R.I.P. Tom Connors

As a Canadian artist I feel I must say something of Tom Connors.  First, if ever there was a man who instilled a sense of patriotism in my bones it was Stompin' Tom Connors.  He spent most of his life travelling this great country we call Canada.  He wrote songs of the people and the land.  He took local stories and turned them into national legends.  He is Canada.  Or maybe Canada is Tom Connors.  Some of his songs were just silly and fun while others were serious and even have the ability to bring a tear to your eye.  
Some of my favourites;

The Coal Boat song 
Gumboot Cloggeroo
Sudbury Saturday night
Around the bay and back again
Tilsonburg
Big Joe Mufferaw
Jenny Donnelly

Every time I look at the list I see another great song.  I'll stop here.  After forty years he only managed to tally over three hundred songs. :D
I just can't say enough about the man.  In honesty I've only known the music, but several articles have arisen, since his passing that are quite informative and moving. 
Here are two.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/stompin-tom-connors-canadas-troubadour-sang-of-everyday-lives/article9565495/?page=1
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/music/stompin-tom-connors-final-letter-to-his-fans/article9407119/

R.I.P., Tom.  You were and always will be THE true Canadian.  You are already sorely missed.
D.E.