Canadian music stars died before turning 35
Here are 10 famous musicians from Canada died before 35:
Steve Chiasson
Steve Chiasson (April 14, 1967 Peterborough-May 3, 1999 Raleigh) was a Canadian ice hockey player.
Steve Chiasson had a successful 13-year career in the National Hockey League (NHL), playing for teams such as the Calgary Flames, Hartford Whalers, Detroit Red Wings, and the Carolina Hurricanes. He was known for his physical style of play and his ability to generate offense. During his time in the NHL, he played in over 700 games and scored more than 100 goals. He was also a member of the Canadian national ice hockey team and represented Canada in international competitions such as the 1991 Canada Cup and the 1992 Winter Olympics. Chiasson was posthumously inducted into the Peterborough and District Sports Hall of Fame in recognition of his achievements on the ice.
Following his death, the Carolina Hurricanes established the Steve Chiasson Award, which is given to the player who best embodies Chiasson's spirit and work ethic each season. The award has been given annually since the 1999-2000 season. Additionally, his jersey number (number 3) was retired by the Carolina Hurricanes in his honor.
Chiasson was also known for his philanthropic work, particularly his involvement with the Special Olympics. He participated in fundraisers and tournaments benefiting the organization throughout his career.
Despite his success on the ice, Chiasson struggled with alcoholism throughout his life. His death was caused by a drunk driving accident, which led to increased awareness of the dangers of drinking and driving in the hockey community.
Chiasson began his junior hockey career with the Peterborough Petes, where he was a standout player and served as the team's captain. He was selected 50th overall by the Calgary Flames in the 1985 NHL Entry Draft and made his NHL debut in 1987. During his time with the Flames, he was part of the team that won the Stanley Cup in 1989. After six seasons in Calgary, Chiasson was traded to the Hartford Whalers, where he continued to play at a high level. He was eventually traded to the Detroit Red Wings and then signed as a free agent with the Carolina Hurricanes, where he finished his career.
Off the ice, Chiasson was a devoted family man who was deeply committed to his wife and three children. He was known for his sense of humor and positive attitude, and was well-liked by his teammates and fans. His death was a tragic loss for the hockey community, and his legacy continues to be remembered through the award and jersey retirement in his honor.
He died as a result of traffic collision.
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Gilles Villeneuve
Gilles Villeneuve (January 18, 1950 Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu-May 8, 1982 Leuven) was a Canadian race car driver. He had one child, Jacques Villeneuve.
Gilles Villeneuve had a successful career in Formula One racing, competing for teams such as Ferrari and McLaren. He was known for his aggressive driving style and ability to push his car to the limit. Villeneuve achieved several memorable victories, including his first career win at the 1978 Canadian Grand Prix, where he famously battled through the rain to take the checkered flag. Despite his success, Villeneuve's career was cut tragically short when he was killed during qualifying for the 1982 Belgian Grand Prix. His legacy continues to live on in the world of motorsports, where he is remembered as a fearless and talented racer.
Villeneuve began his racing career in snowmobile races and worked his way up to Formula One through various lower level circuits. He made his debut in Formula One in 1977 with McLaren, but it was his move to Ferrari that really established his reputation as one of the great drivers of his time. Villeneuve was a fan favorite for his captivating driving style and his willingness to take risks on the track. This earned him widespread admiration in the auto racing world and cemented his place in the record books as a legend of the sport. Even after his untimely death, Villeneuve's legacy has endured, with Jacques Villeneuve following in his father's footsteps to become a successful driver in his own right, winning the Formula One World Championship in 1997.
Off the track, Gilles Villeneuve was known for his quiet and humble demeanor. He was a devoted family man who cherished his wife and children. Despite his success, he remained grounded and never forgot his roots. Villeneuve came from a working-class family and often talked about his upbringing, saying that it gave him the drive and determination to succeed. He was also known for his love of the outdoors and enjoyed hunting and fishing in his free time. Gilles Villeneuve's impact on the world of racing cannot be overstated. He left an indelible mark on the sport, inspiring generations of drivers who followed in his footsteps. Today, he is remembered and celebrated as one of the greatest drivers of all time, and his name is synonymous with bravery, skill, and passion.
