Gord Downie & the Significance of the 17th Day

On October 17, 2017, Canada lost one of its greatest poets, advocates and patriots. Gord Downie passed away at the age of 53 after a battle with brain cancer.

The number 17 is repetitive throughout Downie’s life:

• Off of 1991’s Road Apples, “Fiddler’s Green” tells the story of Downie’s sister and the son she lost on September 17th.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoXM95WyJjM

• October 17, 2006, the Hip release their 10th studio album, World Container. Eleven years to the day later, Downie would pass away.
• June 17, 2016, the Hip release what would would become their final record, Man Machine Poem. They would embark on a national tour weeks later, with their final show being broadcast live to 11.7 million viewers across the nation.
• Long Time Running, the film documenting the band’s Man Machine Poem tour, was released on September 13, 2017 – but on September 17, it was named as First Runner Up for TIFF’s People’s Choice Award for Documentaries.
• October 17, 2017, the Hip announced their partnership to produce their own strain of cannabis, something Gord was fond of.
• And then, on the evening of October 17, Gord passed away surrounded by his family. The band released a statement the following day.

Although it may not be much, the repetition of this one day throughout Gord’s life is a curious one and offers a little more insight into his tremendous life. His ability to use lyrics as a way to teach us about Canadian geography, history and people is unmatched. Other Canadians have begun paying their respects, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau:

There will never be another one like you, Gord. Rest in peace my friend.

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) October 18, 2017

Thank you Gord. You'll never stop inspiring us.

— ARKELLS (@arkellsmusic) October 18, 2017

RIP Gord Downie.

— Seth Rogen (@Sethrogen) October 18, 2017

https://twitter.com/torquilcampbell/status/920642876240936960

https://twitter.com/mattgood/status/920648593245163520

https://twitter.com/mattgood/status/920643868957298690

Thank you Gord for your music, your strength and your love of all people. Rest in Peace. Canada will miss you deeply https://t.co/NY8q6vLJgY pic.twitter.com/xJIYAbAvqg

— The Standstills (@TheStandstills) October 18, 2017

Looking for a place to happen, making stops along the way. Thanks for sewing the sonic fabric of my youth, Gord. So many memories & love.

— Dan Mangan (@danmanganmusic) October 18, 2017

Gord downie. Thank you for your songs. Your inspiration. I'll never forget the hips final tour or the time I met… https://t.co/gbKzOwqlhG

— Daniel Wesley (@thedanielwesley) October 18, 2017

https://twitter.com/youarestars/status/920636951975333888

SONiC Boys and Girls are sharing their memories as well:

Thanks @sonic1029 for the group therapy session this morning #RIPGordDownie

— Joshua Zarobiak (@joshuazarobiak) October 18, 2017

Listening to @sonic1029 Tragically Hip special in the car and now at my desk. Never a giant fan but lots of good songs. Sad news.

— Darrell Winwood (@DarrellWinwood) October 18, 2017

When my 1st was born I didn't really know any lullabies so I would sing tragically hip songs to her. Gord's been there for me for everything

— Joyce Caouette (@Jellybeancoast) October 18, 2017

Thanks @sonic1029 for making this day just a little bit easier with #ForeverHip. Gord is a legend and sonic has always celebrated his music pic.twitter.com/bYDorewnpp

— Sherry Robertson (@Sherryvanrob) October 18, 2017

Listening to fiddlers green right before walking into a client meeting was a very bad idea #makeupeverywhere #ripgord damn you @sonic1029

— Anna-Marie (@msannabanana1) October 18, 2017

https://twitter.com/ErynnWilliamson/status/920718568655699969

Read more and celebrate Gord’s life HERE.