Hundreds of people came together Saturday to honour the life and legacy of Manitoba Metis music legend Ray St. Germain.
St. Germain – who was also sometimes known as “Winnipeg’s Elvis” – died late last month at the age of 83 from Parkinson’s disease.
Family and friends paid tribute to the late musician and TV host at the Calvary Temple on Hargrave Street, sharing heartfelt memories and performing some of Ray’s greatest hits and favourite tunes.
“Ray was one of the best singers, best performers I ever worked with, and he had a voice that just was amazing,” said Don Young, president emeritus of Regina Musicians Local 446.
“There wasn’t another vocalist that I have ever met that could handle so many different types of music and make it work,” said Brian Sklar, a Canadian country singer who had performed with Ray.
During the service, Glory St. Germain thanked everyone who came to celebrate her husband’s life.
“Ray St. Germain – wow. Love of my life,” Glory said. “He was a superstar husband and father and grandfather and friend, a musician, a producer, and he would have been very happy that all of you came here for him.”
Ray and Glory had five children, as well as several grandchildren and great-grandchildren who were also in attendance and performed alongside their family and friends.