Today we lost our Steve...
You could never find words that articulate real loss, and "when words fail music speaks"...
Steve couldn’t wait any longer. I have been lucky, not only for Steve’s friendship, but I’ve truly been touched by his wonderful family. He was a lucky man. Not only did his family love him like crazy, there are a lot of other people out there who loved him too, and if the measure of a man was defined by how many people called you a friend, then Steve would have been a mountain. I know I’m a better man for knowing him and his family, and I'm going to miss him.
- Colin Norwood, on the loss of friend and fellow musician, Steve Clarke
With those words, Colin Norwood, accomplished musician, and cancer survivor, laid out what many North Bay musicians are feeling after learning of the death of Steve Clarke, aged 66, from a brain tumour this past weekend.
Steve Clarke was more than a musician. He was a friend to newcomers (as Norwood once was) to the local music scene, and a pillar of the music community.
Steve Clarke is survived by his wife Louise, children Tyler and Melissa, his grandchildren, and many generations of musicians who were grateful to have known him.
Norwood felt compelled to help his friend upon learning of his diagnosis. What started as a benefit, has transitioned into a celebration of Steve's life. What Norwood and his fellow organizers want the public to know, is that the show must, and will, go on.
Twenty-two acts will take the stage to remember Clarke, in what will undoubtedly be a jam-packed day of memories, laughs, and heartfelt tunes. The event will get started at 2 pm, and will run until midnight in the Summit Room at the Voyager.
For lineup and schedule for Songs for Steve: https://www.facebook.com/helpsteveclarke/
"Obviously we are still going forward with our fundraising efforts, it is as necessary now as it was before," said Norwood.
Family will receive visitors at Hillside Funeral Services, 362 Airport Road, on Saturday, May 28, from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm. In lieu of a funeral, Clarke's ashes will be spread at a later date, at a tropical location.
Norwood, himself a survivor of the deadly disease, offers a unique take on Clarke's valiant battle, saying "A survivor never feels out of the woods. Hope can be a dangerous thing. We should never feel complacent that the next day will come. We should enjoy ourselves for the time we are here, and Steve did that."
