Canadian music stars who deceased at age 65
Here are 19 famous musicians from Canada died at 65:
Joe Benoit
Joe Benoit (February 27, 1916 St. Albert-October 19, 1981 Spokane) was a Canadian personality.
He was best known for his career as a professional ice hockey player, where he played as a defenseman for the Chicago Blackhawks of the National Hockey League (NHL). Benoit began his career with the Blackhawks during the 1940–41 season and played six seasons with the team, winning the Stanley Cup in 1944. In 1947, he was traded to the New York Rangers, where he played for two seasons before retiring from professional hockey in 1949. After his retirement, Benoit settled in Spokane and became involved in youth hockey programs in the area. He was inducted into the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame in 2006. Notably, Benoit was also one of the first Indigenous players in the NHL.
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René Lévesque
René Lévesque (August 24, 1922 Campbellton-November 1, 1987 Nuns' Island) also known as Rene Levesque or René Levêsque was a Canadian journalist and politician. His children are Pierre Lévesque, Suzanne Lévesque and Claude Lévesque.
René Lévesque is best known for being the founder of Parti Québécois, a political party advocating for the independence of Quebec from the rest of Canada. He served as the Premier of Quebec from 1976 to 1985, during which time he ushered in a number of governmental, social, and environmental reforms. Prior to his career in politics, Lévesque worked as a journalist, initially for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation and later for Quebec-based newspapers such as Le Devoir and La Presse. As a journalist, Lévesque covered a wide range of topics including politics, sports, and international affairs. He was also a prolific author, publishing a number of books throughout his life. Despite his commitment to Quebec sovereignty, Lévesque maintained a strong commitment to social justice and the welfare of all citizens of Quebec. In recognition of his contributions to Canadian politics and journalism, Lévesque was inducted into the Canadian News Hall of Fame in 1974.
He died as a result of cardiac arrest.
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Reginald Fessenden
Reginald Fessenden (October 6, 1866 East Bolton, Quebec-July 22, 1932 Bermuda) otherwise known as Reginald Aubrey Fessenden was a Canadian inventor.
He was a pioneering radio engineer who made many critical contributions to the development of wireless telegraphy and radio broadcasting. Fessenden is widely regarded as the first person to transmit audio over radio waves, an achievement that paved the way for the emergence of modern broadcast radio. In addition to his work in radio, Fessenden was also a prolific inventor who held over 500 patents for various technologies. Throughout his career, Fessenden was a tireless advocate for the power of technology to improve people's lives, and he worked tirelessly to develop new technologies that would make the world a better place.
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John Robarts
John Robarts (January 11, 1917 Banff-October 18, 1982 Toronto) was a Canadian politician and lawyer. He had one child, Tim Robarts.
Robarts served as the Premier of Ontario from 1961 to 1971 and led the province through a period of significant economic growth and modernization. During his tenure, he introduced several important policies, including the establishment of the Ontario Arts Council and the Ontario Human Rights Commission. He also oversaw the creation of many new provincial initiatives, such as the Ontario Science Centre and the Ontario Provincial Police Academy.
Prior to his political career, Robarts was a successful lawyer and a member of the Canadian Armed Forces during World War II. After his retirement from politics, he continued to be active in public life and served on numerous boards and organizations. Robarts is remembered as one of Ontario's most accomplished and respected leaders, and his legacy continues to be felt in the province today.
He died caused by suicide.
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Joshua Slocum
Joshua Slocum (February 20, 1844 Mount Hanley-November 14, 1909 Atlantic Ocean) was a Canadian sailor.
He is best known for completing the first solo circumnavigation of the world, which he accomplished aboard his sloop, the Spray. Slocum's sailing career began in his youth, when he ran away from home to work on fishing vessels. He later became a captain, sailing various ships in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Following financial difficulties, Slocum embarked on his solo voyage in 1895, departing from Boston and spending three years making his way through the Caribbean, across the Atlantic, around the Cape of Good Hope, and back to the Americas. Upon his return, Slocum wrote a book about his journey, titled "Sailing Alone Around the World," which became a bestseller and cemented his legacy as a pioneering sailor.
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Marie Dressler
Marie Dressler (November 9, 1868 Cobourg-July 28, 1934 Santa Barbara) otherwise known as Leila Marie Koerber was a Canadian actor.
Marie Dressler began her career in vaudeville in New York City, performing with the likes of Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton. She later transitioned to silent films and became a Hollywood star, winning the Academy Award for Best Actress in 1931 for her role in "Min and Bill." Dressler was known for her comedic roles, but also showed her dramatic range in films such as "Emma" and "Tugboat Annie." Despite her success, Dressler remained humble and generous, donating much of her wealth to charity. She was posthumously inducted into the Canadian Walk of Fame in 1997.
She died in cancer.
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Bonar Law
Bonar Law (September 16, 1858 Rexton-October 30, 1923 Kensington) was a Canadian personality. His child is called Richard Law, 1st Baron Coleraine.