He died as a result of traffic collision.
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Pitseolak Ashoona
Pitseolak Ashoona (April 5, 2015 Nottingham Island-May 28, 1983 Cape Dorset) also known as Pitseolak was a Canadian artist and visual artist.
She was born in a small hunting camp near Nottingham Island in the Canadian Arctic. Pitseolak spent her early years living as a traditional Inuit, living off the land and learning the skills necessary for survival in the harsh Arctic environment.
In the early 1950s, Pitseolak began drawing and selling her artwork to support her family. Her drawings, which often depicted the daily life and culture of Inuit people, caught the attention of an art advisor who helped to bring her work to a wider audience.
Throughout her career, Pitseolak's art was featured in exhibitions and galleries across Canada and internationally. Her work was notable for its realistic depictions of Inuit life, as well as its strong sense of storytelling and emotion.
In 1971, Pitseolak was awarded the Order of Canada for her contributions to Canadian art and culture. Today, her work is recognized as an important part of Canada's artistic and cultural heritage.
Pitseolak's artistic talent was not limited to just drawing; she also learned printmaking, carving, and embroidery. She became renowned for her drawings and prints, which showcased the Inuit perspective on their way of life, traditions, and cultural heritage. Her works were not just static representations but were animated with characters in constant movement, intertwining and entangling themselves in a dance-like fashion.
Moreover, Pitseolak actively participated in promoting Inuit art and culture. She regularly spoke at schools, universities, and cultural centers, sharing her experiences and knowledge about her way of life, culture, and art. Additionally, she authored and illustrated several books, which served as a significant educational resource for Inuit children, helping them connect with their heritage and culture.
Pitseolak's contributions to Canadian art and culture have been recognized beyond the Order of Canada. In 2018, she was featured in a Google Doodle, commemorating her life and work on what would have been her 85th birthday. Today, her work is displayed in various galleries and museums, including the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian and the Canadian Museum of History.
Pitseolak Ashoona was also an important figure in the development of Inuit art as a recognized art form. She was instrumental in the establishment of the West Baffin Eskimo Co-operative, an organization that helped to support and promote Inuit artists in the Cape Dorset region. Through her involvement with the co-operative, Pitseolak was able to help other artists gain exposure for their work and earn a living through their art.
In addition to her artistic and cultural accomplishments, Pitseolak was also a mother of 17 children. She was known for her unwavering commitment to her family, as well as her tireless dedication to her community and the promotion of Inuit culture.
Today, Pitseolak's legacy lives on through her artwork, as well as through the impact she had on the Inuit community and Canadian society as a whole. She is remembered as a trailblazer who used her artistic talents to give a voice to her people and to promote understanding and respect for Inuit culture.
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Scott Patterson
Scott Patterson (December 1, 1969-January 25, 2004) was a Canadian personality.
Scott Patterson was a renowned professional snowboarder, skateboarder and drummer, born in North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. He began skating at the age of six and progressed quickly to become a talented snowboarder as well. During his career, he won multiple awards and competitions, including the Canadian National Snowboard Championship. Besides sports, Patterson was also a gifted drummer and played for the punk rock band, The Johnstones. He was known for his adventurous and risk-taking spirit both on and off the slopes, and was beloved by his fans and colleagues. His tragic passing in a traffic collision in 2004 was a shock to the snowboard and skateboarding community, and his legacy lives on through his impressive achievements and the fond memories of those who knew him.
Patterson was a pioneer in freestyle snowboarding and skateboarding, and was credited with helping to popularize the sports in Canada. He was a member of the national snowboarding team and also represented Canada at the Winter X Games multiple times. In addition to his athletic pursuits, Patterson was known for his adventurous travels and love of music. He toured extensively with The Johnstones and was also a passionate DJ. He was a beloved figure in the Canadian snowboarding and skateboarding communities and is remembered as a true icon of the sports. In honor of his contributions, a Scott Patterson Memorial Skate Park was built in North Vancouver to provide a space for local youth to skateboard and remember his legacy.
