Gene MacLellan was a very beautiful tender man with an incredible gift for songwriting. You should pick up some of his music and while you're at it pick up some of Ron Hynes. Ron Hynes wrote this song about Gene and yes Gene did take his own life. He was a tortured soul as well as a very religious man. Ron has written many amazing songs. The most famous of these would be "Sonnys Dream" which has been recorded all over in the world an in many languages. He also wrote Atlantic Blue. He has about 6 albums I think and he is extremely talented. He is from St. Johns Newfoundland.