Canadian tenor, Michael Burgess has died.

Burgess came to Oliver twice to help with fund raising efforts by local organizations including Oliver Community Arts Council and Highway to Healing.

“Michael created the role of Jean Valjean in Les Miserables, which was one of the first international blockbusters to have its own production in Canada with a local cast, instead of a touring version,” David Mirvish said. “He was magnificent in the role and led the all-Canadian cast to great heights.”

Burgess died peacefully on Monday evening in a Toronto hospice, surrounded by his family.

The 70-year-old tenor had been battling cancer for a number of years.