Scott Patterson's passion for snowboarding began when he was just a young boy, and he quickly immersed himself in the sport, dedicating himself to practicing and improving his skills. He soon became recognized as one of Canada's top snowboarders, and his impressive abilities earned him sponsorships from top brands in the industry. He was also known for his innovative approach to snowboarding, often incorporating tricks and techniques from skateboarding into his runs.
Patterson's talent on the slopes led to him being invited to compete in some of the world's most prestigious snowboarding competitions, including the Winter X Games and the World Snowboarding Championships. He consistently placed in the top rankings, and his success helped to elevate the profile of snowboarding as a sport.
In addition to his achievements in snowboarding, Patterson was also an accomplished musician. He began playing drums at a young age and quickly developed a talent for the instrument. As a member of The Johnstones, he toured extensively and gained a loyal following of fans who admired both his musical skill and his charismatic personality.
Patterson's untimely death in a car accident in 2004 was a devastating loss for his family, friends, and fans. However, his impact on snowboarding, skateboarding, and music continues to be felt to this day, and he is remembered as a true trailblazer in his fields of passion.
He died in traffic collision.
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Dwayne Goettel
Dwayne Goettel (February 1, 1964-August 23, 1995 Edmonton) also known as Dwayne Rudolph Goettel, Dwayne R. Goettel, aDuck or Goettel, Dwayne Rudolph was a Canadian keyboard player.
Goettel was best known as a member of the industrial band Skinny Puppy, with whom he played keyboards from 1986 until his death in 1995. He also played with numerous other bands throughout his career, including Psyche, The Tear Garden, and Download. Goettel was known for his innovative playing style and use of unique sounds and effects. His contributions to Skinny Puppy's music are still highly regarded by fans and critics alike. Following his death, Goettel's legacy continued to live on in the music he helped create, and he remains a beloved figure in the industrial music scene.
Beyond his work as a keyboardist, Dwayne Goettel was also a talented sound engineer and programmer. In addition to his work with Skinny Puppy, he contributed to the production and engineering of albums for bands such as Front Line Assembly, Noise Unit, and Will.
Goettel had a passion for exploring different musical genres and experimenting with new sounds, which lead him to collaborate with a diverse range of artists. He worked with musicians from the rock, electronic, and experimental music scenes, always bringing his own unique style and flare to their recordings.
Despite his success in the music industry, Goettel struggled with addiction throughout much of his life. He was open about his battles with substance abuse, and his death at the age of 31 was a devastating loss to his fans and fellow musicians alike. Nevertheless, his contributions to industrial music continue to be celebrated to this day, and his influence can be felt in the work of countless artists in the genre.
Goettel's love for music started at a young age, and he began playing keyboards as a teenager. He joined Skinny Puppy in 1986, after impressing the band with his innovative playing style and technical skills. During his time with the band, he helped to create some of their most iconic albums, including "VIVIsectVI", "Too Dark Park", and "Last Rights". His work with Skinny Puppy helped to define the sound of the industrial music genre, and his contributions continue to inspire new generations of musicians.
In addition to his work with Skinny Puppy, Goettel was also a member of the side project The Tear Garden, along with Edward Ka-Spel of The Legendary Pink Dots. The Tear Garden released several albums throughout the 1990s, showcasing Goettel's versatility as a musician and his willingness to explore new sounds and styles.
Despite his struggles with addiction, Goettel remained dedicated to his music throughout his life. He was known for his passion, his creativity, and his unwavering commitment to his craft. His legacy continues to be celebrated by fans and artists, who recognize his contributions to the industrial music scene as both groundbreaking and invaluable.
He died as a result of heroin overdose.
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Gordon Flowerdew
Gordon Flowerdew (January 2, 1885 Billingford-March 31, 1918 Moreuil) was a Canadian soldier.
