's legacy continues to be celebrated in Quebec, where he is remembered as a key figure in the province's history and a symbol of francophone pride and resilience.
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W. Ross Thatcher
W. Ross Thatcher (May 14, 1917 Neville-July 22, 1971 Regina) was a Canadian personality. He had one child, Colin Thatcher.
W. Ross Thatcher was a well-known Canadian politician and lawyer who served as the 10th Premier of Saskatchewan from 1964 to 1971. Born in Neville, Saskatchewan, Thatcher was educated at the University of Saskatchewan and later went on to practice law. In addition to his political career, Thatcher was also a successful businessman and established his own law firm in the city of Moose Jaw.
As Premier, Thatcher was known for his dedication to education, healthcare, and economic development. He introduced several progressive policies, including the establishment of the Saskatoon campus of the University of Saskatchewan, the creation of the Saskatchewan Medical Care Insurance Plan, and the formation of the Saskatchewan Economic Development Corporation.
Thatcher's tenure as Premier was not without controversy, however. He faced opposition from the labor movement, particularly in his handling of the province's labor disputes. Additionally, his policies regarding natural resource development and environmental conservation were criticized by some as being too industry-friendly.
Thatcher died in office on July 22, 1971, at the age of 54. Despite his controversies, he is remembered as a dedicated public servant who worked tirelessly to improve the lives of the people of Saskatchewan.
In addition to his political and business career, W. Ross Thatcher was also passionate about sports. He was an avid hockey player in his youth and maintained his love for the sport throughout his life. Thatcher also served as the President of the Saskatchewan Amateur Hockey Association and was instrumental in the construction of the Moose Jaw Civic Centre, a popular sporting venue in his hometown. Thatcher's son, Colin Thatcher, later became a famous figure in Canadian politics as well, serving as a Member of Parliament and a member of the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan. However, Colin Thatcher's political career was marred by controversy and scandal, as he was convicted of killing his ex-wife in 1984 and sentenced to life in prison.
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Robert Hayman
Robert Hayman (August 14, 1575 Devon-November 1, 1629) was a Canadian writer.
Robert Hayman was an English poet, colonist, and Proprietary Governor of Newfoundland. He was born in Devon, England on August 14, 1575 and died on November 1, 1629. In 1618, he was appointed the first poet laureate of Newfoundland and he established the first English settlement on the island in 1610. He wrote several works of poetry including "Quodlibets," a collection of poems published in 1628, and "The Triumphs of Truth," a collection of verses written about the reign of King James I. Hayman was also known for his skills as a cartographer, and his maps of Newfoundland were highly regarded during his time. He played a significant role in the early history of Newfoundland and is remembered as one of its founding fathers.
Hayman began his education at Oxford University in 1592, later studying at the Inner Temple in London to become a lawyer. However, he found success as a writer and shifted his focus to poetry. His work often explored themes of love, politics, and nature. After being appointed as governor of Newfoundland in 1618, Hayman faced many challenges, including harsh weather conditions and conflicts with the local indigenous people. Despite these difficulties, he worked to establish a successful colony and even wrote a book, "A Relation of the Successful Beginnings of the Lord Baltimore's Plantation in Newfoundland," which helped attract new settlers to the area. Hayman is also known for his sonnets about the colony, including "Of the Plantation in Newfoundland" and "Of the Sea-Surrounded Plantation." Today, he is recognized as a significant figure in Canadian literature and history.
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Hiram Blanchard
Hiram Blanchard (January 17, 1820 West River, Nova Scotia-December 17, 1874 Halifax) was a Canadian lawyer.
Blanchard was admitted to the bar in 1843 and practiced law in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. He later moved to Halifax where he became a successful lawyer and was appointed Queen's Counsel in 1863. Blanchard was very involved in politics and served as a member of the Nova Scotia House of Assembly from 1855 to 1867. He was known for his support of responsible government and his opposition to confederation with Canada. Blanchard was also a philanthropist and donated a significant amount of money to various charities and causes throughout his life.
Additionally, Blanchard was considered a leading legal mind in Nova Scotia and was known for his expertise in maritime law. He was a key figure in the development of legal education in the province and helped establish the Halifax Law School in 1865. Blanchard also served as the first president of the Nova Scotia Barristers' Society. Outside of his legal and political endeavors, he was an accomplished artist and his paintings were exhibited in local galleries. Blanchard's legacy continues to be felt in Nova Scotia through the many contributions he made to the legal, political, and social spheres of the province.
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Claude Wagner
Claude Wagner (April 4, 1925 Shawinigan-July 11, 1979) also known as Judge Claude Wagner was a Canadian judge, politician and lawyer.
Wagner was educated at the Université de Montréal and later went on to earn a Master of Laws degree from Harvard Law School in 1951. He was also a professor at the Université de Montréal Faculty of Law from 1951 to 1956.
In 1962, Wagner was appointed to the Quebec Superior Court, where he served until 1969 when he became a judge of the Quebec Court of Appeal. He was also active in politics, serving as a Member of Parliament for Saint-Hyacinthe-Bagot from 1966 to 1972 and as a Minister of Justice under Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau from 1972 to 1975.
Wagner was known for his strong stance on law and order and was instrumental in the adoption of the Criminal Code reform in 1975. He continued to serve as a judge until his death in 1979.
Prior to his political career and appointment to the Quebec Superior Court, Wagner worked as a labour lawyer, representing unions and workers in collective bargaining negotiations. He also became known for his work in the civil rights movement, advocating for the rights of minority groups and women.
As a Member of Parliament and Minister of Justice, Wagner was influential in shaping Canadian law and policy. He introduced significant reforms to the criminal justice system, including decriminalizing homosexuality and abortion. He also played a key role in establishing the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which became part of the Canadian Constitution in 1982.
Wagner's contributions to Canadian law and politics have been widely recognized, including his induction into the Canadian Legal Hall of Fame in 2013. Despite his many accomplishments, however, his legacy has been somewhat overshadowed by his controversial decision in 1972 to use the War Measures Act to combat terrorist activities in Quebec, which remains a subject of debate and criticism to this day.
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Bob O'Billovich
Bob O'Billovich (June 30, 1940 Butte-April 5, 1995) was a Canadian coach.
He was best known for his contributions to Canadian football, where he coached numerous teams in both the Canadian Football League (CFL) and the United States Football League (USFL). O'Billovich began his career as a player in the CFL, playing for the Ottawa Rough Riders and the Toronto Argonauts. He went on to become a coach, leading successful teams such as the Toronto Argonauts, the British Columbia Lions, and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. He also served as the general manager for several teams, including the British Columbia Lions and the Toronto Argonauts. O'Billovich was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 2000 for his contributions to the sport.
In addition to his coaching and general manager roles, O'Billovich also worked as a football analyst for Canadian television networks in the 1990s. He was widely respected by players and colleagues alike for his knowledge of the game and his ability to motivate his teams.
Throughout his career, O'Billovich won four Grey Cup championships as a coach and one as a player. He was also named CFL Coach of the Year twice and was the first coach to win both the CFL and USFL Coach of the Year awards.
Off the field, O'Billovich was known for his charitable work and community involvement. He was a frequent volunteer for local organizations and events, and he established a scholarship fund for underprivileged youth in his hometown of Butte, Montana.
Despite his many accomplishments, O'Billovich was remembered by his colleagues as a humble and kind-hearted man who had a genuine passion for Canadian football. His legacy in the sport is still celebrated today, and he remains a beloved figure in Canadian football history.
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