Iconic Manitoba Metis musician Ray St. Germain has died at age 83, according to his family.
According to a social media post from his wife, Glory St. Germain, Ray St. Germain passed away Tuesday after a long battle with Parkinson’s.
“It is with a broken heart that I announce the passing of my beloved husband, the legendary Ray St. Germain,” the post read. “After several years of Parkinson’s, he passed away quietly at Deer Lodge Care Home, surrounded by family and dear friends.”
The singer-songwriter was a member of the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame and an Order of Manitoba Recipient. In addition to his illustrious music career, St. Germain hosted the nationally-syndicated Big Sky Country TV program for more than a dozen years — one of his many TV projects dating back to his first on-air appearances as a presenter in the late 1960s.
Earlier this month, St. Michael Road in St. Vital was given the honourary name ‘Big Sky Country Way’ in honour of St. Germain.
In a statement Wednesday, the Manitoba Metis Federation (MMF) called St. Germain a beloved icon.
“He graced television screens and the auditoriums alike, sharing his love of music far and wide,” said MMF president David Chartrand.
“His voice was known around the world, but his heart belonged to the Red River Metis 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.”
The MMF said an event celebrating St. Germain’s life will be announced in the coming days.
With files from Sam Thompson