‘A big part of my life’: Orillia mourns hometown legend Gordon Lightfoot

It didn’t take long for the flowers to appear at the statue of Gordon Lightfoot in his Ontario hometown.

The legendary folk musician, claimed by the City of Orillia as its “favourite son,” died of natural causes at a Toronto hospital Monday at the age of 84.

Barely 24 hours later, Orillia residents stopped by the bronze sculpture of Lightfoot that stands in a city park to pay their respects.

Cam Gardy, who brought yellow flowers to lay at the base of the statue, said his mother went to school with the musician and would tell tales of how he’d perform for students.

Gardy says “Mr. Lightfoot is iconic, not only to the residents and the city but obviously to the people across Canada.” He adds that Lightfoot put Orillia on the map and was an “incredible ambassador” for the city.

Lightfoot, born in Orillia, dreamed of becoming jazz musician

Joanna Bell, who brought a rose to place at the statue, says Lightfoot’s music brings to mind the beauty of Canada.

She says Lightfoot was such a well-respected Canadian and she felt compelled to come and pay her respects. Heather Placken, who says she’s been a fan of Lightfoot for 40 years, says he was more than just a songwriter and musician.

She says every song he has ever written and sung tells a story of something significant that everyone can relate to.

Lightfoot was born in Orillia in 1938, sang in a church choir as a boy and dreamed of becoming a jazz musician.

Gordon Lightfoot performs during the evening ceremonies of Canada’s 150th anniversary of Confederation, in Ottawa on July 1, 2017. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

He later emerged from Toronto’s Yorkville folk club scene in the 1960s, and went on to record more than 20 studio albums and hundreds of songs, including “Early Morning Rain,” “Carefree Highway” and “Sundown.”

Orillia Mayor Don McIsaac said Lightfoot was highly regarded in the city.

He says many who knew him will remember his soft-spoken demeanour, generous personality and infectious laugh.

The city has lowered its flags to half-mast and books of condolences for the music icon are available at the Orillia Opera House and Orillia City Centre.

A concert tour to celebrate Lightfoot’s music had been set to begin on Saturday, on the stage named after him at the Orillia Opera House.

The show’s creator says it will still go ahead and she hopes it will serve as a celebration of Lightfoot’s music and life.