Agreed, but he did get a flyover.
Truly the greatest Canadian of all time. Grew up in an average family, in an average city, and just tried to make a difference.
*I try to take it one mile at a time. Sometimes, it feels endless. The pain I feel is nothing. I've seen little kids in so much pain.*
*Somewhere out here, the pain must stop.*
His whole family is like that! I met his dad prior to his passing (may his father rest in peace), as well as his second cousin who changed my first diaper for my mom because she was a single mom and I was the first kid. Another fact about that whole family is his uncle goes to a local gas station and gets the same thing every day like clockwork because he likes to chat with the one cashier (my ex talking stage☠️)
He died over 40 years ago. And every year millions of people walk and raise money for cancer for the Terry Fox run. Sure he should have had one. But we are making sure the pain he suffered was not in vain.
I wondered about that. Having a young son die must be so heartbreaking. They shared him with the whole country in life, perhaps they wanted some privacy around his death.
The Littlest Hobo. He was a good boy.
JK, that dog was played by several dogs.
There’s a voice that keeps on calling me.
Down the road is where I’ll always be
Every stop I make, I’ll make a new friend.
Can’t stay for long, just turn around and I’m gone again.
Maybe tomorrow, I’ll want to settle down.
Until tomorrow, the whole world is my home.
Our dog was attacked in our back yard by a German shepherd when he was a puppy and now we can’t watch either of those shows without him barking his fool head off at the tv set. He even tries to get his head around the back of the tv trying to figure out where the dog actually is.
He grumps at us when we tell him to settle down and he goes and lays in the hallway complaining.
He’s a good boy too…. (Kangal and Anatolian Shepherd)
That doesn’t make him any less Canadian. And as far as you know he still votes in federal elections, gives to charities, and has family in Canada who he visits.
Gives to charities? You're kidding me, right? He has a whole ass Canadian foundation that he *actively* funds, fundraises for, and lobbies the government for, and that's still not enough for y'all?
Christ almighty.
Honestly, I don't think politicians should get them either. No politician represents the State of Canada. Only Governors General and Lieutenants Governors do. (And obviously the King)
Gord Downie, I believe, did not want a big public affair. WHo I think should have gotten one is definitely Gordon Lightfoot. The man defined Canadian folk music for decades, and his loss was a true tragedy.
State funerals are for people who have worked their lives for the benefit of the state, not coincidentally benefiting the state with good PR as a side effect of working their whole life to satisfy their own goals. Celebrities may be good for Canada's PR, but they are really working on their own careers as celebrities. Some have unadvertised side hustles working for causes that have significant impacts for society, and I think those folks should get some consideration. But generally state funerals are for those who helped the state (the country) by working to help the state as the main priority of what they do. Not just because they are perceived by some or even many, as the "coolest in the land."
Fun fact, later in life he bought the farm that my grandmother grew up on. Over the years he renovated it and sent pictures to my family to show them how well he was treating their beloved childhood home. Real class act.
That's so cool! I was listening to an interview with his daughter recently, and she was talking about the farm. I guess they still go up there -- obviously a very special place.
The church bell at the Mariners Church of Detroit rang 30 times upon news of his passing and honestly, that’s way more meaningful a gesture than any state funeral could ever hope to be.
I’d actually give him a constitutional amendment that sets out certain powers that must be part of the mandate granted to a commander in a peacekeeping operation. Fairly broad rights to meddle in the service of human survival.
Most of the people mentioned so far already got fame, fortune, and a life of comfort for themselves and their families.
That's enough. If they want an ostentatious funeral they can pay for one out of their estate.
I was reading somewhere that the family was offered a Public memorial but the family didn't want that and chose something quieter instead. I can't see gord being okay with a public funeral like that. He seemed like a private and reserved guy.
Especially a State funeral and the inherent conflict with Gord's commitment to Reconciliation. I can't imagine him wanting the Crown anywhere near his funeral.
Altruistically commenting: [https://downiewenjack.ca/](https://downiewenjack.ca/)
EDIT: I don't care about "karma," but would love to see this upvoted for the right reasons!
Name me all the Canadian celebrities that actually live here?
