Canadian music stars who deceased at age 75
Here are 19 famous musicians from Canada died at 75:
Alexander Graham Bell
Alexander Graham Bell (March 3, 1847 Edinburgh-August 2, 1922 Beinn Bhreagh, Nova Scotia) also known as Bell, Alexander Graham was a Canadian inventor, physicist, entrepreneur, businessperson, scientist, engineer and professor. He had four children, Elsie Bell, Marian Hubbard Bell, Edward Bell and Robert Bell.
Best known for inventing the telephone, Bell was also involved in various other groundbreaking technologies during his lifetime. Born in Scotland, he later became a naturalized American citizen and was a co-founder of AT&T, the American Telephone and Telegraph Company. Bell dedicated his life to improving communication and promoting education for the deaf, as his mother and wife were both deaf. He held over 18 patents and was awarded numerous honorary degrees throughout his career. In addition to his scientific work, Bell was also an active member of the National Geographic Society and a philanthropist who made significant donations to causes such as hearing impairment research and the advancement of education.
He died in pernicious anemia.
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Lester B. Pearson
Lester B. Pearson (April 23, 1897 York-December 27, 1972 Ottawa) a.k.a. Lester Pearson, Lester Bowles Pearson or Dr. Lester B. Pearson was a Canadian soldier, politician, college administrator, physician, historian and diplomat. His child is called Geoffrey Pearson.
Lester B. Pearson was the 14th Prime Minister of Canada, serving from 1963 to 1968. During his time in office, he introduced universal healthcare, established the Canada Pension Plan, and enacted policies promoting bilingualism and multiculturalism. He also implemented a number of social welfare programs, including the Canada Assistance Plan and the National Housing Act. Pearson is perhaps best known for his role in defusing the Cuban Missile Crisis by proposing a negotiated settlement to the conflict, which was accepted by both the United States and the Soviet Union. In recognition of his efforts towards peace, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1957. Prior to entering politics, Pearson served in World War I and was a professor of history at the University of Toronto. After his time as Prime Minister, he continued to work as a diplomat and was instrumental in the creation of the United Nations Emergency Force. Pearson is widely regarded as one of Canada's most accomplished leaders and is remembered as a champion of progressive values and international cooperation.
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William Lyon Mackenzie King
William Lyon Mackenzie King (December 17, 1874 Kitchener-July 22, 1950 Chelsea) was a Canadian lawyer, journalist, economist, politician, author and civil servant.
King was the longest-serving prime minister in Canadian history, serving a total of 21 years over three terms. He initially served from 1921 to 1926 and then again from 1926 to 1930. He returned to office for a final term from 1935 to 1948. King played a significant role in Canada's role in World War II and helped to establish the country as a major participant in post-war international affairs. Throughout his career, King was known for his interest in spiritualism and his practice of seeking advice from mediums. He is also known for his support of social welfare policies, including the implementation of employment insurance and old age pensions. King's legacy continues to be celebrated in Canada, and his image appears on the Canadian fifty-dollar bill.
He died in pneumonia.
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Charles Christie
Charles Christie (April 13, 1880 London-October 1, 1955 Hollywood) a.k.a. Charles H.V. Christie was a Canadian film director and film producer.
Christie was born in London, Ontario and started his career in the film industry in his early 20s, working as a filmmaker and exhibitor. In 1906, he co-founded the Christie Film Company with his brother, and together they produced dozens of films with their signature trademark of realistic and candid storytelling.
In 1912, Charles Christie produced one of the earliest and most famous versions of the "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" story, which was a critical and commercial success. He continued to produce hit movies throughout the silent era, including "The Spoilers" (1914), "The Heart of Maryland" (1927), and "The Seahawk" (1924).
In the late 1920s, Christie shifted his focus to the business side of the industry and became heavily involved in the formation and management of movie theaters. He and his brother were major players in the development of the Hollywood film industry, where they founded the iconic Grauman's Chinese Theatre and the Egyptian Theatre.
