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Manitoba lost a “true legend” with the death of Ray St. Germain on Tuesday evening.
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The singer, television and radio host passed away quietly at Deer Lodge Care Home, surrounded by family and dear friends, after a years-long battle with Parkinson’s disease, his wife Glory St. Germain announced on social media.
“Our hearts are filled with gratitude for all our relatives, family, and friends who have been a part of our journey. Your support and love have been a source of strength for us,” she wrote. “We are deeply grateful to all the musicians who have shared the stage with Ray, contributing to his unforgettable performances and his television series.”
The 63-year-old was born in St. Vital, with the street his childhood home is on, St. Michael Road, given the honorary title of Big Sky Country way at a ceremony he attended on June 7.
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St. Germain hosted television series Big Sky Country, known as Ray St. Germain Country and My Kind of Country in earlier incarnations, for 13 seasons. He also hosted a radio call-in show, Metis Hour x2 for NCI, for 20-plus years.
“His voice was known around the world, but his heart belonged to the Red River Métis people. He took immense pride in promoting our history, our stories, and our culture, weaving them into his music and sharing our pride with the world,” Manitoba Metis Federation president David Chartrand, a longtime friend, said in a release.
“You are a true legend and true legends are never forgotten. I am thankful to have known you, to have been welcomed into your circle, your family, to have made you laugh during our last visit. Journey well, chi miigwetch for sharing your many gifts in this world and into the next,” NCI general manager David McLeod said.
Metis Hour co-host Naomi Clarke said St. Germain was “not only an incredibly talented artist but also a kind and generous soul.”
St. Germain’s song The Metis earned him the Aboriginal Order of Canada award in 1985. He was inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame in 2010.
A celebration of life is to be held July 6 and will include live music performances in his honour.
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