Bonar Law was a British Conservative politician who served as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1922 until his resignation due to ill health in 1923. He was the shortest-serving Prime Minister of the 20th century, having been in office for just 211 days. Prior to his stint as PM, he held several other senior positions including Chancellor of the Exchequer and Leader of the Opposition. He was known for his strong opposition to Irish Home Rule and his tough stance on British imperialism. Despite his short tenure, Law is remembered as a highly competent and principled politician who made significant contributions to the country's political landscape.
He died caused by laryngeal cancer.
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Crad Kilodney
Crad Kilodney (June 1, 1948 Jamaica-April 14, 2014 Toronto) was a Canadian writer.
Kilodney was known for his controversial short stories and essays which often featured graphic language and depictions of sex and violence. He was also a prolific self-publisher, printing and selling his books on the streets of Toronto. Despite his outsider status, Kilodney received critical acclaim for his work, including the 2003 Toronto Book Award for his collection, "Suburban Ambush". In addition to his writing, Kilodney was also a talented painter and musician.
He died as a result of cancer.
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Oronhyatekha
Oronhyatekha (August 10, 1841-March 3, 1907) otherwise known as Dr. Oronhyatekha was a Canadian physician.
He was born in the Six Nations Indian Reserve near Brantford, Ontario, Canada. He was a member of the Mohawk Nation, and in his youth, he attended Mohawk Institute, a residential school. Later, he attended college and went on to become one of the first Indigenous doctors in Canada. In addition to his medical work, Dr. Oronhyatekha was also a prominent leader in various fraternal organizations, including the Independent Order of Foresters, the Masons, and the Odd Fellows. He was also an accomplished athlete and avid boxer. Throughout his life, he championed the rights of Indigenous people in Canada and fought for greater representation and recognition of their contributions to Canadian society.
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John Newlove
John Newlove (June 13, 1938 Regina-December 23, 2003) was a Canadian personality.
He was a poet and writer, notable for his contributions to modern Canadian literature. Newlove published several books of poetry throughout his career, including "Lies" and "Apology for Absence". He was known for his use of vivid imagery and his pointed social commentary. In addition to his literary work, Newlove was a professor of writing at York University in Toronto for many years. He was awarded the Governor General's Award for English language poetry for his collection "Night Street Repairs" in 1978. Newlove's legacy continues to influence Canadian literature and his work is studied in universities throughout the country.
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John Strathearn Hendrie
John Strathearn Hendrie (August 15, 1857 Hamilton-July 17, 1923) also known as John Strathearne Hendrie was a Canadian personality.
He was primarily known for being a prominent businessman and philanthropist. In his early life, Hendrie worked in the cattle and real estate business, before turning his attention towards the field of transportation. He is famous for launching the Hamilton Street Railway company in 1874, which played a significant role in transforming the economy of Hamilton, Ontario.
Apart from his successful business ventures, Hendrie was also deeply involved in social welfare and philanthropic activities. He donated large sums of money towards the creation of hospitals, parks, schools and other public institutions in Hamilton.
In recognition of his contributions to society, Hendrie was awarded the Order of St. Michael and St. George in 1910. He was also made an honorary lieutenant colonel in the Canadian Army during the First World War.
Today, his legacy lives on through the Hendrie Foundation, which continues to support charitable and community initiatives in Hamilton and beyond.
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Doug Harvey
Doug Harvey (December 19, 1924 Montreal-December 26, 1989 Montreal) was a Canadian ice hockey player.
Doug Harvey was a legendary Canadian ice hockey player who played as a defenseman. He was widely regarded as one of the greatest defensemen in the history of the sport. Harvey played for the Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers, Detroit Red Wings, and St. Louis Blues during his career. He won the Stanley Cup seven times, six of which he won with the Canadiens. Harvey was known for his skating ability, positioning, and dynamic offensive and defensive play. He was also known for his impeccable sportsmanship and leadership on and off the ice. After his playing career, Harvey became a coach in the minor leagues, mentoring many talented players. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1973, and his number (2) was retired by the Montreal Canadiens in 1985. Despite his untimely death caused by cirrhosis, Harvey's legacy continues to inspire and influence aspiring ice hockey players around the world.
He died caused by cirrhosis.
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Pierre-Évariste Leblanc
Pierre-Évariste Leblanc (August 10, 1853-October 18, 1918) a.k.a. Pierre-Evariste Leblanc was a Canadian lawyer.
He was born in Quebec City, Canada and obtained his law degree from Université Laval. Leblanc was well-regarded for his legal expertise and was often sought after for his advice on complex legal matters.
In addition to his legal practice, Leblanc was actively involved in politics. He was a member of the Conservative Party of Canada and served as a Member of Parliament for the Quebec East riding from 1896 to 1904.
Outside of his professional and political pursuits, Leblanc was passionate about the arts, particularly music. He was a skilled pianist and often performed at local events in Quebec City.
Leblanc passed away in 1918 at the age of 65. He is remembered for his contributions to the legal and political spheres in Canada, as well as for his love of music.