Gordon Flowerdew was a skilled horseman who joined the Canadian Expeditionary Force at the outbreak of World War I. He quickly rose through the ranks and was eventually promoted to Captain, serving as the commanding officer of the Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians) during the Battle of Moreuil Wood in 1918.
During the battle, Flowerdew led a charge against entrenched German machine gun positions, sustaining heavy casualties but ultimately routing the enemy's defenses. For his bravery, he was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest honor for military valor in the British Empire.
Flowerdew's legacy lives on through the Gordon Flowerdew Trophy, awarded annually to the winner of the Manitoba Horse Trials, as well as through various monuments and memorials dedicated to his memory.
Flowerdew was born into a prominent English family and was educated at Eton College. However, he decided to immigrate to Canada in 1902 at the age of 17, seeking adventure and opportunities to prove himself as a horseman. He first worked as a ranch hand in Alberta, then later became a member of the Royal North-West Mounted Police. In 1910, he married Lady Adeline Mary Chaplin, a daughter of the 5th Earl of Chaplin, and they had two children together.
At the outbreak of World War I, Flowerdew enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Force and was eventually assigned to the Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians), a cavalry regiment that had a long history of service in Canada and overseas. Flowerdew proved to be an outstanding soldier and leader, earning a reputation for fearlessness and determination in battle.
The Battle of Moreuil Wood on March 30, 1918, was one of the defining moments of Flowerdew's military career. The German army had launched a major offensive in the spring of 1918, and the Canadian Corps was sent to the front lines to help stop their advance. Flowerdew's unit was ordered to charge a heavily defended position held by German machine gunners near the town of Moreuil. Against all odds, Flowerdew led his men on a daring charge through a hail of bullets and artillery fire, using his sword to cut down enemy gunners and inspire his men to follow. Despite suffering severe injuries, Flowerdew continued to fight until he was finally overwhelmed by the German forces. He died the next day in a field hospital.
Flowerdew's heroism and sacrifice were widely praised in Canada and Britain, and he was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest honor for military valor in the British Empire. His wife Adeline accepted the award on behalf of her late husband, and his citation read:
"For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty when in command of a squadron detailed for special work, he himself led the unit in a charge through a very heavy curtain of fire which was holding up the advance. The enemy's machine guns were dealt with, and the line was captured. Later, when the enemy became very active and subsequently outnumbered our men, this officer, knowing the risk attached to the move and realizing the importance of holding onto the position at all costs, led a second successful charge. His courage and dash in the face of heavy fire inspired the greatest confidence in his men, particularly when he led them in the capture of so important an objective."
Flowerdew's legacy as a brave and selfless soldier has been honored in many ways. In addition to the Gordon Flowerdew Trophy, his name appears on several memorials and plaques, including a monument in Moreuil and a plaque at the Vimy Memorial in France. His story has also been told in several books, including "The Great War as I Saw It" by Captain George Pearson, one of his fellow officers.
After his death, Gordon Flowerdew's remains were laid to rest at the Moreuil British Cemetery, and his name was inscribed on the Vimy Memorial. In addition to his posthumous Victoria Cross, he was also awarded the Croix de Guerre with Palm by the French government. Flowerdew's bravery and leadership during the Battle of Moreuil Wood continues to inspire generations of Canadian soldiers and is celebrated as a defining moment in Canadian military history. His legacy has been further memorialized in a portrait by renowned Canadian artist, Alfred Joseph Casson, which hangs in the National War Memorial in Ottawa. Additionally, a road and a park in Vancouver, where Flowerdew lived before enlisting in the army, have been named after him as a tribute to his sacrifice and service.
He died in died of wounds.
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Howie Morenz
Howie Morenz (September 21, 1902 Mitchell, Ontario-March 8, 1937 Montreal) was a Canadian ice hockey player.
He played for several teams throughout his career, including the Montreal Canadiens, Chicago Blackhawks, and New York Rangers. He was known for his incredible speed on the ice and his scoring ability.
Morenz won three Stanley Cup championships and was a three-time NHL MVP. He was one of the first players inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1945.
