While Gordon Lightfoot left an indelible mark on the Canadian music scene, he also left a strong impression with some local residents.
Here are two stories from readers recalling their brushes with the local legend in addition to a poem from a local resident.
The first reflection is from Dean Nicholls:
“There are probably few left today that will remember Gordon Lightfoot as my wife Elaine and I do, even though my wife is distantly related to the Lightfoot family.
In the mid-1950s, Gordon Lightfoot and Terry Whalen played and sang as a duo named the Two Tones at Mel Lavigne’s Dance Hall in Honey Harbour. Both Elaine and I worked those summers in Honey Harbour, Elaine at the Delawana and me at the national park on Beausoleil Island.
On Friday and Saturday nights, the Two Tones played along with the Lavigne Band, called the Blue Water Boys. But on some Saturdays, the Two Tones played alone as Lavigne and his band played on Barrie’s CKVR TV or at other functions. No matter who played we could always dance up a storm.
One evening we asked Mel if he would play Gogi Grant’s popular number The Wayward Wind, at that time the song was No. 1 on the Hit Parade. It was a nice, easy slow number and you could dance closer to your partner!
Mel said he didn’t know the piece and that they had enough wind around Honey Harbour to last a lifetime, so we did more square dances to the Blue Water Boys.
Having heard our conversation, the next weekend the Two Tones played Wayward Wind and Mel’s band learned to play along.
Long ago, but very fond memories, that have lasted a lifetime.”
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The following is from Diane Leblovic:
“Growing up on the beaches of Ossossane and Balm Beach have so many special memories and tales to be told.
In the late 60’s and early 70’s as we walked to Balm Beach for an ice cream we saw a large white house at 82 Tiny Beaches Road South.
We always thought that there were great parties going on and used to call it the Sin Bin. There was a white limousine out front and all the lights were on. Gordon Lightfoot spent many years at this house that was owned by his lawyer at the time, Allan Stewart.
In 1981, my husband Nick and I approached Realtor Art Rideout as this property was for sale. We bought it from Allan Stewart and in looking at the mortgages on it saw that Gordon Lightfoot had the first mortgage at nine percent when mortgages were over 20% in 1981. We were excited to have made this purchase and proceeded to have so many wonderful experiences as my family was five generations in the area.
After 2002, my husband Nick would see Gordon working out at the Cambridge Club in Toronto since their lockers were near one another.
Nick let Gordon know that we had bought the place that he had spent many years enjoying. They would chat about what we were doing and what changes we were going to be making to this property. Nick and I always believed that he had written his song Christian Island while he was there.
We will always remember his amazing talents and songs that our home today symbolizes for us. May you rest in peace Gordon Lightfoot.
Thank you."
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The following poem was written by Coldwater resident Justina Goldberg
You fill my heart
with beautiful songs
my soul seeks your
eyes that shimmers
and your smile in the
night.
When I heard your voice
my heart was filled with
awesome splendour, It's
like I know you from
the start.
When you pluck the strings
came the sound like a river
flowing down to the sea
with vitality, power, grace
in a healthy way.
You attract people from
all walks of life, all came
all the way looking for you
with poise and charisma
It was madness.
"Early Morning Rain"
the best of songs composed
lovely fascinating, I think
about Autumn nothing
stays forever.
What time remains I just
simply love today, just savour
what we have before it's
gone. leave it to the Almighty.
Rest in peace Gordon Lightfoot
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The following poem was written by Jackie McClure of Devon, Alberta:
How do you write a poem
about an inspirational poet?
Who has so touched our lives
A bard who's been sharing his music for years
Bringing us happiness and, sometimes, tears.
A minstrel influencing our every way
With words for our souls
That fill our simple days.
He has been close to our hearts, our joy, our very chinking.
A raconteur stimulating our thinking
Awakening our minds
While spinning his yarns
Filling our being with stories and charm
An extraordinary life so part of ours
He gave us insight into his world
That few of us have, our can put into words.
Quietly forceful
Steady and hopeful
He spelled out our own thoughts
Whether we saw it or not.
He was taken from us this day
But his legacy forever will stay.
