Wes DAKUS Obituary
With deep sadness, it is advised that Wesley Raymond Dakus (April 2, 1938 - August 18, 2013) passed away peacefully in Vancouver and has gone back to his first love – MUSIC. Predeceased by his parents, Peter and Anne. Survived by Caryl Swityk Dakus, his wife and "forever friend", his sister, Kerryl Young, and his brothers (Jack, Paul, Marvin and Rodney), and by Mavis Vaugeois. Many thanks to all nursing and medical staff who treated him so kindly at Vancouver General Hospital and Windermere Care Centre. Private memorials will be held, and a "Celebration of Life" in Edmonton (October) will be announced later and on Facebook. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
38 Entries
Geo Brown
August 25, 2024
First met Wes as an Edmonton Journal carrier, around 1950. He was a little older and treated everyone fairly. Did not know of his musical ambitions until I found him playing at local dances. RIP Wes.
Peggy Foster
April 3, 2024
So sorry ... he was a nice man and a fine producer. I was a production assistant in Los Angeles in the late 1970's. We flew up to Edmonton several times to use Wes's Sundowner Studio. Music is what we had in common. We carry on but we remember Wes Dakus. Peggy Foster Bassplayer
Caryl Dakus
May 31, 2014
To: Dr. Roger More
Thank you very much for your comments. I remember going to Club Stardust with Wes many times when his band played -- Club Stardust was THE place to go! Everyone had great times there.
Caryl Swityk Dakus
Roger More
April 29, 2014
I was president of Club Stardust in Edmonton 1959-60 where we hired him to play often. A great musician and a real gentleman. Great memories.
Dr.Roger More
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Caryl Dakus
January 14, 2014
Thank you all for your messages. I would like to thank each person individually (and also have messages for certain people) if you each would provide your email address. My email address is:
[email protected]
January 12, 2014
so sorry to hear of Wes's passing. My sincere sympathies to Wes's family and the Swityk family. Love, Bernice
November 4, 2013
My sincere condolence to Wes and family from Doreen Kather cousin of Prince George and Aunty Pearl from Mrynam Lodge
Leonard Proskow
October 28, 2013
My condolences to all the Dakus family. I have so many happy memories dancing to the music of Wes Dakus @ Alberta Beach, Ma-Me-O beach and the Trocadero in the 50's! Wes, "thanks for the memories!"
Jack Dakus
October 27, 2013
Music, when soft voices die
Music, when soft voices die,
Vibrates in the memory—
Odours, when sweet violets sicken,
Live within the sense they quicken.
Rose leaves, when the rose is dead,
Are heaped for the beloved's bed;
And so thy thoughts, when thou art gone,
Love itself shall slumber on.
By Percy Bysshe Shelley
The Poetry Foundation
Len Thuesen
October 24, 2013
When I was a kid growing up in Edmonton Wes was a star to me can still hear his music on the jukebox 5 cents a song cool guy
Ron BURR
October 8, 2013
Wes Dakus and the Rebels...Henderson Lake Pavilion- Lethbridge...great memories...deepest condolences to his family.
September 28, 2013
Oh,no -- say it isn't so. My heartfelt sympathies to his whole family. He was a classmate (as well as Jack) at West Jasper Place High School. I still recall him throwing my pencils out the window onto 156 Street during art class -- it wasn't mean spirited -- just wanted to get a rise out of Mrs. O. I will always remember him.
~Irene Sheeler (Wishloff)
September 22, 2013
My very first date was a dance at Alberta Beach and Wes Dakus and the Rebels were playing. It was, and still is, the most magical night of my life. Thank you. God Bless. Linda K.
Margaret Warren (nee)Babych
September 20, 2013
War wonderful memories of Wes Dakus and The Rebels at Highlands community hall and Lakeview. So sorry to hear of his passing away. May you all gain comfort from your wonderful memories of Wes.
September 17, 2013
Wes was a generous, thoughtful man with a great sense of humour. I played piano with the Rebels in the early days. Wes was the focal point and reason for the Rebels' success. My condolences to the Family.