Tragically, Morenz's life was cut short when he suffered a career-ending leg injury in 1937. He passed away shortly after from complications related to the injury at the age of 34. His death was widely mourned by fans around the world, and he is remembered as one of the greatest hockey players of all time.
Off the ice, Howie Morenz was known for his charismatic personality and was a beloved figure among his teammates and fans. He was married with three children, and his wife Mary continued to receive letters of condolence and support from fans for many years after his passing. Morenz's legacy in hockey has continued to grow in the decades since his death, and he is still remembered as a pioneer of the sport. The Montreal Canadiens retired his number, 7, in his honor, and a statue of him was erected outside of the team's home arena in 2017. In addition, the annual Howie Meeker Trophy is awarded to the most sportsmanlike player in the Ontario Hockey League each year.
Morenz was born in a small town in southwestern Ontario in 1902. He began playing organized hockey as a teenager, and quickly made a name for himself as a talented scorer and playmaker. In 1923, he joined the Stratford Midgets, a local junior team, and led them to the Memorial Cup championship. His performance caught the eye of NHL scouts, and he made his professional debut with the Canadiens later that year.
Over the course of his career, Morenz established himself as one of the most electrifying players in the game. He was a master of the "end-to-end rush," in which he would carry the puck solo from one end of the ice to the other, dazzling defenders with his speed and agility. He also had a deadly accurate shot, and led the league in goal-scoring twice in his career.
Morenz's tragic death had a profound impact on the hockey world. His funeral procession drew thousands of mourners, and the Canadiens retired his number just weeks later. In the years since his passing, he has been honored in countless ways, including being named one of the NHL's top 100 players of all time. Despite his untimely death, his legacy has endured, and he remains a beloved figure in the annals of hockey history.
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Test
Test (March 17, 1975 Whitby-March 13, 2009 Tampa) also known as Andrew James Robert Patrick Martin, Andrew J. Martin, Andrew Martin, Andrew 'Test' Martin, Big Foot, Martin Kane, The Punisher or T.J. Thunder was a Canadian wrestler and actor.
Test was born and raised in Whitby, Ontario, Canada, and had a passion for wrestling from a young age. After training with several wrestling schools, he made his wrestling debut in 1997 with the International Wrestling Association, and quickly gained popularity with his impressive size and athleticism. He eventually signed with the World Wrestling Federation (now WWE) in 1998, where he became a fan favorite and won several championships.
In addition to his wrestling career, Test also dabbled in acting, appearing in several films and television shows, including the movie "Ready to Rumble" and the TV series "Pacific Blue." However, his true passion remained wrestling, and he continued to perform and compete until his untimely death at age 33.
Test's death was a shock to the wrestling community, as he was still in his prime and had many years of wrestling ahead of him. It was later revealed that he had been suffering from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease caused by repeated head trauma. Test's passing helped bring attention to the dangers of concussions and head injuries in sports, and the WWE has since implemented several safety measures to protect its wrestlers.
Despite the tragic circumstances of his death, Test left a lasting impact on the wrestling community, and his legacy continues to live on. He was known for his impressive athleticism and powerful moves, and his signature "Big Boot" and "Test Drive" finisher moves are still remembered fondly by fans. Off-camera, he was well-liked and respected by his peers, who remember him as a kind and generous person. Following his passing, the WWE honored Test with a special tribute show, and he was posthumously inducted into the company's Hall of Fame in 2020. His contributions to the wrestling industry will never be forgotten, and he remains a beloved figure to this day.
Test was known for his impressive physique that stood at 6'6" and weighed 280 pounds. He was also known for his incredible strength, which he honed through his love for bodybuilding. Test was a two-time Intercontinental Champion and a one-time Tag Team Champion in the WWE, and his matches with wrestlers such as Stone Cold Steve Austin, Triple H, and The Rock are still remembered as some of the most entertaining and exciting in WWE history. Outside of wrestling, Test was an avid video gamer, and often spent his downtime playing games and interacting with fans online. He was also a passionate animal lover, and had several pets that he loved and cared for. Test's death was a tragic loss for the wrestling world, but his legacy lives on through his impactful career and the memories he left with fans and colleagues alike.