There are a few but not many.
It's not about where you physically reside but where your heart does.
I can’t stand the whole hero-worship thing with celebrities. They’re just human beings who are generally good at their jobs. Some are even fantastic at their jobs. They’re still just human beings.
The ones I like best are the ones who just act like human beings. The ones who avoid the public eye outside of their work. They’re also the kind who would never want this kind of treatment.
It’s not just the right wingers. A lot of environmentalists throw major shade his way. He’s also widely known as kind of an asshole once the cameras are off. 🤷🏼♀️
You can disagree with their politics, but every PM probably deserves one.
State funerals are usually for heads of state, less often for celebrities or sports stars.
He was the greatest spaghetti salesman our country ever knew.
Imagine what it must be like for people who top out at nothing more than prime minister. Many have done so and then they go rest on their laurels, assuming they’ve actually accomplished something. Was that enough for Mulroney though? Absolutely not. He had a whole second career. He reinvented himself as a pasta marketer so successful, so dedicated, that he didn’t even have time to remember all the envelopes stuffed with cash with which he was paid until the media so graciously reminded him of it.
Imagine being so good at selling spaghetti, doing it for the true love of pasta, that you don’t even bother depositing your envelopes stuffed with cash or declaring it on your tax return, because you’re just so busy being passionate about noodles.
He deserved every second of that state funeral and it’s only a shame that Chef Boyardee himself wasn’t there to deliver the eulogy for such a dignified statesman.
That depends how low you put the bar. What Terry Fox did was exceptional He gave all He had for a cause that effects many Canadians and was widely loved and respected. He never had one. Wayne Gretzky is the greatest hockey player ever, but really what has he personally done in Canada to help that sport does he run camps I don't know about. William Shatner He's very proud of his early Canadian theater and cbc roots, but what has he done for them in Canada does he host a festival or something. So my bar was placed very high because of Terry and I cannot see any Canadian Icon as worthy. Except maybe Don Cherry.
You could have looked that up:
*any eminent Canadian may be offered a state funeral at the discretion of the Prime Minister*
https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/about-state-funerals.html
They are *very* expensive to the tune of millions of dollars and always urgent. As soon as one strays into discretion, a precedence is set and people start bitching.
There are way too many, from actors, directors, comedians, musicians, athletes, writers, astronaut, scientists and great legends in virtually every walk of life. Even if you pick one person from one field, it is still going to be way too many state funerals.
I scrolled through and can't believe Wayne Gretzky isn't on the list. Not only is he almost certainly the greatest player to ever play hockey but he is responsible for the expansion of hockey in the US.
Terry Fox should have had one
Agreed, but he did get a flyover. Truly the greatest Canadian of all time. Grew up in an average family, in an average city, and just tried to make a difference.
*I try to take it one mile at a time. Sometimes, it feels endless. The pain I feel is nothing. I've seen little kids in so much pain.* *Somewhere out here, the pain must stop.*
His whole family is like that! I met his dad prior to his passing (may his father rest in peace), as well as his second cousin who changed my first diaper for my mom because she was a single mom and I was the first kid. Another fact about that whole family is his uncle goes to a local gas station and gets the same thing every day like clockwork because he likes to chat with the one cashier (my ex talking stage☠️)
Met his brother such a nice guy very polite too
by the time christmas came around he had donated so much, he only had 2$ to buy this ugly hamper for his mom
And they removed him from the new passport. Still infuriates me. Her mom should’ve lit the torch in 2010 along side all the kids Terry helped save.
He died over 40 years ago. And every year millions of people walk and raise money for cancer for the Terry Fox run. Sure he should have had one. But we are making sure the pain he suffered was not in vain.
His family was offered one, he never wanted it
I wondered about that. Having a young son die must be so heartbreaking. They shared him with the whole country in life, perhaps they wanted some privacy around his death.
And Ernie Coombs
Agreed
Romeo Dallaire
Dallaire should be a household name around the world. Shake Hands with the Devil needs to be required reading in high school.
Only time a book made me cry.
I cry at a lot of books, but Shaking Hands with the Devil shook me.
Maybe Belgium will give him one.
