Tom Connors

Tom Connors

Tom Connors Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Mar. 7, 2013.
PETERBOROUGH, Ontario (AP) — Canadian country-folk singer Stompin' Tom Connors, whose toe-tapping musical spirit and fierce patriotism established him as one of Canada's biggest cultural icons, has died, his promoter said Wednesday night. He was 77.

Connors passed away from natural causes at his home Wednesday evening, Brian Edwards said. The musician, rarely seen without his signature black cowboy hat and stomping cowboy boots, was best known for songs "Sudbury Saturday Night," ''Bud the Spud" and especially "The Hockey Song," a fan favorite played at hockey arenas around North America.

Those three songs are played at every Toronto Maple Leafs home game. At Toronto's Air Canada Centre Wednesday night, many fans took to their feet as "The Hockey Song" was played after Connors' death was announced. Although wide commercial appeal eluded Connors for much of his four-decade career, his songs are regarded as veritable national anthems thanks to their unabashed embrace of all things Canadiana.

"The hockey song was the biggest one," Edwards said. "Domestically he was known everywhere."

On Twitter, Prime Minister Stephen Harper said "we have lost a true Canadian original. R.I.P. Stompin' Tom Connors. You played the best game that could be played."

The National Hockey League tweeted: "Sad to hear that legendary Canadian Stompin' Tom Connors has passed. His legacy lives on in arenas every time 'The Hockey Song' is played."

Connors knew his health was declining and had posted a message on his website a few days ago, saying Canada kept him "inspired with its beauty, character, and spirit."

Dubbed Stompin' Tom for his habit of pounding the floor with his left foot during performances, Connors garnered a devoted following through straight-ahead country-folk tunes that drew inspiration from his extensive travels around Canada, dating back to his itinerant teenage years when he roamed the country working one job or another.

The country that Connors celebrated in song was strangely ignored by other Canadian songwriters, he often said.

"I don't know why I seem to be the only one, or almost the only one, writing about this country," Connors said in 2008. "This country is the most underwritten country in the world as far as songs are concerned. We starve. The people in this country are starving for songs about their homeland."

He was born in Saint John, New Brunswick, on Feb. 9, 1936, to an unwed teenage mother. According to his autobiography, "Before the Fame," he often lived hand-to-mouth as a youngster, hitchhiking with his mother from the age of three, begging on the street by the age of four. At age eight, he was placed in the care of the charity Children's Aid and adopted a year later by a family in Skinner's Pond, Prince Edward Island. He ran away four years later to hitchhike across Canada.

Connors bought his first guitar at age 14 and picked up odd jobs as he wandered from town to town, at times working on fishing boats, as a grave digger, tobacco picker and fry cook.

Connors is said to have begun his musical career when he found himself a nickel short of a beer at the Maple Leaf Hotel in Timmins, Ontario, in 1964 at age 28. The bartender agreed to give him a drink if he would play a few songs, and that turned into a 14-month contract to play at the hotel. Three years later, Connors made his first album and garnered his first hit in 1970 with "Bud The Spud."

Hundreds more songs followed, many based on actual events, people and towns he had visited.

He was appointed to the Order of Canada in 1996, one of the country's highest honors. He also had his own postage stamp.

Connors is survived by his wife Lena, two sons, two daughters and several grandchildren.

A celebration of Stompin Tom's life is being planned for next Wednesday at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.



Associated Press writer Rob Gillies in Toronto contributed to this report.


Copyright © 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Sign Tom Connors's Guest Book

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June 25, 2023

Emma Gouthro posted to the memorial.

October 10, 2022

Danny Agapas posted to the memorial.

March 7, 2020

Someone posted to the memorial.

72 Entries

Emma Gouthro

June 25, 2023

Sorry I didn't get to see this amazing man.

Danny Agapas

October 10, 2022

Tom was a "stompin" man proud of all the songs he did including The Good Old Hockey Game, Tilsonberg, I've Been Everywhere, and even the Prince Edward Island commercial song. Now, he's home with the Lord, and he won't have stomp anymore.

March 7, 2020

I would like to offer my sincerest condolences to the family and friends of mr Tom Conners one of the finest countries singers may the God of tender mercies grant him peace

September 26, 2019

God is a God of all Comfort and he will Comfort the Family's...My heartfelt thoughts....

