The Tragically Hip touched these people's lives in a memorable way

Many Canadians have a cherished memory of The Tragically Hip. Whether it was a chance conversation with Gord Downie or their music that provided a soundtrack to happy or sad moments in life, the band has touched these people's lives in memorable ways.

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I have been a Hip fan for 22 years. I was diagnosed with a non-cancerous brain tumour four years ago called Acoustic Neuroma. It affects my hearing in one ear (tinnitus) and causes unsteadiness, loss of balance as well as dizziness. With loud music affecting my ear and flashing lights that can make me dizzy, I didn't think I would be able to go to a concert anymore. But because of the courage of Gord Downie getting on stage with his diagnosis, I went to the Aug. 5 concert in Winnipeg. I would not have missed it for anything. It was the greatest moment getting to see him perform. It was my favourite Hip memory realizing I could still go to concerts, which I love, and it is all thanks to the bravery of this man on stage. He is an inspiration. — Noreen Luptak​

My daughters are now university-age but when they were younger and occasionally complaining about how life was treating them, I would sing: "That's awful close, but that's not why, I'm so hard done by." Pretty soon they were doing it to each other. Who needs parenting manuals when you've got The Hip to teach your kids to be grateful for what they've got? — Rudy Buller

My son, Daniel, introduced our family to The Tragically Hip. In 2007, I experienced my first Hip concert at The Kee in Bala, Ont. Standing beside my son, I felt pure joy — for the music and because my grown son was cool with hanging out with his mom at a concert. 

In 2009, we lost our amazing son to suicide. The music ripped open old memories. Like the times we sung Bobcaygeon at the top of our lungs or played air guitar to New Orleans. At my son's funeral, we arranged to have a young musician play Scared on the piano. The lyrics and notes are intensely woven into our lives. 

Years later at a private charity event, I had the pleasure of meeting Gord Downie. I told him how our son introduced us to the music. I also shared with him that we had lost our son. 

He played his acoustic set and we chatted afterwards. He said, "Thank you for telling me about Daniel. I played harder because of him." — Lynn Keane​

When I came to Canada 20 years ago, my friends played The Tragically Hip all the time while we camped. The Hip quickly became my favourite band. Their music takes me right back to great friends, warm days, cool nights and the smell of the campfire. I listen to The Hip when I need cheering up. I am proud that my love for The Hip makes me more "Canadian." — VeVette Turner 

I have seen the Hip over 10 times in the past 25 years. However, my ultimate memory is meeting Gord Downie in person. In the summer of 2002, I had won tickets to see Gord at MuchMusic's intimate and interactive show where he was promoting his solo effort. As always, he was just mesmerizing to watch and listen to.

After the show, I snagged a copy of the set list. Gord was talking with some people ... my husband marched me over. Gord was so great, laid back and friendly. He chatted with us, asked us where we were from, signed the set list and then said, "Hey, we are going across the street for a beer, if you guys want to join us." Sadly, we couldn't go. I can't honestly remember why, but it is one of my greatest regrets. And that is the Gord that our country knows and loves. He always give us his all. He epitomizes what it is to be Canadian. — Kristina