Many remember it like it was yesterday but March 13th marked 10 years since Stompin’ Tom Connors’ moving memorial was held at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.
The legendary Canadian folk-country singer-songwriter died March 6th, 2013 at age 77 but, in keeping with his wishes, his service was held in Peterborough where, on July 1st, 1967, he was first introduced as Stompin’ pre-show at the King George Tavern.
Brian Edwards, the founder and owner of Peterborough’s Rocklands Talent and Management, promoted and managed Connors for a number of years, becoming closed friends with him in the process. He says his service, which featured performances by Sylvia Tyson and Dave Bidini, among others, remains a strong memory for many.
Edwards says it was Connors’ specific wish that his service be held in Peterborough.
Edwards is convinced Canada we’ll never see the likes of Connors again in terms of his tireless promotion of the country, never shying from introducing his proud Canadian roots into his music.
Connors won several Juno Awards over his career and, in 1996, was named an Officer of the Order of Canada.
(Written by: Paul Rellinger)
