with an aching in my heart - 2023
shot for reuters
Gordon Lightfoot and I were born in Soldiers' Memorial Hospital in our hometown of Orillia, 54 years apart. We both swam in the waters of Lake Couchiching and walked on Mississaga Street through the small yet mighty downtown. By my teenage years, my admiration for "Gord" and his music was firmly established. I owned nearly all of his records, including the ones that few people spent their time and money on.
On the first weekend of May 2023, I travelled to the town I was born in to photograph an event that brought tears to my eyes. I joined my family and community to collectively mourn Gordon Lightfoot after the prolific 84-year-old songwriter passed away. It was Mr. Lightfoot and his family's wishes that he lie in repose at St. Paul's United Church in Orillia, where he'd sang in the choir as a young schoolboy. Thousands of Orillians lined up from 1-8PM on Sunday, May 7th, to pay their respects to their hometown hero. I made the photos, and then I waved goodbye.
Each and every bad dream will be hammered into dust
When we get back where we belong
If you ever turn that page again
You need a friend, if you ask me, I'll tag along
This time tomorrow, we might all be packed and gone
I believe, it's best we carry on
Smoke rings rising 'til they disappear
In the sky above, if you ask me, I'll tag along
Morning light falls on a statue of Gordon Lightfoot in Tudhope Park in Orillia on May 6, 2023
Gordon Lightfoot memorabilia sits in a shop window on the main street of Orillia on May 6, 2023
Debbie Reich leaves flowers at a bust of Gordon Lightfoot outside of the Orillia Opera House on May 7, 2023
Rob Wilson blasts Gordon Lightfoot songs outside of the Orillia Opera House on May 6, 2023
Flowers left at the bust of Gordon Lightfoot outside the Orillia Opera House on May 7, 2023
Gordon Lightfoot records sit in the window at Alleycats Music in Orillia on May 6, 2023
People visit a statue of Gordon Lightfoot in Orillia's Tudhope Park on May 7, 2023
A busker performs in a parking lot in Orillia on May 6, 2023
OPP officers block off Peter Street outside St. Paul's United Church where Gordon Lightfoot's public visitation is scheduled to take place on May 7, 2023
A rose is left at the door of St. Paul's United Church in Orillia where Gordon Lightfoot will lie in repose. May 7, 2023
People line up outside of St. Paul's United Church for Gordon Lightfoot's public visitation in Orillia on May 7, 2023
Myeengun Henry wears a Gordon Lightfoot t-shirt while in line at St. Paul's United Church for the singer-songwriter's public visitation in Orillia on May 7, 2023
People line up outside St. Paul's United Church where Gordon Lightfoot's public visitation is taking place in his birthplace of Orillia. May 7, 2023
Gordon Lightfoot's casket is carried in to St. Paul's United Church in Orillia on May 7, 2023
Rick Haynes, Gordon Lightfoot's longtime bassist and friend, speaks to media at St. Paul's United Church in Orillia on May 7, 2023
Gordon Lightfoot lies in repose in St. Paul's United Church in his birthplace of Orillia on May 7, 2023
A woman wipes away a tear as she approaches Gordon Lightfoot's casket at St. Paul's United Church in Orillia on May 7, 2023