“But we would always sing and play together when we had people over…. “We were young and sweet and everything,” she recalled with a smile. when she met a 23-year-old Downie, who was just getting started with the Hip, playing mostly university gigs. Usher was a 20-year-old student at the University of Western Ontario in London, Ont. Getting to this point took decades for the Toronto musician, who was born Laura Leigh Usher but now goes by Kaya. Two of their four kids play on the album - 21-year-old son Lou on keyboards and drums and 26-year-old daughter Willo on vocal harmonies - realizing a shared goal she had with Downie of one day starting a family band. On “All This Is,” credited to Kaya Usher and the Family Band, the Toronto musician finds her deep interest in meditation crossing paths with devotion to her children. The Tragically Hip frontman died in 2017 at age 53. Then, she witnessed Downie confront a terminal brain cancer diagnosis in 2015. Nearly a decade ago, the now 54-year-old faced breast cancer. Usher is bright and optimistic in a video conversation about the role music has played in her “healing journey” and how her album is about “coming into not only the grief but real strength” after a devastating loss. “Kevin and I plan on making a lot of music together,” she said, musing on potentially working with a symphony or dabbling in experimental electronic music. 17 and its meditatively euphoric single “Heart Clicks” already available on streaming services, she's thinking about what's next with co-producer Kevin Drew of Broken Social Scene. With her debut album “All This Is” set for release Nov. In Memoriam donations to the Sunnybrook Foundation-Gord Downie Fund,, the Canadian Mental Health Association or the Companions of the Cross are appreciated.TORONTO - More than four years after her husband Gord Downie's death, singer-songwriter Kaya Usher is in the midst of an artistic awakening. Livestreaming of the Mass will be available by using the following link: A Funeral Mass will take place at 11:00 am on Monday, February 27 at St. Matthew 25:23 "Well done, good and faithful servant you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much enter into the joy of your master." Family and friends may pay respects at the Kelly Funeral Home Walkley Chapel, 1255 Walkley Road, Ottawa, K1V 6P9, 61 on Sunday, February 26 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Rest in Peace, beloved Alan, you will be deeply missed but your memory and beautiful soul will live on forever in the Kingdom of God. His last message to the world was, "Place God at the centre of your life and make all your decisions from there". His warm smile and effusive joy will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Alan had a genuine interest in people and their lives and he always made time to listen and offer guidance. Everything he did, he did with a lightheartedness and a palpable generosity of spirit. He always had time for people and was delighted to serve his family and his community in any way that he could. He had a way of making everyone he met feel like they were his best friend, even if he only met them for the first time. In both his work and in his personal life, Alan was a natural leader and a role model for many people. Since his retirement in 2018, his work has gone on to produce a legacy of corporate policies and procedures that ensure safety and quality patient care. His colleagues fondly recall his obvious love for his profession and his commitment to top-quality care. Alan was a 37-year leader and proud employee at the Ottawa Hospital’s Department of Medical Imaging. He spent countless hours exploring nature and sharing his experiences with his family and closest friends. Alan was known for his deep love of the outdoors and his passion for mountain biking, skiing and canoe camping. He truly walked in the footsteps of Christ every day, living his life according to his faith. Throughout his life, Alan was known to be a devoted Catholic, and man of God. “Uncle Al, the kiddies pal” will be missed by many nieces and nephews and by their children as well. Predeceased by brother-in-law Robert Murphy (Deborah). Alan was a beloved brother of Deborah (Garry), Todd, Michele (Martin) and Monique (Bruce), a caring son-in-law to Rita and Alessandro Cacciotti, and dear brother-in-law to Tania (Steve) Brown and Massimo (Katherine) Cacciotti. He is survived by his loving parents, Frank and Doris Thibeau, whose strong faith, integrity and family values have been passed to future generations. Alan was born in Hamilton, Ontario and was raised in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. Cherished Grampy of Georgia Grace and Audrey Hope. Devoted father of Andrew, Jessica (Tyler), Matthew and Lucas. ![]() Alan passed into eternal life in the arms of his beloved wife Anna (née Cacciotti) of 33 years. It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Alan Thibeau, 62 years old, on Thursday, February 16, 2023.
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