Sad news, Michael Burgess has passed away.

Sad news, a man with a powerful voice very well know in the world of theatre and to sports fans alike, Michael Burgess has passed away at the age of 70 on Monday after a lengthy battle with cancer. Michael was known for his role of Jean Valjean in more than 1,000 performances of "Les Miserables" and to hockey and baseball fans where his powerful voice has delivered the national anthem since 1970, in a chilling and most inspirational way making you proud to be Canadian. He was the first person to sing "O Canada" at a World Series baseball game when the Blue Jays played the Atlanta Braves in 1992. CSFL anglers may recall Michael's magnificent voice on numerous occasions as he was also an avid angler who enjoyed the outdoors. In memory of Michael Burgess, he has been added to the Casey Cup Memoriam.

I saw him as Jean Valjean when I was young, and his voice blew me away. A great voice lost, may he RIP.