Canadian music stars who deceased at age 74
Here are 24 famous musicians from Canada died at 74:
Gabrielle Roy
Gabrielle Roy (March 22, 1909 Saint Boniface, Winnipeg-July 13, 1983 Quebec City) was a Canadian writer and novelist.
She was known for her works that explored the experiences of ordinary Canadians, particularly in the francophone community. Some of her most famous novels include "The Tin Flute" and "The Cashier". Roy was also a social activist and worked for many years as a journalist, writing about social justice issues and advocating for the rights of women and marginalized communities. In recognition of her contributions to Canadian literature and culture, she was awarded numerous awards throughout her career, including the Governor General's Award and the Companion of the Order of Canada. Today, she is considered one of the most important Canadian writers of the 20th century.
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Percy Williams
Percy Williams (May 19, 1908 Vancouver-November 29, 1982 Vancouver) was a Canadian personality.
Percy Williams was a track and field athlete who was a double gold medalist at the 1928 Summer Olympics in Amsterdam. He won both the 100-meter and 200-meter sprints, setting a new Olympic record in the 200-meter event. Williams was known for his incredible speed and agility on the track, and he was a beloved figure in Canadian sports. After his retirement from competitive athletics, Williams struggled with financial difficulties and health problems. His tragic death by suicide in 1982 was a shock to the sports community and to Canadians at large. Despite his struggles, Williams is remembered as one of Canada's greatest athletes and an inspiration to future generations of Canadian runners.
He died in suicide.
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Stephen Leacock
Stephen Leacock (December 30, 1869 Swanmore-March 28, 1944 Toronto) was a Canadian writer and economist.
Leacock is considered to be one of Canada's most famous humorists and is best known for his humorous and satirical works, including "Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town" and "Literary Lapses". In addition to his writing, Leacock was also a noted economist, with several of his books on economics becoming popular textbooks in universities across North America. Leacock was a professor of political economy at McGill University in Montreal, where he taught for over 30 years. He was also a founding member of the Royal Society of Canada and received numerous awards and honors throughout his lifetime, including being named to the Order of the British Empire in 1935.
He died caused by laryngeal cancer.
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Judith Merril
Judith Merril (January 21, 1923 Boston-September 12, 1997 Toronto) also known as Cyril Judd, Josephine Juliet Grossman, Rose Sharon or Judith Josephine Grossman was a Canadian writer, author and novelist.
Merril began her writing career in the 1940s, publishing short stories in science fiction magazines. She later transitioned to novel writing and became known for her feminist and leftist themes in her work. Merril was also a prominent editor in the science fiction community, editing numerous anthologies and magazines. She was a key figure in the development of the speculative fiction genre in Canada and helped establish the science fiction collection at the Toronto Public Library. Merril was the recipient of numerous awards for her writing, including the Pilgrim Award and the Hugo Award.
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C. D. Howe
C. D. Howe (January 15, 1886 Waltham-December 31, 1960 Montreal) a.k.a. Clarence Decatur Howe was a Canadian economist, civil engineer and engineer.
He was also a prominent politician who served as the Minister of Munitions and Supply during World War II, where he played a key role in mobilizing Canada's war efforts.
Howe received his education at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and went on to become the President of the Canadian Engineering Standards Association. In 1935, he was appointed as the Minister of Railways and Canals under Prime Minister Mackenzie King's government.
As the Minister of Munitions and Supply during World War II, Howe spearheaded the expansion of Canada's manufacturing and industrial sectors, which led to the country becoming a major global economic power in the post-war era. Additionally, he played a pivotal role in the establishment of the St. Lawrence Seaway, which allowed for better transportation and trade between Canada and the United States.
Throughout his career, Howe was known for his innovative and pragmatic approach to problem-solving. His contributions to Canada's economy and industrialization during the mid-20th century are still celebrated and recognized today.
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Simon Newcomb
Simon Newcomb (March 12, 1835 Wallace, Nova Scotia-July 11, 1909 Washington, D.C.) was a Canadian mathematician, economist, science writer and astronomer.
Throughout his career, Newcomb made significant contributions to various fields. As a mathematician, he is best known for his work in the field of mathematical physics. He was also one of the leading economists of his time and was a proponent of the gold standard.
As an astronomer, Newcomb is remembered for his work in celestial mechanics and for his contribution to the development of the field of astrophysics. He was particularly interested in the motion of the moon and published a number of papers on the subject.
Aside from his scientific work, Newcomb was also a prolific writer, publishing over 200 books and articles over the course of his career. He was particularly interested in promoting science education and was a vocal advocate for the establishment of a national observatory in the United States.
