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Joe Loutchan

February 3, 2021

Joe Loutchan

Celebrating Joe Loutchan- A statement from Nicole Morgan and family

It is with profound sorrow that we say goodbye to our beloved Joe Loutchan. Joe was loved and cherished by his immediate family who are deeply saddened by his passing on February 3, 2021. Joe was also Yukon’s beloved “Fiddler on the Loose” and he will be sorely missed by fellow musicians across Canada as well as his extended Yukon family of friends, colleagues bandmates and fans of more than 55 years.  

Joe was a consummate Yukoner who captured the hearts of many as a mesmerizing fiddler, outdoorsman, trapper, machinist and DIY repairman. He was a man who enjoyed solitude in the Yukon wilderness but equally gave so much to his community through his music playing weekly at the 98 Hotel for over 40 years, at festivals across the north including the annual Yukon Sourdough Rendezvous Festival, at destinations beyond representing Yukon in Mexico, Texas, Seattle and Disneyland’s 25 Anniversary. Joe has played in several CBC True North Concerts, on the steps of Parliament on Canada Day, for the Governor General at Fort Selkirk and for Prime Minister Mulroney in Whitehorse.

Joe will be missed. As a community, there are so many who will want to celebrate and honour his spectacular life and his lasting impact – undoubtedly through music and by telling colourful tales of his adventures.

 

It’s particularly challenging to find the right way to celebrate his life with all of you during COVID-19, but as Yukoners we are resilient and resourceful. This this end, we are working to create opportunities for all Yukoners and musicians across the country to share their memories of this legendary man who was loved by so many. We invite you to contribute:

  • Keitha Clark is helping to coordinate stories, messages and digital artifacts from the music community in Yukon and beyond. She can be reached at dreambig25@hotmail.com
  • Patricia Cunning at the MacBride Museum is gathering stories from Yukoners who want to share a tale about Joe and the influence he had in their life. If you would like to share your memories of Joe please contact Patricia at 867-332-1216. You can drop off photos at MacBride Museum or do a little interview or video. COVID protocols will be followed to ensure everyone’s safety.

 

Together Patricia and Keitha are helping to gather information that will form the basis of an exhibit in the Icons Gallery of MacBride Museum. Later, when the snow is melted and the endless sunshine returns we will gather together to celebrate and pay tribute to Joe Loutchan and his remarkable life. More information will be provided at a later date.

 

Our family cannot express enough gratitude to Keitha, Patricia and everyone for their tremendous outpouring of support. It is comforting to feel your support and know how much Joe was truly loved. We appreciate the time and space to grieve privately.

 

Donations can be made to the Yukon Hospital Foundation in Joe’s honour.

 

 

-Nicole Morgan

Comments (4)
  • 9 February 2021

    I have many fond memories of Joe from my many visits with my dad, Barney Roberge and his bride, Carol Buchan. Those memories include Joe’s music at the 98 and in Barney and Carol’s living room. One time Joe talked about his centennial (1967) trans-Canada canoe trip.
    Hugs to Barney’s COD-daughter (my COD-sister?) Nicole,
    Brian

  • 11 February 2021

    Joe Loutchan will be missed by many, I well remember seeing him at the Fiddle contest when I first came to Whitehorse many years ago, R.I.P. Joe, my thoughts and prayers go out to you Nicole and all his friends

  • 13 February 2021

    I, along with many, many others was saddened to hear we lost Joe. He will be missed by so many people. Nicole, my heart goes out to you and your family. Heaven now has the best fiddle player ever. Condolences from Kathy De Cecco

    • 19 February 2021

      We visited the 98 a few times on our family visits to whitehorse from sk. We have danced to many fiddle players, but never any finer than Joe. Thank you from our hearts for a great yukon cultural experience and memory!
      Donna and Les Olson

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