Canadian rockers Big Sugar have lost longtime bassist Garry Lowe.

The band announced his death yesterday at the age of 65 after a private two-year battle with cancer.

Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Lowe moved to Canada in 1976 at the age of 22, and had been a member of Big Sugar since 1994. On of his most recent and final appearances was with Big Sugar and Alex Lifeson of Rush.

“We lost our dear brother and sweet friend Garry this morning. He was my greatest musical collaborator, our wisest elder. We were blessed to be on life’s journey together,” says Big Sugar front man Gordie Johnson in a news release.

“We were blessed to know him and share his music. Please remember Garry Lowe in all your thoughts and prayers.”

Filed under: bassist, Big Sugar, Garry Lowe