Man of conviction

He was, at times, a larger-than-life figure. A lawyer whose vociferous style made him the bane of many an opposing counsel. A political trailblazer who served 15 years as MLA for Inkster and who, in 1968, became the first Jewish Canadian to make a serious run for leader of a political party, when he sought to helm the provincial NDP.

Sid Green died June 7. He was 96. (Joe Bryksa / Free Press files)

When it comes to the legacy of Sidney (Sid) Green, this much is certain: whether they were on his side or facing off against him, nobody who saw Green at work in the courtroom or the halls of the legislature, doubted his honesty, his brilliant intelligence, or the courage he held to speak his convictions.

Read more about Sid Green in our weekly A Life’s Story feature.

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'Canada's country gentleman'

A well-known musician in his own right, Hunter introduced Canadian audiences to some of the biggest country acts of all time.

Craig Macrae, The Canadian Press:

Canadian country star Tommy Hunter dies at 89; hosted long-running TV variety show

Tommy Hunter, a fixture in Canadian living rooms for decades with his long-running CBC TV show, has died at age 89. The London, Ont., native is best known for hosting his music show "... Read More

He put Nunavut on the map

“He had very little cynicism. He was an optimist and loved our country. He cared about people. He was always full of ideas about Canada pursuing big things,” wrote former staffer Bob Ransford.

Canadian Press Staff, The Canadian Press:

Tom Siddon, cabinet minister during Oka crisis, dies at 84: family

OTTAWA - Tom Siddon, who served as a cabinet minister under Prime Minister Brian Mulroney during the Oka crisis and later helped to establish Nunavut, has died. He was 84. His daughte... Read More

'We will think of Victor every time Y.M.C.A. is played'

In 2020, Congress described “Y.M.C.A.” — with its infectious chorus of “It’s fun to stay at the Y.M.C.A.” and an accompanying dance spelling out the letters — as “an American phenomenon” and added the song to the National Recording Registry.

Mark Kennedy, The Associated Press:

Victor Willis, who co-founded the Village People and co-wrote ‘Y.M.C.A.,’ dies at 74

NEW YORK (AP) — Victor Willis, who co-founded the Village People, co-wrote the disco group's classic hits “Y.M.C.A.,” ″Macho Man” and “In the Navy,” and delighted crowds while dressed as the band's he... Read More

How They Lived

Read about the lives of great Winnipeggers and Manitobans on our Passages website.

Until next week, may you continue to write your own life’s story.

Sunday Passages