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LIGHTFOOT

LIGHTFOOT, Brita Ingegerd Kristina (nee Olaisson) (b.Dec.3, 1935) -Passed away peacefully at Scarborough General Hospital on Wednesday, June 8, 2005, in her 70th year. Beloved Mother of Fred (Leynie) and Ingrid (Terry). Much loved ''Granny'' of Amber, Johnny and Ben. Fondly remembered by her former husband Gordon. Special thanks to the doctors and nurses of C.P. 1 Unit of Scarborough General Hospital. Friends will be received at the DIXON-GARLAND FUNERAL HOME, 166 Main St. N. (Markham Rd.), Markham on Saturday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Service in the Chapel on Sunday at 2 p.m. Cremation. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated.

[ June 21, 2005, 09:48: Message edited by: Florian ]

Funny but I never thought of Brita as a senior citizen (not that I ever knew or met her); she's always in my mind's eye in her early 30s, mom to the young Fred and Ingrid. I hope she found some happiness in later years, especially with the grandkids.

Much like you Aub. Annie, I will always see Brita as the gorgeous tall platnum blond walking beside a young GL in the pictures from the 'Sunday Concert'. Hard to realize that enough years have passed for her to be 70. Was she living in Toronto when she died? I guess so. Seems strange somehow.

Does anyone know what the names in parens beside Fred's and Ingrid's names mean?

That would be the names of their spouses.

Thanks Gord.

That's what I was thinking, wondering... Hope she had a nice life.
Kimberly

Sad to hear. But also good that she is remembered fondly.

I remember reading in the IYCRHM book that she said someone should write a book about her because her life was much more interesting than Gord's, so I guess she accomplished some things she wanted to ...

My heartfelt sympathies to Gordon and his offspring. :( I know how sad it is to lose someone you care or cared about.

It's somewhat ironic at this moment that I hear of her passing because last night NBC re-ran Gordon's 1976 appearence on SNL,so in an unexpected way,it's almost like seeing him singing "Spanish Moss" was almost like a tribute without originally intending to be one.

They may have divorced a long time ago,but I'm sure that makes her loss no less emotional for him and family.

My thoughts exactly.

A-men

The Rez

"nee" means literally "born". (pronounced "nay") it means that Olaisson was her maiden name.

Hello All,
Gord's daughter Ingrid here...Thank you all for your kind words.
Some answers to your Q's...I can't tell you how much I miss her still. I am now 40yrs old with 2 kids, Amber 20, in University and Johnny 18, in grade 12. I divorced their father 15yrs. ago and now have been living with Terry for several years. My brother Fred is 42 and is married to Leynie and they have 2 kids, Ben 3, and Kristina 21/2 months. My kids loved their "Granny" so much and it breaks my heart that my brother's kids will not know her...
Mom was definately not the senior type. She was still beautiful at 69, looked 60. She took care of herself and had no bad habits. She was a very happy person and lots of fun. Very stable. She loved her grandchildren dearly and devoted alot of time to them. Her passion was always Gardening. She had a serious green thumb! She also studied antiques. In the winter she was a snow bird and myself and my 2 kids would join her every year for a week or two. I will miss that. I will still travel but there won't be anymore home cooked meals. She was a fabulous cook too! Scandinavian style. As far as where she lived goes, she had her cottage on lake Simcoe raised and converted into a home and had lived there for several years. There she gardened to her hearts content. HUGE garden! She would start at 7am and go until 5. I plan to move up there, sell my house here and commute to work. I just can't part with her home...I feel so happy when I go there and always feel sad about leaving. So, that's what I will do!
As far as a book about Mom, definately would have been interesting! She was an economics major if some of you didn't know, hence, business savy. So many interesting jobs and experiences.
I miss her, my kids miss her but alot of her has rubbed off on us and we are all doing fine.
Thank you all again for your posts, and if it's possible to look up In Memoriums, I put one in on August 8th of last year in the Toronto Star for the 1st year anniversary of her death.
Take Care All, I'll be at the concert at Massey on Sat. Perhaps some of you will be there:)
Dad is fine by the way, getting ready for his second show tonight!
Ingrid

Dear Ingrid/Melody,

Thanks for your post. WOW !

Bill :)

Ingrid, I am so sorry for your loss. I understand that she has been gone for some time now, however, I was unaware of it until now. I am assuming your mother had been ill for some time, having died so young, but you know that doesn't make it hurt any less when they finally go. I'm 42 so about the same age as you, and I lost my mother-in-law 2 years ago, she was 86, had cancer, and went very quickly (2 months from time of diagnosis). I still think of her each day and miss her very, very much. I fear the day when my own parents leave this earth, and cannot imagine how painful it must be for you.

