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As someone who fancies the odd icon or two in his life, the grim business of death has been a most unwelcome disruptor in 2016. David Bowie, Prince, Muhammad Ali, Gordie Howe, Morley Safer, Garry Shandling …

Of all the celebrity news this year, whereby death has inserted itself in one form or another, the heartbreaking story of Gord Downie has affected me most.

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Bowie was shocking. Prince was really shocking. But damn, Gord Downie 😦

In May, Downie, who is the lead singer and creative force behind the iconic Canadian rock band The Tragically Hip, was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of terminal brain cancer.

This sad news was a staggering wallop to myself and millions of Canadians for so many reasons, including what I believe is the most obvious: He’s living with a terrifying and rapidly approaching death sentence.

Bowie knew what that was like. He kept it secret.

The remarkable Mr. Downie has chosen, courageously, to share the news of his illness with all of us.