Finding the courage to approach Gordon Lightfoot turned into a life-changing experiences

As I nervously knocked on the old wrought iron clad door, I held my breath as a figure of a man approached - Is it him? Is it him? Oh please let it be him," I murmured to myself as the door opened.

Hello, Mr. Lightfoot, my name is Ste ... Stefan Gny, I live in BB ... Burlington and I am a teacher on a trip ... a field trip." I must have sounded like a complete idiot.

Please forgive me for disturbing you, but I have wanted to meet you all my adult life."

Come inside," he said sympathetically, as we shook hands, It's freezing out there." And there I was, stepping into the house of a musical giant - my hero, Gordon Lightfoot. This would be a day that I would always remember.

It was Nov. 30, 1990 - a cold but sunny morning. I was a teacher from Lord Elgin High School in Burlington on an urban studies field trip in Toronto with my Grade 11 urban geography class. I had just dropped off the students with their worksheets and maps in an area just south of Rosedale. Mr. Lightfoot lived in Rosedale at the time. An adventurous student on a previous field trip, found Lightfoot's home and gave me the details. I tucked the info away for a future visit.

As I walked into his home, I could hear a baby crying upstairs. I apologized again for disturbing him. Never mind," he reassured me, I am expecting a call from my auto mechanic any time now - he has been working on my truck."

He invited me to join him in his study - a magnificent room with a huge work desk facing several pieces of soft cosy furniture. His guitar case was against the wall. I also saw a black grand piano in a room across the hall.

Please sit down," Lightfoot said. Do you mind if I stand because I am too nervous to sit. I feel like a silly teenager and I am 45 years old! I am so excited to finally meet you." I must have looked ridiculous standing there not knowing what to say or do. Well I'm seven years older than you are - I just turned 52."

It was about 10 a.m. and I think that I got him out of bed because he looked tired - as it turned out he told me that he had played a gig down in Florida and just arrived back home late the night before.

Despite the crying baby and the sleepy dust in his eyes, he realized that I was indeed an awestruck, genuine fan and admirer.

I thanked him for all of his wonderful tunes, and told him how I learned to play the guitar because of his songs, and how I sang them to my friends and students over the years. I also told him that he inspired me to write original songs - several of which got radio time - Evangeline" and Daddy's Uniform."

I asked him if I could call him Gordon ... Of course," he said, trying to put me at ease.

He could see that I was still a little nervous so he started to ask me some questions about being a teacher and my field trip. As we talked, I became more relaxed and then began asking him questions. I was still standing at attention however, in front of Captain Lightfoot! Thank goodness he understood my honest intentions.

We began to talk about his love of the North and his summer canoe trips on remote Ontario lakes.

We also talked about his celebrity status and how that can exert influence. He was very open with me and told me how he was pulled over for being intoxicated and the police officer let him off because he was Gordon Lightfoot. The next day, Gordon turned himself into authorities because he believed that he should not be given special treatment. This of course made the press.

Changing the topic I asked, Do you receive many tapes from want-to-be published writers like me who would like you to record their tunes?" Look here" he said, as he pointed to a mound of unopened packages containing original works of others. I never open them and listen as I don't want to take the chance of being accused of taking their ideas. Every week I get piles of tapes and every week they are thrown into the garbage." So much for my tapes (I had ready in the car) I was going to give him," I muttered to myself.

What a lovely old home you have here Gordon," I said glancing around. Thank you. It is very peaceful and safe here as a rule. My son and I love to go for evening walks in this neighbourhood. However, recently there have been a few local break-ins so I am unfortunately going to have a security system installed," he admitted.

At this point I was still standing - more at ease now, in front of Mr. Lightfoot who was sitting behind his massive desk upon which he must have written some of his famous songs.

Would you mind terribly if I ran out to my vehicle and brought in some mementos I've treasured for ages, for you to autograph ... and could I take one or two photos of you also?" I asked sheepishly. Of course, not at all," he replied.

In I came with an early 1980s edition of Maclean's Magazine with Gordon Lightfoot on the front cover. He used my black pen and wrote, To Stefan, Best Wishes, Gordon Lightfoot, Nov 30/90." I had it framed and it's been on my wall ever since.

Much to his surprise, I then produced a copy of The Silhouette Review - for him to sign, dated Friday, Dec. 9, 1966 - a McMaster University publication that provided excellent coverage with photos on his just-completed concert.

I told Gordon that I was there soaking in such songs as: For Lovin' Me;" Steel Rail Blues;" Ribbon of Darkness;" and Early Morning Rain." The concert ended with three encores and a standing ovation for the then 28-year-old star. He only had two albums out at that time.

Gordon, the first time I ever heard you sing live, was at Westdale High School in Hamilton. I tried to get your autograph afterwards but failed because of the masses of fans that were lined up in front of me. I have been to many of your concerts over the years including Massey Hall. You have been such an inspiration in my life - thank you so much," I said with a lump in my throat. He was very touched by my words.

Stefan, come outside and I will give you a tour of my garden and you can take a few photos if you wish," he said. He did just that despite the coldness of the day.

Look, see where that huge tree once stood?" he pointed. It blew down recently and took a lot of wires with it - it just missed the house!" He pointed out other items in his garden including the fact that someone was going to build a house across the street and totally block his view of the beautifully-treed ravine in the distance.

I couldn't believe an hour had passed, so I thanked him and shook his hand again. He posed for several pictures outside his front door in the cold crisp air.

Thanks for dropping by Stefan," he said. Goodbye, and good luck with your field trip!"

Thank you, sir. for making my day - and my life. I will always cherish this moment and hope to meet you again." I waved and drove off after my students who were now a little ahead of me on our route.

I thought to myself, If They Could Read My Mind, What a Tale My Thoughts Could Tell!"

Stefan Gny lives in Hamilton. Reach him at stefangnys@gmail.com