Dal Richards, Vancouver’s “King of Swing,” died on Thursday at the age of 97.
The legendary big band leader was born and raised in Vancouver and was honoured with numerous awards, including the Order of Canada, the Order of B.C., and the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal. He was also inducted into the B.C. Entertainment Hall of Fame in 1994.
Richards played 79 consecutive New Year’s Eve gigs and had shows at the PNE for over 70 years.
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Here are some clips of Richards and Michael Bublé from the ’90s:
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Vancouverites today are mourning the loss of Richards and have taken to social media to share their thoughts and memories.
. @MayorGregor‘s statement on the passing of Dal Richards pic.twitter.com/8GrSUJI6WH
— Van Mayor’s Office (@VanMayorsOffice) January 1, 2016
11:41 on New Years Eve – as you would expect. #RIP #DalRichards pic.twitter.com/ClMxIRHg7p — Dawn Chubai (@dawnchubai) January 1, 2016
I will always be thankful for what you have done for me and my career #DalRichards. Those were memorable moments with you on stage. #RIP
— Michael Kaeshammer (@kaeshammer) January 1, 2016
U may think nothing of it at the time but appreciate that you captured the memory after the fact. RIP #DalRichards pic.twitter.com/Mt16aXyqwH — Joe Leary (@reallyjoeleary) January 1, 2016
All entertainers want to go the way #DalRichards did. 97 and only missed the gig because of death itself. I tip my hat, what a class act.
— simon king (@unfamous) January 1, 2016
I’d like to think that Dal Richards is leading the Big Band in the sky while Natalie Cole sings Unforgettable with her father. ???? — Michelle Hiebert (@MauiMickey) January 1, 2016
#BCLions mourn the loss of BC icon Dal Richards. Condolences go out to his family. Roar, you Lions, Roar will be sung a little louder today.
— BC Lions (@BCLions) January 1, 2016
I produced Dal Richards’ big band radio show for almost 10 years. Introduced me to the music and gin #rip #DalRichards — Tyler Green (@tylergreenFC) January 1, 2016
Mentor,Friend and an incredible artist. Thanks for all you did for me #DalRichards
— jasonmanning (@jasonmanning) January 1, 2016
Gonna miss you Dal. 97 years didn’t seem long enough. #dalrichards @DalRichards pic.twitter.com/APIxBhzfQv — Coleen Christie (@CTVColeen) January 1, 2016
Late, impossibly great #DalRichards looked better at 96 than me at…er never mind. RIP, Dal, you wonderful man, you! pic.twitter.com/7vVdnvOAls
— Rod Mickleburgh (@rodmickleburgh) January 1, 2016
So sad to hear about the passing of the legendary band leader #dalrichards He was as much of a gentleman as he was a bandleader. He was 97 — steve darling (@stevedarling) January 1, 2016
Rest in peace, #DalRichards. Summer won’t be the same.
— Nicolb (@nicolb) January 1, 2016
RIP #DalRichards, a true legend, leaves us, fittingly, on New Years Eve. #Vancouver #RipDalRichards — Jennifer Thomson (@jtradiogal) January 1, 2016
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