Despite financial setbacks during the Great Depression, Christie continued to be a prominent figure in the film industry until his death in 1955. Today, he is remembered for his contributions to early cinema as a pioneer of film production and exhibition.
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Del Lord
Del Lord (October 7, 1894 Grimsby-March 23, 1970 Calabasas) a.k.a. Delmer Lord or Delmar Lord was a Canadian film director, screenwriter and film producer. His child is called Del Lord Jr..
Lord started his career as a vaudeville performer before moving on to work in film in the 1910s. He worked for Mack Sennett at Keystone Studios, where he directed comedy shorts featuring popular stars such as Charlie Chaplin and Fatty Arbuckle. He continued to direct and produce comedies throughout the silent and talkie eras, working with notable actors such as the Three Stooges, Abbott and Costello, and Bob Hope.
In addition to his work in film, Lord was also a skilled inventor and created several devices used in productions, including a periscope that allowed cameras to shoot over crowds and a mechanism for pulling actors off the ground during stunt scenes.
Lord retired in the mid-1950s and lived out the rest of his life in California. He was posthumously inducted into the Canadian Comedy Hall of Fame in 2018.
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David Bromige
David Bromige (October 22, 1933 London-June 3, 2009 Sebastopol) was a Canadian personality.
David Bromige was a notable poet and scholar. Throughout his literary career, he published numerous poetry collections and was a professor of creative writing and English literature at various institutions, including Sonoma State University in California. He was also a co-founder of the influential poetry journal "Slug" in the 1970s, which published avant-garde and experimental poetry. Additionally, he was a prolific editor, translator, and collaborator, working with other artists to create unique and innovative pieces. His contributions to the world of poetry have been widely recognized, and he has received numerous awards, including the prestigious Guggenheim Fellowship.
He died in myocardial infarction.
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Bernie Geoffrion
Bernie Geoffrion (February 14, 1931 Montreal-March 11, 2006 Atlanta) a.k.a. Joseph André Bernard Geoffrion, Boom Boom, Joseph André Bernard "Boom Boom" Geoffrion, Bernie or Boum-Boum was a Canadian ice hockey player.
Geoffrion played as a right winger and is considered one of the pioneers of the slapshot. He played for the Montreal Canadiens and the New York Rangers in the National Hockey League (NHL). He won six Stanley Cups with the Canadiens and was named to the NHL All-Star team eight times. Geoffrion retired from playing professionally in 1968 and became a coach for several NHL teams, including the Canadiens, Rangers, and Atlanta Flames. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1972 and his number 5 was retired by the Canadiens. During his career, he scored 393 goals and had 429 assists in 883 games.
He died caused by stomach cancer.
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Félix d'Herelle
Félix d'Herelle (April 25, 1873 Montreal-February 22, 1949 Paris) also known as Felix d'Herelle was a Canadian microbiologist.
He is best known for his groundbreaking research on bacteriophages, or viruses that infect bacteria. His work led to the development of phage therapy, a method of using bacteriophages to treat bacterial infections. In addition to his scientific achievements, d'Herelle was a prolific writer, publishing books and articles on a wide range of topics, including his travels in Africa and Asia, his experiences during World War I, and his research on bacteriophages. He also founded the Institute Pasteur in Tbilisi, Georgia, which became a center for research on phage therapy. Today, d'Herelle is considered one of the pioneers of modern microbiology, and his work continues to inspire scientists around the world.
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Howard Ferguson
Howard Ferguson (June 18, 1870 Kemptville-February 21, 1946 Toronto) was a Canadian personality.
He was a lawyer and a prominent member of the Conservative party in Canada. He served as a Member of Parliament from 1911 to 1917 and briefly as Minister of Public Works in 1917. However, he is perhaps best known for his role in the formation of the Canadian Armed Forces during World War I. In 1914, Ferguson was appointed by Prime Minister Robert Borden to oversee Canadian recruitment and training for the war effort. After the war, he retired from politics and focused on his law practice. He was also an avid sportsman, particularly in the sport of curling, and was inducted into the Canadian Curling Hall of Fame in 1975.