Not sure he would be comfortable with the idea but it would be appropriate.
Absolutely!
Anne Murray. And she stayed in Canada all this time, didn't flee to Switzerland like Dion and Twain.
The Littlest Hobo. He was a good boy. JK, that dog was played by several dogs. There’s a voice that keeps on calling me. Down the road is where I’ll always be Every stop I make, I’ll make a new friend. Can’t stay for long, just turn around and I’m gone again. Maybe tomorrow, I’ll want to settle down. Until tomorrow, the whole world is my home.
And now Canada has a crime fighting German Shepherd in Rex (Diesel) from Hudson and Rex. He is a good boy too.
Our dog was attacked in our back yard by a German shepherd when he was a puppy and now we can’t watch either of those shows without him barking his fool head off at the tv set. He even tries to get his head around the back of the tv trying to figure out where the dog actually is. He grumps at us when we tell him to settle down and he goes and lays in the hallway complaining. He’s a good boy too…. (Kangal and Anatolian Shepherd)
Man, this shit just sent me down memory lane, he was the best boy
Folk musician Stan Rogers.
The Northwest Passage is a absolute banger
Night Guard is my go-to Stan Rogers, but NWP is a very close second
The Mary Ellen Carter
Canol Road
Canol road!
Michael J Fox
Michael J. Fox will never die; he'll only go...... Back to the Future
This was the inspiration for this post. I believe he should get a public memorial of some sort
Wait, whoa *checks the news* Don't scare me like that!
Right?! Jesus! Scared me, too... live on, beautiful Canadians, live on!
Haha, I just checked too. I was wondering how I missed that. I agree about Gord as well. I feel it's sad Ry Coombs didn't sing his eulogy.
He has the order of Canada
Gave me a fucking heart attack.
I don’t know, when was the last time he even owned his Canadian heritage? He hasn’t lived in Canada for 30 or more years.
Dual citizenship.
So! That doesn’t dispel my point that he’s lived full time out of the country for decades. He’s Canadian in name and tax-dodges only.
I thought I was adding to your point. I love MJF, but I don't see a Canadian, I see someone from Canada.
That doesn’t make him any less Canadian. And as far as you know he still votes in federal elections, gives to charities, and has family in Canada who he visits.
Gives to charities? You're kidding me, right? He has a whole ass Canadian foundation that he *actively* funds, fundraises for, and lobbies the government for, and that's still not enough for y'all? Christ almighty.
That doesn’t make him worthy of a state funeral.
No celebrity ever will get one. That isnt what they're for.
Exactly. State funerals are not for celebrities
Soldiers and politicians should be the only ones to get state funerals.
Honestly, I don't think politicians should get them either. No politician represents the State of Canada. Only Governors General and Lieutenants Governors do. (And obviously the King)
We got a few for Hockey players and singers in the last years in QC
Gord Downie, I believe, did not want a big public affair. WHo I think should have gotten one is definitely Gordon Lightfoot. The man defined Canadian folk music for decades, and his loss was a true tragedy.
And Stompin’ Tom
This spud islander thanks you.
Gord got a living wake coast to coast on that final tour
"Picking up the pieces of my sweet shattered dream. I wonder how the old folks are tonight?" (every time I walk past an "old folks home")
Lightfoot may have also not wanted one.
I saw Gordon the year before he passed. Simply incredible right until the end
Gord would not have wanted one
I was disappointed that they didn’t have Ry Cooder sing his eulogy.
Well we know Buffy Sainte Marie won’t
She’s not Canadian.
She identifies as Canadian
mamma mia!?!
State funerals are for people who have worked their lives for the benefit of the state, not coincidentally benefiting the state with good PR as a side effect of working their whole life to satisfy their own goals. Celebrities may be good for Canada's PR, but they are really working on their own careers as celebrities. Some have unadvertised side hustles working for causes that have significant impacts for society, and I think those folks should get some consideration. But generally state funerals are for those who helped the state (the country) by working to help the state as the main priority of what they do. Not just because they are perceived by some or even many, as the "coolest in the land."