Wendy Ellid

February 2, 2019

Stompin Tom was the best. We listen to songs alot and they still bring tears to my eyes. STOMPING TOM.RIP. YOU WILL MEVER BE FORGOTTEN

Pat M

June 30, 2018

Its Canada Day up Canada way and we still miss you in good ol Miramichi, New Brunswick!

Harry Simpson

March 6, 2017

Godspeed, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.

Leonard h

February 19, 2017

R I P Stompin Tom C glad I could meet you God Bless the Connor Family

Leonard h an Michelle R

February 19, 2017

Dear Connor family I met him in Brockville Ont really cool man and Love his songs miss him God Bless you all R I P Tom c Love ya

Maria

December 18, 2014

In loving memory of Mr. Connor's. A truly unique and gifted Canadian. He did not follow where the path may lead, no! He created one and left a trail! So proud to be Canadian. May he rest in eternal peace and comfort, and may God bless the family.

Henry Beglin

March 21, 2013

I enjoyed your music when I first came to Canada, and still do. You will be missed. R.I.P.

March 21, 2013

I truly am sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in God's promise to end death and bring back those we have lost.

March 20, 2013

so sorry for the Connors loss,may God bless and keep you and bring you peace.may he console your hearts,through his word the Bible.....,

March 15, 2013

so sorry for the loss,may God lead and protect you,let him be your comforter in this your time of need.....

Erica Broadway

March 14, 2013

It is comforting to know that Jesus, the Ruler of God's Kingdom, is called the “Prince of Peace,” and he will ensure that “to peace there will be no end.”—Isaiah 9:6, 7.

Karen Newman

March 14, 2013

he was a great Canadian and will be missed. Condolences to his family and friends.

DEL HADDLESEY

March 14, 2013

YOU ARE MISSED...FATHER TIME COUNTRY BAND

M N

March 13, 2013

RIP my friend

Mike N

March 13, 2013

Growing up listening to Tom's music and visiting his schoolhouse museum on beautiful Prince Edward Island, Skinners Pond many times,I feel I have lost a friend. Hard to believe you are gone. RIP Tom. You will be missed by many. An iconic Canadian legend.

Jean Inglis

March 13, 2013

Lena, family, and friends. My condolences to you all. I have so many great memories of Tom and he was certainly a "WOW" factor for all of Canada. RIP, Tom.

Bessie Kunigelis

March 12, 2013

Stompin'Tom Connors was just a wonderful, great Canadian singer and he proved it all over the world. I just found out our birthdays were the same day too. I will never forget you ever and admired your singing and what a down to earth person you were. Will always remember you and have you in my heart forever more. RIP Stompin' Tom Connors.

Elaine Campbell

March 12, 2013

Stompin'Tom Connors was one of a kind and a true Canadian and proud of it too. I admire him very much for that and his music and songs were just fantastic. Stompin' Tom Connors will always be remembered and in my heart too and I will never forget when I met him in Parkdale area in Toronto where I lived. You could not ask for a better person than he was. Love you always Stompin' Tom Connors. RIP and now you are in Heaven singing with the rest of them too and watching over us.

Karen Atkins-Swaine

March 12, 2013

Stompin Tom is a true Canadian and he will be missed by all. God bless his family and friends. Rest in Peace Stompin Tom Connors.....

Theresa Smith

March 12, 2013

I am so very sorry for the loss of Tom, his music was awesome and I loved it, Let's keep his music alive everyone!!!

BONNIE ATKINS

March 12, 2013

MAY COMFORT BE WITH YOU AND YOURS. TOM WAS AN EXCEPTIONAL MAN.UP NOW WITH THE REST OF THE GREATS HE IS PLAYING IN THE ANGELS BAND NOW. HE WILL BE SO GREATLY MISSED.IT WAS AN HONOR TO KNOW THE MAN THRU HIS MUSIC,SONG AND STORY TELLING.ALWAYS REMEMBERED NEVER FOROTTEN AND IRREPLACEABLE.HOLD ON TO THE MEMORIES... THEY MUST BE GREAT ONES.

ERIC ANDERSON

March 11, 2013

We have lost a true Canadian as well as a great humanitarian. My Dad was in the Missisippi Hotel in Carelton Place Ontario in the 60's and I got hooked! MISS YA BUDDY, ZIPP

ELIZABETH MUISE

March 11, 2013

REST IN PEACE STOMPING TOM YOU WERE A WONDERFUL MAN. I LOVED YOUR MUSIC . MAY YOUR FAMILY FIND COMFORT IN THE DAYS AHEAD.