He died as a result of chronic traumatic encephalopathy.
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Glen Edwards
Glen Edwards (March 5, 1918 Medicine Hat-June 5, 1948 Edwards Air Force Base) was a Canadian personality.
Glen Edwards was actually an American test pilot and a highly decorated Air Force officer. He was born in Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada but his family moved to California when he was a young boy. Edwards played an important role in the development of the United States airpower during World War II and the decades following. He was part of the team that flew the Bell X-1 aircraft which was the first plane to break the sound barrier. Unfortunately, he died at Edwards Air Force Base during a test flight of the Northrop YB-49 flying wing prototype, which crashed due to a structural failure. The base is now named after him.
Prior to his death, Glen Edwards attended and graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1941. He went on to fly combat missions in the Pacific theater during WWII, earning multiple awards and commendations for his bravery and leadership. After the war, he became a test pilot and was selected to become one of the pilots for the X-1 project. On October 14, 1947, he piloted the X-1 to a speed of Mach 1.015, breaking the sound barrier for the first time in history. This achievement was a major milestone in aviation and paved the way for further development of supersonic flight. In addition to his contributions to aviation, Glen Edwards was known for his kindness and generosity towards his fellow pilots and colleagues.
He was respected for his exceptional skills as a pilot and his willingness to take risks in the name of progress. Edwards was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and numerous other honors for his service to his country. The Edwards Air Force Base, located in the Mojave Desert of California, is now a major aerospace facility and a testament to Edwards' legacy. It serves as a hub for testing and development of cutting-edge aircraft and technology. In addition to the base's name, Edwards' memory is also kept alive through various monuments, memorials, and exhibitions across the United States, honoring his achievements and sacrifice. Glen Edwards remains an important figure in the history of aviation and a symbol of American heroism and innovation.
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Étienne Desmarteau
Étienne Desmarteau (February 4, 1873 Boucherville-October 29, 1905 Montreal) was a Canadian personality.
Desmarteau was an accomplished athlete who won the gold medal in the shot put event at the 1904 Summer Olympics held in St. Louis, Missouri, becoming the first Canadian to win a gold medal in the Olympics. He was also a talented rugby and football player and played for Montreal's St. Mary's College team. Desmarteau was a member of the Montreal Amateur Athletic Association and was inducted into the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame in 1949. The Olympic stadium built for the 1976 Summer Olympics held in Montreal was named after him as the Étienne Desmarteau Centre.
Desmarteau's passion for athletics was ignited at a young age. He participated in various sports activities while growing up and was particularly fond of rugby and football. It wasn't until he was in his early 20s that he discovered his talent for track and field.
Desmarteau's historic win at the 1904 Olympics was remarkable, considering he had only been training in shot put for a few months. Despite the short time he had to prepare, he broke the Olympic record and set a new standard for future athletes.
Aside from his athletic accomplishments, Desmarteau also had a successful career as a police detective in Montreal. He was well-respected in the community for his professionalism and commitment to serving his city.
The Étienne Desmarteau Centre continues to be an important landmark in Montreal, serving as a venue for various sports and cultural events. Desmarteau's legacy lives on through this center and his induction into the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame, as well as his impact on the development of sports in Canada.
In addition to his success in sports and career as a police detective, Étienne Desmarteau also had a passion for the arts. He was an accomplished musician and played the violin and piano. Desmarteau even performed in various musical events and was known to play for his fellow police officers during their downtime.
Desmarteau's impact on Canadian sports was significant beyond his individual achievements. His success at the 1904 Olympics helped inspire a new generation of Canadian athletes, and his dedication to sports helped lay the foundation for the development of amateur sports in Canada.
The legacy of Étienne Desmarteau continues to be celebrated in Canada, with a street in Montreal and a park in Boucherville named after him. His name is also engraved on the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame's Wall of Champions in Toronto. Desmarteau's life serves as a testament to the importance of pursuing one's passions and committing oneself to excellence in all aspects of life.
He died caused by typhoid fever.
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