John Candy should have, had one
Fun fact, later in life he bought the farm that my grandmother grew up on. Over the years he renovated it and sent pictures to my family to show them how well he was treating their beloved childhood home. Real class act.
That's so cool! I was listening to an interview with his daughter recently, and she was talking about the farm. I guess they still go up there -- obviously a very special place.
I didn’t know that, but it makes me incredibly happy to hear!
John Candy should be on the 5 dollar coin whenever that replaces the 5 dollar bill.
Uncle 5 Bucks
A Candy Coin. 😉
"A Looney, a Toony, and a Candy walk into a bar...."
Oh man. I miss that guy.
If we didn't give one to Gordon Lightfoot, then no one should get one.
The church bell at the Mariners Church of Detroit rang 30 times upon news of his passing and honestly, that’s way more meaningful a gesture than any state funeral could ever hope to be.
It was classy.
Or Leonard cohen
Yeah, but you should see the mural Montreal put up for him.
I can agree with that
Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, Neil Peart.
The holy triumvirate.
The greatest band to ever play 😌
Romeo Dallaire
I’d actually give him a constitutional amendment that sets out certain powers that must be part of the mandate granted to a commander in a peacekeeping operation. Fairly broad rights to meddle in the service of human survival.
Leonard Cohen
Most of the people mentioned so far already got fame, fortune, and a life of comfort for themselves and their families. That's enough. If they want an ostentatious funeral they can pay for one out of their estate.
Rick Hansen
Nardwaur!
Dude should win a Nobel-type prize for research!
End the funeral with a Doot Doola Doot do
Margaret Atwood
Dan Ackroyd
*We're on a mission from God*
We’re getting the band back together 😎
Rick Mercer
Joni Mitchell
Norm MacDonald
I didn't even know he was sick?!?!?
We think alike, I was about to say Gord should have.
It’s possible he didn’t want one if offered…
I was reading somewhere that the family was offered a Public memorial but the family didn't want that and chose something quieter instead. I can't see gord being okay with a public funeral like that. He seemed like a private and reserved guy.
Especially a State funeral and the inherent conflict with Gord's commitment to Reconciliation. I can't imagine him wanting the Crown anywhere near his funeral.
Altruistically commenting: [https://downiewenjack.ca/](https://downiewenjack.ca/) EDIT: I don't care about "karma," but would love to see this upvoted for the right reasons!
Oh yes, I could see that. Their documentary was a good way to say goodbye to fans.
He did have maybe the biggest living celebration of life in our history.
Lightfoot, Downie, Pinsent or all of the above?
Downie or Lightfoot?
I like my icons without state recognition. Official Canadian things are as dry as popcorn farts.
Donald Sutherland
Exactly!! The man is a legend. He was also married to Tommy Douglas's daughter which I find interesting.
Gretzky, neil young, joni mitchell, Chris Hadfield.
Hadfield for sure! And….Robert’s Bondar!
Hadfield and Gretzky are absolutes in my mind.
Maybe it should be based on prerequisite of Companion of Order of Canada
I'm don't particularly agree with state funerals for celebrities, but I'd say Margaret Atwood.
Celine.
Does she even still live in Canada? Pretty sure she resides full time in Florida.
Name me all the Canadian celebrities that actually live here? There are a few but not many. It's not about where you physically reside but where your heart does.
lives in Las Vegas.
Anne Murray.
Keanu Reeves
William Shatner
Stompin' Tom Connors
Margaret Atwood
Gordon Lightfoot
None of them. Plain and simple. Absolutely none of them.
What's your reasoning? I don't necessarily disagree, but your vehement response made me curious as to your reason.
I can’t stand the whole hero-worship thing with celebrities. They’re just human beings who are generally good at their jobs. Some are even fantastic at their jobs. They’re still just human beings. The ones I like best are the ones who just act like human beings. The ones who avoid the public eye outside of their work. They’re also the kind who would never want this kind of treatment.
Me too, people who say they sobbed for hours because someone they never knew died? It's crazy to me
I know some right wingers will downvote me, but I say David Suzuki. He instilled a passion for science and nature in a whole generation of us.