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Henry Hicks
Henry Hicks (March 5, 1915 Bridgetown-December 9, 1990 Aylesford) was a Canadian lawyer.
Hicks was also a philanthropist and played a pivotal role in the development of education in Nova Scotia, Canada. He was awarded an honorary degree from Dalhousie University and the University of King's College. Hicks was also appointed to the Queen's Counsel in 1953 and was a member of the Order of Canada. He was widely known for his advocacy work and served as the chairman of the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission. Later in life, he established the Hicks Foundation, which has contributed significant funds to education and healthcare research.
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John A. Gamble
John A. Gamble (November 24, 1933 Perth-May 11, 2009 Markham) otherwise known as John Gamble was a Canadian personality.
Gamble initially gained recognition for his career in the educational field, where he served as a teacher in Ontario for many years. He later transitioned into the political sphere and served as a member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario for the Progressive Conservative Party from 1977 to 1984. During his tenure as an MPP, Gamble played an active role in the development of policies related to education, energy and the environment.
In addition to his political and educational endeavors, Gamble was also actively involved in the community, serving on the boards of various organizations including the Markham Public Library Board and the Markham District Energy Board. He was also a member of the Canadian Club, the Markham Board of Trade, and the Canadian Association of Former Parliamentarians.
After retiring from politics, Gamble continued to be involved in local politics and remained a respected figure in the Markham community until his passing in 2009, at the age of 75.
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George Ignatieff
George Ignatieff (December 16, 1913 Saint Petersburg-August 10, 1989) also known as George Pavlovich Ignatieff was a Canadian diplomat. He had one child, Michael Ignatieff.
George Ignatieff was born in Saint Petersburg, Russia, to a prominent family of Russian intellectuals. In 1920, his family fled the Bolshevik Revolution and settled in England. He became a naturalized Canadian citizen in 1933 and graduated from the University of Toronto, where he studied history and political economy.
In 1942, Ignatieff joined the Canadian Army and served in Italy and Northwest Europe during World War II. After the war, he worked for the Canadian government, serving as director of the United Nations and Commonwealth Division and later as assistant undersecretary of state for external affairs.
In 1960, Ignatieff was appointed Canada's ambassador to Yugoslavia, and he later served as ambassador to the United Nations, Germany, and the Soviet Union. In recognition of his service, he was made an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1976.
Ignatieff was known for his advocacy of human rights, including the rights of political prisoners and refugees. He was also a passionate advocate for multilateralism and international cooperation, believing that dialogue and diplomacy were the keys to resolving conflicts between nations.
In addition to his diplomatic career, Ignatieff was a scholar and author who wrote extensively on international relations and Russian and Soviet history. His son, Michael Ignatieff, followed in his footsteps, becoming a renowned author, academic, and politician.
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Peter Mitchell
Peter Mitchell (January 4, 1824 Newcastle-October 24, 1899 Montreal) was a Canadian personality.
He was a businessman, philanthropist, and art collector who played a significant role in the development of Canada's financial industry. Mitchell was the first chairman of the Bank of Montreal and helped establish the Canadian Pacific Railway. He was also a generous philanthropist, donating to numerous charitable causes throughout his life. Additionally, Mitchell had a passion for art and amassed a large collection that contributed to the development of Canadian art museums. He was honored for his contributions to Canadian society by being named a Companion of the Order of St. Michael and St. George. Mitchell's legacy continues to be felt in Canada to this day.
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Robert Haythorne
Robert Haythorne (December 2, 1815-May 7, 1891) was a Canadian personality.
Robert Haythorne was a prominent businessman and politician in the province of Ontario, Canada. He was born in Lachute, Quebec and moved to Toronto where he started his career as a newspaper publisher. He later became involved in the insurance industry and founded the Robt. Haythorne & Co. insurance firm in Toronto.
Haythorne served as a member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario for West Toronto from 1867 to 1871. He was a strong supporter of Confederation and played a key role in Ontario's successful entry into the Canadian federation in 1867.