March 11, 2013

Sincere condolences to family and loved ones. May the God of all comfort be with you.

Lorna Bell

March 11, 2013

I thank Tom very much for helping me realize what a wonderful country Canada is and to be loyal to my country, through his entertaining songs and sentiments. I'm sorry for the loss of your husband, father, grandfather and friend. I saw two of his performances, The Forum at Ontario Place and Hamilton Place. I wish I could have met him. What a great loss to our country. My sympathy to the family and friends of Tom Connors. Thank you Tom.

steele

March 11, 2013

May the God who comforts all comfort the family and friends for their great loss. May Mr. Connors rest in pease.

Tom & Linda Henderson

March 11, 2013

A true Canadian Legend! Stompin' Tom has great music. Prayers & Condolences to his family. My husband and I enjoy listening to all his songs.

I remember when this was taken. After he had given Darlene Munn the big HUG.. I stepped to shake his hand, my name is Ben, and I'm not in the PEN. And

Ben & Darlene Munn

March 11, 2013

March 10, 2013

You were better than any history or georgraphy lesson for most Canadians. You taught us much about our great country. RIP

TOM AND US AT THE JUBILEE THEATRE IN SUMMERSIDE PEI

March 10, 2013

DEAR LENA AND FAMILY OUR HEART FELT SYMPATHY IS EXTENDED TO ALL OF YOU!! TOM WILL BE ONE CANADIAN WHO WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN AND WILL ALWAYS BE LOVED!!WE GREW UP ON PEI AND WE LEARNED MORE FROM TOM'S SONGS ABOUT OUR COUNTRY CANADA THAN WE EVER DID IN A HISTORY BOOK!!WE MADE MANY CONCERTS AND HAD THE HONOR TO MEET TOM ON MANY OCCASSIONS...WE LOVED EVERY MOMENT AND HAVE BEAUTIFUL PHOTOS FOR OUR KEEPSAKES..TAKE COMFORT THAT TOM IS IN THE PALM OF GOD'S HAND AND HE WILL TAKE VERY GOOD CARE OF HIM....LOVE AND WARM HUGS TO ALL OF YOU FROM KAREN AND ALLAN MACLEAN IN SUMMERSIDE PEI

Ferdinand Pereira

March 10, 2013

Tom, you were a true Canadian from the Maritimes whose stories and music reflected the nature, spirit and greatness of Canada...RIP...

Doreen and Clare Clark

March 10, 2013

A Unique talent. and wonderful human being.. He will be sorely missed for sure... Our condolences to his wife Lena and family and friends.. Rest in peace Tom. Thanks for the great songs you left us with for eternity. Rest peacefully. Just two of your many avid fans I am sure..

Janet Gaudet

March 10, 2013

My heartfelt sympathy goes to Tom's family & friends. Canada has lost one of our greatest Canadians. His passing makes me feel very sad. God bless you Tom for all the joy you brought to so many people.

Tammy

March 10, 2013

Death is a hard thing to cope with, but with help from Our Heavenly Father, we can have comfort.

John Lowder

March 9, 2013

God Bless.

Doug Serre

March 9, 2013

I grew up listening to him and now that I've moved to the States, his music always makes me feel a little closer to home. He will be missed.

Carmen Woods

March 9, 2013

My condolences to the family of Tom just as his music touched hearts let his memories comfort each of you and take comfort in knowing that our Creator has him in his memory as well.

Cynthia

March 9, 2013

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

March 9, 2013

I remember the happiness and joy Mr. Connors gave to the world thru his music. May his memories give his loved ones peace and comfort.(Psalms147:3)Bara(NO)

Anna hendon

March 9, 2013

I'm sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family.

Peggy and Don Sim

March 9, 2013

You will be missed loved you and your music. My prayers go out to your wife and your family. I met your wife when I came to your house. She signed my Stompin Tom book and I will always treasure the book and the postcard you sent after. I am so sad to lose you. I have the box set ot yours from way back with the records. That is also a treasure. Your saddest fan. Peggy
You will be sadly missed. Enjoyed our vists. Your music will always live on. Don Sim

Wendy Hanes

March 8, 2013

My father always listened to to his songs he lved the son Tillsonburg because that was where my father used to work when he was younger but my father passed away 5 years ago in July my heart goes out to the connors family he was loved by me I was brought up listening to his music

Edward Addington, Jr.