Newcomb received numerous honors and awards throughout his career, including the Gold Medal of the Royal Astronomical Society and the Copley Medal of the Royal Society of London. He was also a member of various scientific societies, including the National Academy of Sciences and the American Philosophical Society.
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Newton Rowell
Newton Rowell (November 1, 1867 Canada-November 22, 1941) was a Canadian lawyer and judge.
He was also a politician and served as a member of the Canadian House of Commons from 1917 to 1921. Rowell was a key advocate for the creation of the Canadian Bar Association and served as its first president from 1914 to 1916. He was appointed to the Ontario Superior Court in 1923 and to the Ontario Court of Appeal in 1929. Rowell was known for his strong belief in the importance of education and was a founding trustee of Massey College at the University of Toronto. He was also a vocal advocate for women's rights and played a significant role in securing the right to vote for women in Canada.
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W. E. N. Sinclair
W. E. N. Sinclair (June 28, 1873 Whitby Township, Ontario-November 26, 1947 Ottawa) was a Canadian personality.
He was a journalist, author, and political advisor. Sinclair worked as a foreign correspondent for various newspapers and covered the Second Boer War and World War I. He also wrote several books, including "The Big Business of Life" and "The Creative Will."
Sinclair was a political advisor to several Canadian Prime Ministers, including Sir Wilfrid Laurier and William Lyon Mackenzie King. He was also a member of the Canadian delegation to the League of Nations and served as Chairman of the National Film Board of Canada.
In addition to his career in journalism and politics, Sinclair was also active in the arts. He was a member of the Royal Society of Canada and a Fellow of the Royal Geographic Society. He was a supporter of Canadian culture and was involved with the National Gallery of Canada, the Canadian Geographical Society, and the Canadian Authors Association.
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Daniel Yanofsky
Daniel Yanofsky (March 25, 1925 Brody, Lesser Poland Voivodeship-March 5, 2000 Winnipeg) a.k.a. Daniel Abraham Yanofsky or Abe Yanofsky was a Canadian lawyer and writer.
He was also a renowned chess player, having won the Canadian Chess Championship seven times and represented Canada in numerous international tournaments. Yanofsky was the first chess player outside of Europe and the Soviet Union to earn the title of International Grandmaster. Aside from his chess accomplishments, Yanofsky also served in the Canadian Army during World War II and was a founding member of the Manitoba Human Rights Commission. As a writer, he authored several books on chess and various legal topics, and contributed articles to magazines and newspapers. Yanofsky was a respected figure in Canada's legal and chess communities and his contributions to both fields continue to be celebrated today.
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James Robert Wilson
James Robert Wilson (September 16, 1866 Canada-April 3, 1941) was a Canadian personality.
James Robert Wilson was best known for his contributions to the field of journalism, as he was a highly respected editor and publisher during his time. He founded the Saturday Night magazine, which became one of the most successful and influential publications of its time. Wilson was also involved in politics, serving as a member of the Canadian parliament from 1900 to 1904. He was a strong advocate for the rights of the working class and was known for his passionate speeches on their behalf. In addition to his career in journalism and politics, Wilson was a prolific writer and authored several books on Canadian history and politics. He was widely regarded as one of the most important figures in Canadian journalism and politics during the early 20th century.
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Antonio Lamer
Antonio Lamer (July 8, 1933 Montreal-November 24, 2007 Ottawa) was a Canadian lawyer and judge.
Lamer was appointed to the Supreme Court of Canada as a Puisne Justice in 1980 and later served as Chief Justice from 1990 until his retirement in 2000. During his tenure, he advocated for the protection of minority rights, including language rights and the rights of Indigenous people. He also wrote several landmark decisions on issues such as freedom of expression and the rights of the accused. Prior to his appointment to the Supreme Court, Lamer served as a judge on the Quebec Court of Appeal and was a well-respected practitioner of criminal law. After retiring from the bench, he continued to be involved in legal affairs and taught at the University of Ottawa. In recognition of his contributions to Canadian law and society, Lamer was made a Companion of the Order of Canada in 2005.
He died as a result of cardiovascular disease.
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John Morgan
John Morgan (September 21, 1930 Aberdare-November 15, 2004 Toronto) also known as The Royal Canadian Air Farce was a Canadian actor, comedian and screenwriter.
John Morgan was born in Aberdare, Wales but his family emigrated to Canada when he was a child. He began his career in entertainment as a radio announcer in Ontario in the 1950s. He later joined the Royal Canadian Air Force as a radar technician, which is where he got the nickname "The Royal Canadian Air Farce".
Morgan later became a founding member of the comedy troupe "The Credibility Gap" in Los Angeles in the 1960s. He returned to Canada in the 1970s and joined the comedy group "The Royal Canadian Air Farce", which became a popular show on CBC Radio and later on television.