In addition to his political and business activities, Haythorne was also a community leader and philanthropist. He was involved in many charitable and cultural organizations in Toronto and served as president of the Mechanics' Institute and the Toronto Board of Trade.
Today, Haythorne is remembered as an important figure in the development of Toronto in the late 19th century. His contributions to business, politics, and the community helped to shape the city and the province of Ontario.
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John Walter Jones
John Walter Jones (April 14, 1878 Prince Edward Island-March 31, 1954 Ottawa) was a Canadian politician.
Jones served as a Member of Parliament for the constituency of Richmond-Wolfe in Quebec from 1917 until his retirement in 1945. He was a member of the Liberal Party and held various roles within the party, including deputy speaker and chairman of the House of Commons Printing Committee. Jones was known for his efforts to improve transportation infrastructure in Quebec and his advocacy for rural development. After retiring from politics, he continued to be involved in community organizations and was a member of the board of governors for Mount Allison University.
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Fred Rose
Fred Rose (December 7, 1907 Lublin-March 16, 1983 Warsaw) was a Canadian personality.
He was known for his contributions to the country's music industry as a songwriter and composer. In fact, he was the first Canadian to be inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. Rose worked with various artists and genres throughout his career and co-wrote some of country music's most iconic songs, including "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain" and "Deep Water." Additionally, he co-founded the first Canadian record label, RCA Victor Canada, and helped establish the Canadian music publishing industry. Rose's legacy continues to influence and inspire aspiring songwriters and musicians around the world.
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Larry McCormick
Larry McCormick (January 4, 1940 Stone Mills-April 5, 2015) was a Canadian personality.
He was best known as the host of the popular Canadian quiz show "Reach for the Top" from 1966 to 1985, which tested high school students' knowledge across various academic fields. McCormick also had a successful career as a radio and television broadcaster, serving as a news anchor for several Canadian stations including CTV and CBC. Additionally, McCormick was actively involved in community service and charitable organizations, particularly those focused on supporting youth education and development. Throughout his career, McCormick was widely respected for his professionalism, wit, and warm personality, earning him a loyal fan following across Canada.
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William Henry Wright
William Henry Wright (April 21, 1876 England-September 20, 1951) was a Canadian geologist.
He is well-known for his contributions to the study of the Precambrian Shield in Canada. Wright began his career as an assistant at the Geological Survey of Canada in 1899 and eventually became the Director of the organization from 1936 to 1942.
During his tenure at the Geological Survey, he conducted several expeditions to remote regions of Canada to study geological formations, mineral deposits, and water resources. Wright's research and publications on the Precambrian Shield, including its geology, mineralogy, and economic potential, made significant contributions to the development of Canada's mining industry.
In recognition of his contributions to geology, Wright was awarded several honors, including the Royal Society of Canada's Flavelle Medal in 1943 and the Penrose Medal from the Geological Society of America in 1944. Today, he is remembered as one of Canada's most prominent geologists and an important figure in the history of Canadian science.
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John Stanley Plaskett
John Stanley Plaskett (November 17, 1865 East Zorra-Tavistock-October 17, 1941 Esquimalt) was a Canadian astronomer. He had one child, Harry Hemley Plaskett.
Plaskett was best known for his pioneering work in astrophysics and spectroscopy. He received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Toronto in 1888 and later worked at the Dominion Observatory in Ottawa until 1903. He then moved to the newly established Dominion Astrophysical Observatory in British Columbia where he served as director from 1918 until his retirement in 1935.
During his career, Plaskett made important contributions to our understanding of stellar spectra, binary star systems, and the structure of the Milky Way. He was also responsible for the development of the largest telescope of its time, the 72-inch Plaskett telescope, which was used to map the positions of over 1,000,000 stars.
In recognition of his achievements, Plaskett was awarded numerous honours, including the Gold Medal of the Royal Astronomical Society in 1922, the Henry Norris Russell Lectureship in 1933, and the Bruce Medal in 1934.
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