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The Side Effects of Endorphins

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Grace Too

Published by

K Mark Schofer

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It was eight years ago that Gord Downie, the enigmatic leader of The Tragically Hip passed away. 

  • He passed away at age 53 after a battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. 
  • Downie was the frontman and lyricist for the Canadian rock band The Tragically Hip. 
  • The news of his death was announced by his family and was widely mourned across Canada. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called him a national treasure. 
  • The band’s final concert took place on August 20, 2016, during a farewell tour after his diagnosis was made public. 

Their music means so much to me. Their music tells of stories of Canadian lore and mystique. 

I remember the first time I heard their music, we just finished running the Rainier to Pacific relay. Our second team came onto the beach and they were blasting this music.

Don’t tell me what the poets are doing
On the street and the epitome of vague
Don’t tell me how the universe is altered 

I’ve seen them in concert on many occasions. Any United States was usually venues of 300 to 500 people. In Canada it was usually 10 to 15,000. 

Gord had terminal brain cancer. Originally he could not remember a single line from any song. He got some short-term relief and his memory improved. They embarked on a Ten city tour of Canada playing every single song from their catalog

There are two movies from this tour. I can’t watch them without crying.

But I can do it with Grace too.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d18UWu4dRv4

3 responses to “Grace Too”

  1. Erwinism Avatar
    Erwinism

    Ahead by a century hits hard for me. Tragically Hip is such an amazing band.

  2. K Mark Schofer Avatar
    K Mark Schofer

    My absolute favorite

  3. vermavkv Avatar
    vermavkv

    This is such a deeply touching and heartfelt tribute. 💫 Your words beautifully honor Gord Downie’s legacy — not just as a musician, but as a soul who lived and created with courage, depth, and grace. The way you describe his journey, the music, and your personal connection to it brings such warmth and reverence. It’s moving how you tie in your own memories — the concert experiences, the songs, and the emotions that linger long after. Truly, your reflection captures the spirit of The Tragically Hip — raw, poetic, and profoundly human. 🌹🎶

I would love to hear you opinion as well

Hello,

I’m Mark

His friends observe Mark seems wired a little differently. Perhaps it’s more likely that noticing little things often missed by others is a relic of a quieter, simpler time. He has a way with words, which he refuses to let be hindered by sub-par typing skills. People have great stories to tell if you sit and listen.

A belief dear to Mark is that there is certain beauty in the world. You simply have to look for it.

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