Prime Minister Harper captured the mood of many Canadians last
night when he commented on the death of Stompin' Tom Connors by
saying ''We have lost a true original.''
   

The country-folk legend known for his fierce patriotism and songs
steeped in all things Canadiana died yesterday at the age of 77.
 

A spokesman says he died at his Ontario home from ``natural
causes.''
 

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

A public celebration of Connors' life will be held next Wednesday
in Peterborough,-- the city where the musician got the name
``Stompin' Tom.''
    ---
    (Letter)
 Stompin Tom Connors posted a letter to his fans on his official
website just before he died -- to thank them for his career.
 

Connors wrote that he wanted all his fans, past, present, or
future, to know that without them, ''there would have not been any
Stompin' Tom.''
 

He wrote that although he travelled a ``long hard bumpy road,``
Canada inspired him with its ``beauty, character, and spirit.``
 

Connors also urged his fans ``continue to bring Canadiana to the
world.``
 

In Connors words -- ``I must now pass the torch, to all of you,
to help keep the Maple Leaf flying high, and be the Patriot Canada
needs now and in the future.''
    ---
    (Hockey-Song)
 Stompin` Tom Connors` music explored the fabric of Canada as he
sang about its people, mining, fishing, farming and the nation`s
vast natural beauty.
 
But few of his songs were as truly Canadian as `The Hockey Song.`
 

The tune had a sad tinge to it last night as it played at the Air
Canada Centre as it does during every third period of Maple Leafs
game.
 

During the song, public address announcer Andy Frost said
``Stompin' Tom, you'll be missed. Thanks for all the memories and
the greatest hockey song ever.''

The N-H-L tweeted that Connors`` legacy lives on in arenas every
time 'The Hockey Song' is played.''