Canadian music stars who deceased at age 55
Here are 9 famous musicians from Canada died at 55:
Frank Carson
Frank Carson (January 12, 1902 Bracebridge-April 21, 1957) was a Canadian personality.
He was a well-known comedian, television and radio personality who gained popularity in the 1940s and 1950s. He started his career as a newspaper reporter before transitioning to radio broadcasting, where he hosted a popular morning talk show in Toronto. Carson's humor was known for being wholesome and family-friendly, which made him a household name in Canada. He also appeared in several films and television shows throughout his career, including the Canadian sitcom "The Wayne and Shuster Show." Carson's legacy of comedy in Canada continues to inspire many up-and-coming comedians in the country today.
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Alexander Mackenzie
Alexander Mackenzie (April 5, 1764 Stornoway-March 12, 1820 Dunkeld) was a Canadian personality.
Mackenzie was a Scottish explorer and the second prime minister of Canada. He is best known for being the first European to cross North America via land north of Mexico. In 1787, he immigrated to North America and settled in what would later become Canada. Mackenzie was instrumental in the fur trade industry and established many trading posts along the Mackenzie River. In 1801, he was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Lower Canada and later served as the prime minister of Canada from 1873 to 1878. Mackenzie was known for his dedication to democracy and his advocacy for responsible government. He was knighted in 1802 for his contributions to Canada.
He died in bright's disease.
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Jean de Brébeuf
Jean de Brébeuf (March 25, 1593 Condé-sur-Vire-March 16, 1649 Midland) also known as Jean de Brebeuf was a Canadian personality.
Jean de Brébeuf was a French Jesuit missionary who came to Canada in 1625 to evangelize the indigenous Huron-Wendat people. He learned the Huron language and spent over 20 years working closely with the Hurons, adapting his preaching to their beliefs and customs. He established missions throughout the area, including Sainte-Marie among the Hurons, which served as a base for other missions.
During the Iroquois Wars, de Brébeuf and other missionaries were captured and tortured by the Iroquois but refused to renounce their faith. He was martyred in 1649, along with another Jesuit missionary, Gabriel Lalemant. Despite his violent death, de Brébeuf left a lasting legacy among the Hurons and is revered as a saint by the Catholic Church. His writings on the Huron language and culture provide valuable insights into their way of life.
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William McGuigan
William McGuigan (July 18, 1853-December 25, 1908) a.k.a. Mayor William McGuigan or Dr. William McGuigan was a Canadian physician and lawyer.
He was born in Ottawa, Ontario and went to Ottawa Collegiate Institute before attending McGill University, where he received his medical degree in 1878. He returned to Ottawa and practiced medicine until he switched to law in 1887. McGuigan was elected to the Ottawa City Council in 1892 and served as Mayor from 1899 to 1900. During his tenure as mayor, he initiated several public works projects and introduced the use of electric streetlights in the city. He also served as a member of the Canadian House of Commons for 5 years, representing the riding of Ottawa City. In 1908, McGuigan died suddenly of a heart attack while on vacation in Bermuda.
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Walter Weir
Walter Weir (June 7, 1929 Canada-April 17, 1985 Minnedosa) was a Canadian personality.
He was best known as a journalist, author, and radio host. Weir began his journalism career as a reporter for the Saskatoon Star-Phoenix in the 1950s, and went on to work for a number of newspapers across Canada. He also hosted several radio programs, including "Walter Weir's World" on CBC Radio.
Weir was also a prolific author, writing several books on a variety of topics, such as Canadian history, politics, and economics. He was a respected voice in Canadian media, known for his insightful analysis and criticisms of government policies.
In addition to his media work, Weir was also involved in politics, running for office as a candidate for the New Democratic Party (NDP) in the 1960s. He was an advocate for social democracy and progressive politics in Canada.
Walter Weir died in 1985 at the age of 55, leaving behind a legacy as one of Canada's most influential journalists and political thinkers.
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Nick Auf der Maur
Nick Auf der Maur (April 10, 1942 Montreal-April 7, 1998 Montreal) also known as Nikolaus was a Canadian journalist and politician. He had one child, Melissa Auf der Maur.
Nick Auf der Maur began his career in journalism in the 60s, working for the Montreal Gazette, where he covered societal issues and social movements. He eventually became the editor-in-chief of the paper in the late 80s. In addition to his work in journalism, he was also involved in politics, serving on the Montreal City Council for the city's Plateau Mont-Royal district in the late 80s and early 90s.
Auf der Maur was known for his passionate and vocal support of Quebec nationalism, and was active in the separatist movement. He was also known for his strong stance on issues such as social justice, cultural preservation, and protection of the environment.
After his death in 1998, his daughter Melissa Auf der Maur, who went on to become a successful musician, dedicated her album "Auf der Maur" to her father's memory.
He died in cancer.
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Gérald Godin
Gérald Godin (November 13, 1938 Trois-Rivières-October 12, 1994 Montreal) otherwise known as Gerald Godin was a Canadian journalist, actor, screenwriter, writer, poet and politician.
Godin was an influential figure in Quebec's cultural and political spheres, known for his charismatic personality and dedication to the promotion of Quebecois culture and independence. He began his career as a journalist, working for various newspapers and radio stations in Quebec before transitioning into screenwriting and acting in the 1960s.
In the 1970s, Godin turned to politics and became a member of the Parti Québécois. He was elected to the Quebec National Assembly in 1976 and served as Minister of State for Cultural Affairs in the late 1970s. He remained active in politics throughout the 1980s, serving as a member of the National Assembly until 1989.
Godin was also an accomplished poet and writer, having published numerous books of poetry and prose throughout his career. His works dealt with themes of love, nature, and Quebecois identity, and his poetry is considered some of the finest in Canadian literature. He was awarded the Governor General's Award for French language poetry in 1978.
Despite his untimely death at the age of 55, Godin's legacy lives on as a champion of Quebecois culture and independence. He remains an important figure in Quebec's cultural and political history.
He died in cancer.
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George Hainsworth
George Hainsworth (June 26, 1895 Toronto-October 9, 1950 Gravenhurst) was a Canadian personality.
He was a professional ice hockey goaltender and is considered to be one of the best goaltenders in the history of the sport. He played for the Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs during his career, and won the Vezina Trophy twice. Hainsworth was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1961. Prior to his hockey career, Hainsworth served in World War I as a member of the Canadian army. After retiring from hockey, he owned and operated a resort in Ontario until his untimely death in the traffic collision.
He died in traffic collision.
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Judy LaMarsh
Judy LaMarsh (December 20, 1924 Chatham-Kent-October 27, 1980 Toronto) was a Canadian writer, novelist, lawyer and politician.
Judy LaMarsh was a prominent figure in Canadian politics in the 1960s. She was the first female federal cabinet minister in Canadian history, serving as the Minister of National Health and Welfare under Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson from 1963 to 1965. Prior to entering politics, LaMarsh was a successful lawyer, author, and broadcaster. She wrote several books, including her memoirs titled "Memoirs of a Bird in a Gilded Cage" which chronicled her experiences in politics. During her time in office, she worked to establish the Canadian Pension Plan, and brought about significant reform to Canada's social welfare system. She was also a key player in the creation of the Royal Commission on the Status of Women. Despite facing discrimination and sexism throughout her career, LaMarsh was known for her determination, intelligence, and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of Canadians.
She died caused by cancer.
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