Colleagues, at 8 a.m. last Thursday, November 16, francophone music stations across Quebec simultaneously broadcast the song Sur mon épaule, sung by Karl Tremblay of the iconic band Cowboys Fringants.

This rare gesture of unity by Quebec’s francophone radio stations was to honour Karl Tremblay, who passed away far too soon at age 47. Karl was diagnosed with an aggressive and incurable form of prostate cancer four years ago. According to his oncologist, Dr. Archambault, it was a “solid metastatic cancer.”

Since Karl’s death on the afternoon of November 15, all of Quebec has been mourning its favourite cowboy’s last ride. Rarely have I seen the people of Quebec engage in such a collective outpouring of emotion.

The reason is simple: Karl Tremblay, with his unique, haunting voice captured the francophone soul of Quebecers when he sang with his Cowboys Fringants. He spoke about us and for us. For over 25 years, firmly rooted in the Quebec universe, this band poured its heart into telling the story of our sorrows, joys, hopes, disappointments, dreams, frustrations and sometimes, our determination and whimsy.

Karl Tremblay and his troubadours had a unique bond with Quebecers, but they also promoted Quebec throughout the Canadian and international Francophonie, including in France, Switzerland, Belgium and even in francophone Africa.

The words Karl sang reflected our lives, and to many people the Cowboys songs are the soundtrack to a moment or a stage in life. Each one of their songs is a philosophy lesson with simple words that spoke to our personal and collective realities.

Unfortunately, we do not always realize the impact a person has on our lives until they are gone. Karl was and will remain an icon for generations.

Now, Karl, let us cry on your shoulder. May your boundless soul rest in our hearts.

Farewell, cowboy.