It sounds like you had an awesome relationship with your mother! That is great! As the years go by, those memories will become more and more precious to you.

Lastly, thank you so much for sharing with us here. It really means alot. I for one am in awe that you took the time to do it. We all care for and respect your father so much as I'm sure you know if you're visiting this web site, and that caring and concern extends to his family as well. Even though there was a divorce years ago, it is normal to always hold a special place in one's heart for the ex, and when they are gone forever, it still hurts.

Thank you so much for sharing with us!
- Ruth in Wisconsin

[ November 17, 2006, 09:18: Message edited by: Gitchigumee ]

Welcome Ingrid,
It's very nice to hear from you.
I only joined corfid a couple of months ago, and I regret but did not know of your mother's passing. please accept my/our belated condolences.
I'm one of those who feels that your dad has given so much to those of us that love his music, that I tend to want to respect his privacy and personal life. Nonetheless, it's very gratifying to hear what you had to say here.
Thanks again for stopping in here and posting!!!
Warmest regards,
PeterBro10
ps, please tell "dad", on behalf of all of us here, that the corfidians wish him a happy birthday!

Welcome Ingrid!
I saw your mother once, a long time ago, and she was indeed very beautiful.
Thank you so much for posting and for the update.I know how you are missing her. I lost my own mother not so long ago and miss her still every day.
Sadly, this year, I have to miss Massey but it is so good to hear first hand that your 'Dad' is doing great.

So nice to read your posting, Ingrid. I lost my own mother 23 years ago this Nov. 2nd. and miss her every day.

Give your father my wishes for a "happy birthday".

So nice to read your posting, Ingrid. I lost my own mother 23 years ago this Dec. 2nd. and miss her every day.

Give your father my wishes for a "happy birthday".

Dear Ingrid/Melody (how appropriate!),

Thanks for the post. I know how you feel as I lost my mom three weeks ago tomorrow. The family home already feels strange without her, even more than when dad died in 2003. She didn't share your mother's gift for gardening; I inherited Mom's "black" thumb - we could both kill plastic plants. But she was lucky in love AND cards, and she passed that along as well. It's a good thing to have such wonderful memories. You're right to keep her place.

Happy birthday to your dad, from those of not lucky enough to be at Massey this year. Hope there are many more, for you, your kids, and his fans.

Ingrid how nice of you to take a moment to share those sentiments on this board!

Hi Ingrid. :) I'm Borderstone or (Walter)

I wasn't old enough or familiar enough with your dad's work in the past to have known about him and your mother,before joining up here.

I will say though,that,feeling like I know your father through his music,I know your mother had to have been the best!

Especially given your dad's romantic nature in a lot of his songs that reflect my own romantic notions twords the opposite gender. :)
Especially in the song,"My Love For You".

I can appreciate his words & music because I'm a (want to be) songriter & music fan myself.

I lost my dad over 6 years ago and understand what a heart-breaking experience it can be.
He was just under 2 months older than your father.
Sometimes,and I'm not embarrased to say,I think of your father often when I think of my dad,because they are of the same generation and my dad also wanted to be a singer too.

Unfortunatly,my father smoked for 50 years. :(

If it's not too much to ask of you,would you let your father know how much his music means to me? Not just for the above reason but being from Erie,PA/Great Lakes area myself...his music reminds me so much of that place and time. :)
It also just reaches me more than anyone else's has ever done.

I thank you for taking time to read this and all of our replies and I'll be seeing your dad when he comes to Phoenix on January 28th. For me,it's been an honor and a treat to have seen his show even once. I'm in Phoenix,Arizona and I wish I could join you at Massey too.

Did you know your father's 40th anniversary playing there is this coming March 31st?

Lastly,it's been an honor talking of him here. Mainly because 5 years ago,I barely knew his work but now there's no male singer (or groups) whose work I admire more.

God Bless you,your father and your family and tell him we all say Happy Birthday to him. :)

Bye,now.