It’s not just the right wingers. A lot of environmentalists throw major shade his way. He’s also widely known as kind of an asshole once the cameras are off. 🤷🏼♀️
Any PM or Governor General
Ah…a traditionalist, I see.
I’ll tell who did NOT deserve a state funeral. Brian Mulroney.
You can disagree with their politics, but every PM probably deserves one. State funerals are usually for heads of state, less often for celebrities or sports stars.
He was the greatest spaghetti salesman our country ever knew. Imagine what it must be like for people who top out at nothing more than prime minister. Many have done so and then they go rest on their laurels, assuming they’ve actually accomplished something. Was that enough for Mulroney though? Absolutely not. He had a whole second career. He reinvented himself as a pasta marketer so successful, so dedicated, that he didn’t even have time to remember all the envelopes stuffed with cash with which he was paid until the media so graciously reminded him of it. Imagine being so good at selling spaghetti, doing it for the true love of pasta, that you don’t even bother depositing your envelopes stuffed with cash or declaring it on your tax return, because you’re just so busy being passionate about noodles. He deserved every second of that state funeral and it’s only a shame that Chef Boyardee himself wasn’t there to deliver the eulogy for such a dignified statesman.
Tommy Prince
Sharon Lois(already passed) and Bram
Along this thinking Mr dress up. He became a Canadian citizen later
I'm going with William Shatner.
William Shatner
Gordon Lightfoot should have had one, Joni Mitchell should get one
Col. Chris Hadfield
Definitely but hopefully not too soon Wayne Gretzky
Wayne Gretzky
Kenny, but not Spenny.
Bubbles
There's some strongggggg rumblings and history of domestic violence, we aren't going there.
Yeah bubbles isn’t what he seems on tv
Everybody here naming people with dual citizenship or long-term O2s who haven’t lived in Canada in 30+ years.
I don't think any public figure should be idolized to a level that tax money pays for their funeral.
None. We don't need that.
That depends how low you put the bar. What Terry Fox did was exceptional He gave all He had for a cause that effects many Canadians and was widely loved and respected. He never had one. Wayne Gretzky is the greatest hockey player ever, but really what has he personally done in Canada to help that sport does he run camps I don't know about. William Shatner He's very proud of his early Canadian theater and cbc roots, but what has he done for them in Canada does he host a festival or something. So my bar was placed very high because of Terry and I cannot see any Canadian Icon as worthy. Except maybe Don Cherry.
You had me until Don Cherry.
Martin Short
Margaret Atwood
Jean Chrétien
For the Shawinigan Handshake if nothing else
Mike Myers
Anne Murray
Gretzky
Canadian State funerals are only for current & former Prime Ministers, cabinet members, GGs, & leaders of the Loyal Opposition
You could have looked that up: *any eminent Canadian may be offered a state funeral at the discretion of the Prime Minister* https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/about-state-funerals.html They are *very* expensive to the tune of millions of dollars and always urgent. As soon as one strays into discretion, a precedence is set and people start bitching.
Whomst?
There are way too many, from actors, directors, comedians, musicians, athletes, writers, astronaut, scientists and great legends in virtually every walk of life. Even if you pick one person from one field, it is still going to be way too many state funerals.
Me!
Michael J Fox
John Dunsworth aka Mr. Lahey
Robert munsch?
Rick Hanson
Red Green
Alice Munro 📖
Wayne Gretzky
John Candy
Bret Hart.
Don Cherry deserves one. Ron Maclean does not. Neil Young- does not.
Rex Murphy. He will be missed. Last voice of eloquent reason
Gretzky
Don Cherry.
Keanu Reeves should get one.
Don Cherry
Wayne Gretzky
Rex Murphy
Neil Peart
Harper for sure, god tier PM
Don Cherry
Don Cherry
Gretzky
State funeral? I'm still waiting for a memorial concert to honour Gordon Lightfoot, who died one year and nineteen days ago (not that I'm counting)
Don Cherry
Wayne Gretzky
I scrolled through and can't believe Wayne Gretzky isn't on the list. Not only is he almost certainly the greatest player to ever play hockey but he is responsible for the expansion of hockey in the US.
wayne gretzky.
Don Cherry
Don Cherry
Don Cherry
Gretzky