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Mac McCutcheon
Mac McCutcheon (June 17, 1912-May 19, 1978) was a Canadian personality.
He was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba and was known for his contributions to Canadian radio and television broadcasting. In the 1940s, he hosted his own radio show, "The Puppet Maker," which featured his puppets and storytelling. McCutcheon later transitioned to television, where he had his own show called "The Mac McCutcheon Show," which aired from 1951 to 1956. He was also a regular on the Canadian game show "Front Page Challenge" and hosted the children's show "Mac's Place." In addition to his work in broadcasting, McCutcheon was a noted writer, publishing several books of poetry and children's stories. He passed away in Toronto in 1978 at the age of 65.
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William John Bowser
William John Bowser (December 3, 1867 Rexton-October 25, 1933 Vancouver) was a Canadian personality.
He was a politician who served as the 17th Premier of British Columbia from 1915 to 1916. Bowser was also a lawyer by profession and practiced law in Vancouver before embarking on a political career. He earned a reputation for being an excellent orator and became a prominent figure in the British Columbia Conservative Party. During his short tenure as Premier, Bowser's government introduced several significant legislative reforms, including the creation of the first workmen's compensation program in Canada. After his term as Premier ended, Bowser continued to serve in the provincial legislature until 1928. He also made unsuccessful attempts to re-enter politics later in life, including running as an independent candidate for the Canadian House of Commons in 1930. Despite his unsuccessful attempts, Bowser is still remembered as an influential figure in British Columbian politics.
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Edgar Nelson Rhodes
Edgar Nelson Rhodes (January 5, 1877 Milton-March 15, 1942 Ottawa) was a Canadian lawyer.
He was born and raised in Milton, Ontario and received his law degree from Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto. Rhodes had a successful legal career, primarily practicing corporate law, and became a senior partner at one of Ottawa's leading law firms. He was appointed King's Counsel in 1917 and served as the President of the Canadian Bar Association from 1931 to 1932.
In addition to his legal career, Rhodes was actively involved in political and community affairs. He was the President of the Ottawa Board of Trade and served on the Ottawa Council from 1928 to 1931. Rhodes was also a member of the Royal Commission on Banking and Currency, which was responsible for developing a new financial system for Canada during the Great Depression.
Rhodes was highly regarded by his colleagues and peers, known for his intellect, ethical practice, and dedication to public service. Following his death in 1942, his colleagues established the Edgar N. Rhodes Memorial Award to recognize exceptional contributions to Canadian corporate law.
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Bennett Campbell
Bennett Campbell (August 27, 1943 Montague-September 11, 2008 Cardigan) was a Canadian politician.
Bennett Campbell was born in the small town of Montague in Prince Edward Island, Canada. He received his education at the University of Prince Edward Island and later obtained his law degree from the University of New Brunswick.
A member of the Conservative Party of Canada, Campbell’s political experience was primarily at the provincial level. He served as a member of the Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island from 1978 until 1996. During this time, he held a number of positions including Speaker of the House, Deputy Premier and Attorney General.
Following his time in provincial politics, Campbell was elected to the House of Commons of Canada in 1997, representing the riding of Cardigan. He was re-elected in 2000, 2004, and 2006.
During his time in federal politics, Campbell served as the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry, and as a member of several Standing Committees including the Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology, and the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights.
Throughout his career, Campbell was known for his dedication to public service and his commitment to his constituents. He was deeply involved in his community and was a strong advocate for rural Canada.
After a battle with cancer, Bennett Campbell passed away on September 11, 2008, at the age of 65. He is fondly remembered by his colleagues and constituents as a compassionate and dedicated public servant.
He died caused by cancer.
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Emily Murphy
Emily Murphy (March 14, 1868 Innisfil-October 17, 1933 Edmonton) otherwise known as Emily F Murphy was a Canadian judge.
She became the first female magistrate in Canada in 1916 and played a significant role in the Persons Case, which established that women could be considered "persons" under Canadian law in 1929. During her career, Murphy advocated for women's rights, particularly in regards to legal and political representation. She also wrote several books on social issues, including The Black Candle, which addressed drug use in Canada and is credited with promoting the prohibition of marijuana. Despite facing criticism and opposition during her lifetime, Emily Murphy's contributions to Canadian society continue to be celebrated and recognized today.
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Ernest Lapointe
Ernest Lapointe (October 6, 1876 Québec-November 26, 1941) was a Canadian lawyer.
He is best known for his tenure as the Minister of Justice and the Minister of Marine and Fisheries under Prime Minister Mackenzie King. Lapointe was a respected and influential figure in Canadian politics during his time, and he played an instrumental role in shaping important policies and legislation. As a lawyer, he was known for his exceptional legal skills and his ability to defend his clients in court. Lapointe was also a staunch advocate for the French-speaking community in Canada and worked tirelessly to ensure their rights were protected. He was awarded the Order of the British Empire in 1935 in recognition of his contributions to public life. His legacy continues to be felt today, and he remains an important figure in Canadian history.
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