[ November 17, 2006, 17:45: Message edited by: Borderstone ]

Thank you all so much for your posts! Very sweet of you all..Thank you also to Charlene for posting Mom's Obituary. Mom was the best, for sure and this Christmas will be the second without her. 1yr.1/2 passes quickly..I think about her every day. I am grateful to have had her as my Mother.
Two songs I hope to hear tonight at Massey are: "Your Beautiful" & "Spanish Moss", which will probably make me quite emotional as I believe they both refer to my Mom...as do many others from way back when...
I missed the last concert at Massey because Mom was in the hospital(1 month total)so I'm excited about tonight's show.
Yes it was Dad's B Day yesterday and I will wish him happiness and greetings from your group! He is however, a very private person, therefore I cannot give out much info other than he's still working out & working & loving it! I don't think he'll ever stop. Yes, I am very proud of him and his talent, he's doing what he loves. He is very grateful for his fans! Where would he be without you/them? Must have audience!
Take Care, and Thanks Again to All of You,
Ingrid

You know, Ingrid, before reading this thread I knew nothing of your mother, or you for that matter.
I must say that I'm much impressed, both with you and what you related of your mother. If you reflect your mother, she must have been tremendous, (we are afterall living legecies of our parents)!
If you care to write more about your mother, perhaps Char could find someplace here at corfid, outside of a regular thread, to post it? That Charlene is something special isn't she? She does alot here and it's greatly appreciated.
Thanks again for relating our sentiments to your dad!
Warmest regards,
Peter

Ingrid,

Your presence here and your words mean a lot to us all. Been following your dad's career for almost 40 years. The thing that I hope he really knows and understands in the deepest way possible is, how much we genuinely care about and respect him, and how much his music has impacted us all. There are songs of his that have been so heartfelt for me, that I sometimes wonder (as I am sure all corfids do) if they were written about me and for me.

I lost my mom 11 years ago; she was a great person who raised 3 boys through all sorts of adversity. Moms are special, and sometimes it seems, even from their resting place, they still, in some strange way, have their arms wrapped around you.

Be there tonight with my brother, Paul (a guitar player and student of Red), to listen to what I am sure will be another great line-up of tunes.

Best to you and your family.

Mark

Thanks again, to all of you!
Tell Paul I'll be in row F floor, with funky hair, Right side. I'll be at the side door during intermission having a smoke...(I know, not good...)
Ingrid

Ingrid,

Any chance of having a photo of your mom posted here? I'd love to see a photo of her. I will understand if you prefer not to, though. I tried to google Brita Lightfoot, but wasn't able to come up with a photo. You stated in one of your earlier posts, what a stable person she was, and I'm sure that was so important, with you and your brother having a famous father, to have that stable influence in your life. I still think it's incredible that you're communicating with us like this!

- Ruth

P.S. I have a 12th grader too, so another thing we have in common.

I haven't logged into Corfid for a bit and what a lovely surprise to find the recent posts to this thread.

Ingrid/Melody, thank you from my heart for adding your very special memories to this site.
:)

I haven't logged into Corfid for a bit and what a lovely surprise to find the recent posts to this thread.

Ingrid/Melody, thank you from my heart for adding your very special memories to this site.
:)

Ingrid,

Words fail me. Please accept my condolences.

Ingrid,

Words fail me. Please accept my condolences.

Ingrid,
Please accept my condolances. I am so sorry. My parents had a mountain retreat that I lived in while going to High School. I loved that house so much; especially in later years after our daughter was born. So many Christmas memories with magic and more snow than we could ever plow at 10,000 ft. When Dad passed away, Mom sold the Mountain home and moved to Longmont, Colorado, in the city.

I will always miss that house high up on a promontory; and am so happy for you in turn that you have "granny"'s house to go to. That feeling is very, very special.

So gracious of you to post to us in our group; I'm sure Granny will be missed sorely, but remembered with love and happiness. All our thoughts are with you, however late.
Steve D.

Ingrid it was a pleasure meeting you last night. Your warmth and generous spirit are a testimoney to your mother.
Jenney

Hi Jenney, hi All,
It was also a pleasure meeting you, Charlene, her daughter and the other ladies! Please post your names if I met you last night(can't remember all names...). Sorry:(.
I thought the show was great and that Dad spoke to the audience so much. Made me happy to watch!
After the show, I spoke to the Hawk & wife Wanda, whom I hadn't seen in years! I got a few good sqeezes out Ronnie, and some pics. Their kids and my brother and I used to play together way back when...
So... wonderful to see you all last night, and yes he did play "Beautiful", which made the night perfect!
Take Care,
Ps. Steve, you will always have your fond memories and that's what keeps you going:). Memories are special gifts that help us through the difficult times. Works for me when I'm missing her...My Mom...
Ingrid

Ingrid, I'm pleased that you were able to meet some of the folks from Corfid last night. I was hoping that would happen.

Thank you so much for sharing with us. It is truly very special to hear from you.

It was wonderful meeting you last night,and thank you for sharing your story about the Tomatoes!
You are so gracious and warm, I feel lucky to have met you. And I'm so happy for you that your dad sang "Beautiful."