Aside from his work on "The Royal Canadian Air Farce", Morgan also had a successful career as a screenwriter, working on numerous productions including "The Beachcombers" and "Street Legal". He was awarded the Order of Canada in 1997 for his contributions to Canadian entertainment.
In addition to his career, John Morgan was also known for his philanthropic work. He established a scholarship at his alma mater, McMaster University, for students pursuing a career in broadcasting.
He died in myocardial infarction.
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C. William Doody
C. William Doody (February 26, 1931-December 27, 2005) was a Canadian personality.
He was famous for being a radio and television host, as well as a public speaker. Born in Toronto, Doody began his career in broadcasting as a disc jockey in the mid-1950s. He eventually became a popular radio host in the country and later transitioned to hosting television shows. Doody is best known for hosting the popular Canadian children's show, "The Uncle Bobby Show" which aired from 1964 to 1972. He was also a frequent guest on various television shows, where he showcased his talent as a public speaker. Additionally, Doody was also involved in charitable work and had a passion for helping those in need. He passed away in 2005 at the age of 74, leaving behind a legacy as a beloved Canadian personality.
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Walter Edward Foster
Walter Edward Foster (April 9, 1873 St. Martins-November 14, 1947 Saint John) was a Canadian personality.
Walter Foster was a celebrated artist, author, and art educator who made significant contributions to the world of art. He is known for publishing instructional art books that have been widely used by aspiring artists, teachers, and students. He started his career as a teenager, working as an illustrator for a local newspaper. He later enrolled at the Academy of Fine Arts in Chicago, where he learned the techniques of painting and drawing.
After completing his studies, Foster worked as a commercial artist for various companies, producing advertisements, illustrations, and cartoons. In 1921, he wrote and published his first book titled "How to Draw," which became an instant success. This was followed by several other instructional books, including "How to Paint," "How to Sketch," and "The Oil Painting Book."
Foster was committed to making art accessible to everyone and believed that anyone could learn to draw and paint with the right tools and guidance. He established the Walter Foster Publishing company in the 1920s, which published his instructional art books and reached a worldwide audience. Today, his books are considered classics and continue to inspire and educate artists of all levels.
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John Duncan MacLean
John Duncan MacLean (December 8, 1873 Canada-March 28, 1948 Ottawa) was a Canadian personality.
He was a successful businessman who founded the MacLean Publishing Company Ltd., which grew to become one of Canada's largest media empires. MacLean was also involved in politics and served as a Member of Parliament for four years. Despite his success, he was known for his humility and generosity, contributing large sums of money to organizations such as hospitals and universities. MacLean's legacy lives on through the Maclean's magazine, which is still in publication today.
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William Pugsley
William Pugsley (September 27, 1850 Sussex-March 3, 1925 Toronto) was a Canadian lawyer.
He was also a politician who served as a Member of Parliament for the riding of King's County, New Brunswick from 1896 to 1911. Pugsley was a prominent figure in the Liberal Party of Canada and served as Minister of Public Works in the government of Sir Wilfrid Laurier from 1902 to 1905. He was also a founding member of the Canadian Bar Association and served as its president in 1906. Pugsley was known for his strong advocacy for the Canadian Pacific Railway, which he believed was critical to the economic development of Canada. After leaving politics, he continued to practice law in Toronto until his death in 1925.
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Brock Chisholm
Brock Chisholm (May 18, 1896 Oakville-February 4, 1971 Victoria) also known as Dr. Brock Chisholm was a Canadian physician.
He is well known for his contributions to the field of psychiatry, where he advocated for a more holistic approach to mental healthcare that didn't solely rely on medication. Chisholm was the first director-general of the World Health Organization (WHO), serving from 1948 to 1953. During his time at the WHO, he focused on public health initiatives such as disease prevention and improving access to healthcare for the world's most vulnerable populations. Chisholm was also an outspoken activist for human rights and social justice, championing causes such as women's rights, racial equality, and affordable housing. He was awarded numerous honors and recognitions for his work and legacy, including the Order of Canada and the Lasker-DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award.
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William Duncan Herridge
William Duncan Herridge (September 18, 1887-September 21, 1961) was a Canadian politician.
He served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for the riding of Richmond—Wolfe in Quebec from 1930 to 1940. Herridge was a member of the Conservative Party of Canada and was a proponent of closer economic ties between Canada and the United States. He was also an advocate for the rights of farmers and rural communities. Prior to his political career, Herridge was a successful businessman and served as President of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce from 1922 to 1923. He was awarded the Order of the British Empire in 1945 for his public service. After retiring from politics in 1940, Herridge served as the Canadian Trade Commissioner in New York City until 1954.
