One of Canada's best known musical icons, legendary singer and songwriter Stompin' Tom Conners died Wednesday at his home in Ontario from natural causes, his official site has revealed. He was aged 77.

Best known for songs like The Hockey Song and Sudbury Saturday Night, the Canadian country-folk legend, whose undying patriotism and spirited toe-tapping musical showmanship made him a strong Canadian figure, died of what his spokesperson calls "natural causes."

Born in Saint John New Brunswick Feb. 9 1936 and raised by foster parents until he became 13, the singer didn't have the best of childhood. His life of poverty and constant struggle taught him the hard way to achieve the fame he has for being a historic musical figure and creating numerous hit songs.

He grew increasingly annoyed with the "Americanization" of the Canadian Music Industry and in a staunch sentiment he continued to show until this day, he returned all six of his Juno awards in 1979.

In 1989, he signed with EMI Music Canada and teamed up with Brian Edwards, a talent promoter and established himself again as a well acclaimed musical performer while he invited much attention from fans in a number of concerts.

His unwavering love towards his country also earned him many awards, accolades and qualifications.

"Hello friends, I want all my fans, past, present, or future, to know that without you, there would have not been any Stompin' Tom," the singer said in a letter to his fans he issued on his deathbed.

"It was a long hard bumpy road, but this great country kept me inspired with its beauty, character, and spirit, driving me to keep marching on and devoted to sing about its people and places that make Canada the greatest country in the world"

"I must now pass the torch, to all of you, to help keep the Maple Leaf flying high, and be the Patriot Canada needs now and in the future," the singer said.

The celebration of Tom's life is planned for Wednesday, March 13, in his hometown Peterborough, Ontario, and the event is open to the public as requested by the dying singer. The event is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Peterborough Memorial Center. 

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