I have such wonderful memories of times I spent with my mother, and it's nice to know that you have wonderful memories of your mother, too. It makes it a bit easier, doesn't it.

Fondly,
Melanie

It was wonderful meeting you last night,and thank you for sharing your story about the Tomatoes!
You are so gracious and warm, I feel lucky to have met you. And I'm so happy for you that your dad sang "Beautiful."

I have such wonderful memories of times I spent with my mother, and it's nice to know that you have wonderful memories of your mother, too. It makes it a bit easier, doesn't it.

Fondly,
Melanie

Ingrid, I want to extend my sympathy to you for the loss of your mother. My Dad died just over 2 years ago and I still miss him so much. I was very close to him and it seems so empty without him. Fortunately, I do have wonderful memories of him and that does help.

I was so impressed to see that you took the time to post to this list. The people here are pretty incredible (but I think that's a testimony to the quality of Gord's fans).

Your father has brought me much happiness with his music...what a gift he is.

HI Ingrid,
What a pleasure to meet you the other night! After hearing that "Ingrid" had posted here I thought I'd better check to make sure as I'm sure you're aware the wonderful web can certainly have its share of odd sorts!

Your warm hello and "I'm so glad to meet you" cleared up the question of if it really was you or not. Thank you.

"Fine s Fine Can Be" has become my song for my daughter Lisa who you met the other night. And s the good folks know here, "Beautiful" holds a spot in my heart for many reasons but mostly because your dad wrote it for me...bet ya didn't know that did ya? lol
;)

With your mum being such a beauty and dad being so handsome it's no wonder you are so pretty and it was immediate to me how much you resembled your dad when he was younger...He certainly was a looker and I'm still shocked that you are 40 yet don't look a day over 30!

It was lovely of you to introduce me to your beautiful children and take time to speak with my daughter...She thought it rather fabulous to meet the inspiration of that song that is now so special to us.

And yes young lady - it's time to stop smoking!

I did see the memoriam in the STAR this past summer. I know I'd have loved to spent to time with her as I love gardening as well...not much time to devote to it any longer but always find a joy in being in a beautifully tended garden.
I think it's so right that you will move into mums place - what a loving and welcoming place it must have been. And from just our few moments together with you it looks like that will continue when you and your family take up residence.

Oh my what a night with The Hawk in the House of Gord...my, my, me we love that man here in Toronto...and your dad was pleased as punch he was there. He talked about it all night. And made mention on Sunday night a few times!Actually he was quite the chatterbox that night and every night of the series...even had a couple of new jokes!
lol

Well I am glad you didn't run screaming from Massey after you confirmed to me that you weren't 'some crazy' as you laughingly said and then accepted greetings from a few of this bunch who were in attendance.

This is the first I've had a chance to get to a computer since Thursd.Nov.16 - I have lots to catch up on and I'll be doing up a trip report/concert set list asap for everyone.

It was a most fabulous 4 nights...a memorable, momentous milestone for your father that we "The Net People" in attendance and those from afar were truly a part of with his mention from the stage of the many places represented in the audience and "The Net People" by name...

He's a hell of a guy and last night he promised me he'd be back at Massey in 18 months....so if I don't see you before then I'll see you in May 2008 Ingrid!
Char
one very,very tired but ecstatic moderator!
;)

[ November 21, 2006, 07:00: Message edited by: charlene ]

I know I'm a bit late but welcome to the board and sorry about your mom's passing. Hopefully in spite of you dad's health, he'll be around a little bit longer.


If it's OK with you I'd like to ask you a little bit about your fathers work. I'm familiar a with some of his material besides his major hits as a result of my folks having some of his albums.

the song Black Day In July wich was about the Detroit race riots. Since thse inncidents were common in the US durring the 60s, why did he just sing about the Detroit riots? I know they were the worst durring that period.

There was 1 your dad wrote in 1958 long before he had a recording contract called The Hula Hoop Song which I understand he never recorded but I heard here it was recorded by Georgia Gibbs but elesewhere I've heard her song was an entiring different song.

Huum maybe I should of started another new thread on this instead of posting my questions here. Anyway Hope you don't mind me asking.

Ingrid,
I did not have the chance to meet you on Saturday, but I am so glad you were there on family night. Hopefully, in 2008 you will join us in jam sessions and after concert parties.
I spent a couple days in Orillia, and it is a truly beautiful area. I hope you enjoy the cabin and that the wonderful memories of your mother continue to grow.
By the way - welcome to the group.
Now about that smoking....... ;)