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William Bryce
William Bryce (September 7, 1888 Lanark-June 17, 1963 Selkirk) was a Canadian personality.
He was a professional ice hockey player and coach, and also served as a referee and president of the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association (CAHA). Bryce played for various teams in the Ottawa and Montreal areas, including the Montreal Maroons, and won three Stanley Cups with the Ottawa Senators in the early 1920s. He later coached in the National Hockey League (NHL) for teams such as the New York Americans and Montreal Canadiens. In addition to his work in hockey, Bryce was also involved in various charitable organizations and served as a member of Canada's House of Commons during World War II.
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Russell Paulley
Russell Paulley (November 3, 1909-May 19, 1984) was a Canadian personality.
He was known as a wrestler and professional boxer, but also had careers as a referee, promoter, and actor. Paulley was born in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan and began his career in the boxing ring in the 1930s. He also competed in professional wrestling under the ring name "Chief Lone Eagle". After retiring from active competition, Paulley became a well-known referee in both boxing and wrestling, often officiating high-profile matches.
In addition to his work in combat sports, Paulley also appeared in several Hollywood films, including "Westward the Women" and "The Big Sky", as well as the television series "The Lone Ranger". In the 1960s, he became a promoter for the Canadian Wrestling Federation, helping to popularize the sport throughout the country. Paulley was inducted into the Canadian Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1994, ten years after his death.
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Gildas Molgat
Gildas Molgat (January 25, 1927 Sainte Rose du Lac-February 28, 2001) was a Canadian personality.
He was a radio and television host, as well as a politician. Molgat was best known for his long-running radio show "Gildas et les autres" which aired on CBC Radio from 1964 to 1975. He also hosted several television shows, including "The Gildas Touch" and "This is Gildas Country." In 1979, Molgat was appointed to the Senate of Canada by Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, where he served until 1994. Molgat was also involved in several charitable organizations, including the Canadian Cancer Society and the Kidney Foundation of Canada. He was known for his warm personality and his dedication to public service.
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Thomas Simpson Sproule
Thomas Simpson Sproule (October 25, 1843-November 10, 1917) also known as Dr. Thomas Simpson Sproule was a Canadian physician.
He was born in the town of Galt, Ontario and attended the University of Toronto where he graduated with a degree in medicine in 1868. He then went on to study in Berlin, Germany and became a specialist in diseases of the ear, nose and throat. In 1874, he joined the faculty of the University of Toronto and became a lecturer in otology. He also established his own private practice and was highly regarded among his patients.
Sproule's contributions to medicine extended beyond his clinical work. He was a founding member of the Canadian Medical Association and served as its president in 1887. He was also involved in the establishment of the Bellevue Hospital for Children in Toronto and was a member of the board of directors for many years.
In addition to his medical achievements, Sproule was also an active member of his community. He was a member of the Toronto Board of Education and was involved in various charitable organizations. He was also a member of the Orange Order, a Protestant fraternal organization.
Sproule passed away in Toronto in 1917 at the age of 74. His legacy in medicine and his contributions to his community continue to be celebrated to this day.
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George Johnson
George Johnson (November 18, 1920 Winnipeg-June 8, 1995 Gimli, Manitoba) also known as Dr. George Johnson was a Canadian physician.
He completed his medical education at the University of Manitoba and then went on to work as a general practitioner in a rural area of Manitoba for several years. In the late 1950s, he became interested in the field of public health and went back to school to pursue a Master's degree in Public Health from Harvard University.
After completing his degree, he worked for the World Health Organization and held various positions in public health in both Canada and abroad. He was known for his work in developing countries, particularly in Africa, where he helped to establish public health programs and worked to combat diseases such as malaria and tuberculosis.
Throughout his career, he received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to public health, including the Order of Canada and the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal. He retired to his hometown of Gimli, Manitoba in the 1980s and passed away in 1995.
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Sidney Spivak
Sidney Spivak (May 23, 1928-July 8, 2002) was a Canadian personality.
He was a prolific broadcaster, journalist, and author who gained popularity across Canada for his work in the media industry. Spivak began his career as a journalist in the 1950s, working as a reporter for several newspapers across the country, including the Toronto Telegram and the Montreal Gazette.
In the 1960s, he transitioned into broadcasting and became a well-known radio and television personality, hosting numerous programs on CBC television, including "This Land of Ours” and "The 20th Century.”
Over the course of his career, Spivak interviewed notable figures such as former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, and he covered important events such as the John F. Kennedy assassination and the October Crisis in Quebec.
Spivak also authored several books, including "The Bold and the Brave: The Story of Canadian Forces," for which he received the Governor General's Commendation.
He was a member of the Order of Canada and was posthumously inducted into the Canadian Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 2018.
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