If 2016 was a novel, it would be a story stretching incredulity.
Right off the bat, 2016 was a year of disappointment for music fans. The passing of David Bowie brought an end to an era of musical eclecticism and genius. The Eagles defined American music for much of a generation but, with the passing of Glenn Frey, their music will never be quite the same although it will never leave.
Then there was the loss of Prince or the artist formerly known as Prince. His death seemed to be the final blow to musical genius for the year except Leonard Cohen passed away in early December.
It is hard to say which of these artists had a more significant impact on modern culture.
Indeed, there really isn't much point in making the comparison as each was significant in their own way.
But there was also the loss of Arnold Palmer, Gordie Howe and Mohamed Ali - each was a giant in their respective sport. Theirs are names which transcend sports entirely and will be remembered well into the future.
We also lost Alan Rickman which pretty much guarantees no more Hogwarts based movies.
After all, can you imagine anyone else playing Snape? But many other actors passed away including Mrs. Brady (Florence Henderson) and Fish (Abe Vigoda). But perhaps more importantly, Fidel Castro passed away. Whether you view Castro as a great leader or the paragon of corrupt dictatorships or somewhere in-between, his death brings to the Cold War to its final end.
It is difficult to imagine what the future of Cuba will hold given the change brought about in their relationship with the United States by President Barack Obama.
As major plot points go, the passing of so many significant people might be enough but the story of 2016 goes well beyond. Major events such as the fires which devastated Fort McMurray and severely hampered Canada's oil production are almost lost in any list of the most significant happenings.
Jan. 28 saw the announcement of an outbreak of Zika virus by the World Health Organization.
The virus is a devastating disease but not because of what it does to the infected. It damages fetuses in the womb leading to generational sorrow.
February saw North Korea launch a long range rocket into space violating a number of UN treaties. March saw three coordinating bombings in Brussels killing at least 32 and injuring hundreds more. This was followed by attacks in Nice, Istanbul, Berlin and Paris among other cities. Terrorism is on the rise.
The Summer Olympics in early August gave us a short break from reality with the performances of Penny Oleksiak and Andre De Grasse. Who can forget the surprise on Penny's face as she realized her winning time or the sheer pleasure of watching Usain Bolt and Andre play with the field?
But a brief momentary interlude in the story of 2016 only made the rest of the year more surreal.
The divorce between Britain and the European Union was unexpected as were the results of the American election. Who would have believed demagoguery would win out?
And the whole story is set against a backdrop of continuing violence and destruction in the middle east as the Syrian civil war continues.
Between Turkey, Russia, the United States, and any number of other players battling the Islamic State and the Syrian people, it is hard to know where to begin or end.
Canada is at least trying to provide a home for some people fleeing the conflict.
Yes, as stories go, 2016 has it all - war, conflict, death, destruction, passion and performance. It is a year which will long be remembered.
What 2017 has in store for us, only time will tell.