March 8, 2013

I love when he was singing with k.d. lang

The Watson's of W.C.N.C

March 8, 2013

We are deeply saddened over this great lost. Please accept our condolences and sympathy. May God give you the strength to carry on and may you find comfort from His Word, the Bible. . . . 1 Pet. 5:7

Scott Chamberland

March 8, 2013

Rest in Peace

Rob and Sharon Kunzelman

March 8, 2013

Thinking of his family in their sorrow. I want them to know how very much he meant to us, thankfully Stompin Tom and his music awoke in many, amazement, love and awe at the country of ours;Canada. And am thankful he lives on through his family, and in his songs!

S.Griggs

March 8, 2013

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

susan coates

March 8, 2013

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Tom.He leaves me with great memories of all us kids listening to him play, down at Aunt Connie's place in New Brunswick.He always had that piece of wood,it was amazing .I know he was at our house one night in Clarkson singing and taping his foot ,what fun we had.Must have been mid 60s.Thanks again Tom.Your legend will live on.Susan Coates and Family

BethAnn Serre

March 8, 2013

My deepest condolences to the family, friends and fans of Stompin`Tom.He was a true Canadian and will be missed by so many. Rest in peace.

Too

March 8, 2013

I will miss you so very much...RIP Tom...CehNehDeh......

BETTY MUISE

March 7, 2013

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AT THIS SAD AND DIFFICULT TIME
GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!!!

March 7, 2013

What a Shock I had this morning when I learned of the passing of Stompin' Tom Connors. I feel I have lost a family member. I was able to fulfill a lifetime dream, and attended a Stompin' Tom concert in Red Deer, Alberta August 2010. It was a wonderful evening. Being a former Bluenoser and the daughter of parents from New Brunswick and Nova Scotia his music was a great part of my growing up. His legacy will live on through all who have enjoyed his music and sense of humour over the years. May your happier memories of this special man, husband, father, grandfather and friend help ease your sadness at this time. sincerely Julie Reynolds, Alberta

March 7, 2013

A true Canadian. You will be missed

B. Gardner

March 7, 2013

Please except my condolences. Words cannot express the pain in your hearts, but know that God is greater than anything that brings us pain and suffering. He promises that soon he will satisfy all proper desires, especially our desire to see our dear loved ones again. (Psalm 145:16)

John Heffernan

March 7, 2013

Thanks for the party! You are a true Canadian Legend

william general

March 7, 2013

Thanks Tom for the GREAT memories .R.I.P

Sharon Hewitt

March 7, 2013

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Tom Connors. As a native of Sudbury I grew up listening to "Sudbury Saturday Night". Thinking of Stompin Tom brings back loving memories of my father, also a proud Canadian, who loved that Mr. Connors songs were about and for all Canadians! When my father passed away I selected Mr. Connors first book as a keepsake of my own Dad, as he had so enjoyed reading it and listening to all of Stompin Toms music. I hope Stompin Tom finds heaven half as beautiful as the country he sang about. To his family: thank you for sharing him with all Canadians!

Herb Routley

March 7, 2013

Another great Canadian musician will be truely missed!

Mayor Linda Nowicki

March 7, 2013

On behalf of the Municipality, we extend our deepest sympathies and share the loss of a good man and down to earth entertainer and storyteller.

B Lucas

March 7, 2013

My sincere condolence for the loss of Tom your dear loved one. May your fond memories of him bring good thoughts. Peace and love to your family and friends, and to the spirit that you show. [email protected]

March 7, 2013

I am so sorry tn hear about your loss. the bible can be of some comfort at John 17:3

March 7, 2013

americans liked him too!he made us smile and put a jump in our step

March 7, 2013

As a Canadian living abroad I always perked up when I heard Stompin Tom on the radio. A true Canadian.

shelby kelly

March 7, 2013

We have lost a true Canadian legend. Many tears in Canada today. Sincere condolences to the family. He will live in our hearts forever

March 7, 2013

My sincere condolences to the Connors' family. Draw close to God and he will safeguard your hearts and grant you a measure of comfort and peace. Psalms 35:18 tells us that our Heavenly Father is near to those broken at heart and crushed in spirit. Please rest assured that our Heavenly Father has Tom in his memories.

March 7, 2013

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

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Sign Tom Connors's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

June 25, 2023

Emma Gouthro posted to the memorial.

October 10, 2022

Danny Agapas posted to the memorial.

March 7, 2020

Someone posted to the memorial.