Ed Hauptmann, Vancouver
September 16, 2013
Many many years ago I was introduced to live "rock an roll" music at the Trocadaro,Edmonton on a Saturday afternoon. It was Tommy Chong and The Shades and Wes Dakus and the Rebels. The Rebels rocked and Wes just smiled. It will always be on my mind. Many good memories over many years of music in Edmonton with Wes. Condolences to Caryl and family from an old rocker, Jack Williams
September 16, 2013
So sorry to hear about Wes Dakus passing. It only seems like yesterday. Friday nights at the Highlands. He will have company with Gary Macdonald and Al Johnson. John Ford Division Vice-President USA &Canada RCA Records New York . (Ret)
September 16, 2013
So very sorry for your loss, Caryl. Many wonderful memories from the sixties. Wes gave so much enjoyment to all with his music throughout the years. Our sincere condolences to you.
Dave & Karen Anderson (Barry Allen's sister)
Betty
September 16, 2013
Condolences to the Dakus family. I have many fond memories dancing to the music of the Rebels at Lakeview.
Jeanette Friedenberger (Kiernan)_
September 16, 2013
Wes Dakus, Barry Allen, the Rebels, that is what he will always be remembered for . His great smile, his music and the good times' had by all every Saturday in the 60's at South Cooking Lake. (Lakeview.) Rest in peace.
Patricia Jones
September 15, 2013
My condolences to all the Dakus family. I enjoyed Wes and his band many times in Edmonton. May he rest in peace.
September 15, 2013
Wes Dakus and the Rebels at Alberta Beach. What great times. The hall was packed & they were dancing on the lawn. Lots of walks down the pier. What a great time. Would love to have a tape of all that music. You gave a lot of enjoyment to those that loved your music and loved to dance. You also loved doing it. Thanks for the memories and rest in peace. A great fan that loved dancing to your music at Alberta Brach .
Sam Stasiuk
September 15, 2013
To Caryl and family, with my sympathy on the passing of Wes.
Keith Weir
September 14, 2013
Wes
dakus and the Rebels at Mameo beach..Great memories..thank you
R.I.P.
Bob Truchan
September 14, 2013
My condolences to the whole Dakus family, like any young Edmontonian from the 50's and on I knew Wes's music and soul, he brought countless joy to generations, God Bless and Godspeed Wes, your legacy will be with us forever.
September 14, 2013
in his day he was the best !!!
September 14, 2013
I was so sad to hear of Wes's passing. Condolences to his family. My friends and I spent many nights at Alberta Beach dancing to Wes Dakus and the Rebels in the '50's. Thank you Wes!
Lynne Harpold
September 14, 2013
May 'Wes Dakus' Music @ CHED, in my younger years live on in 'Memory'. Held great 'Platter Parties' at Ma-Me-O, & more.That is my Memory of him. May God bless his 'Spirit', & Family.Grace
Anya Wilson
September 11, 2013
i worked with Wes, Caryl, Mavis, One Horse Blue and Gerry Dere for Wes' record label Vera Cruz. They were such dedicated people, I really enjoyed this experience and learned fast that Wes was a great music man. He will be missed.
Dorn Beattire
September 9, 2013
My most sincere condolences to the Wes Dakus Family. Wes was a great inspiration and mentor to me. His wacky sense of humor was always a source of laughter. I am very proud to have been a small part of his life. The Western Canadian music scene spawned many great bands and Wes played a big part in paving the road for many successes. He will be missed.
Sincerely,
Dorn Beattie
Dorn Beattie
September 9, 2013
My most sincere condolences to the Dakus Family. Wes was a strong, positive and encouraging influence in my life and I am very proud to have been a small part of his. I laughed allot in his presence. He will be missed.
Dorn Beattie
Wayne from Painter
September 9, 2013
I first saw the Rebels in Calgary in 1963 and I had the opportunity to work with Wes and the gang later. Will always remember Wes's sense of humor. My best to the family.
George Tomsco
September 9, 2013
Thanks to Wes for being the first one to book the Fireballs in the Edmonton area (Polish Hall) & Alberta Province in the early 60's as a contact through George Nellis, Moose Jaw Sask. Great memories of those early days, sharing performances with the Rebels.
Peter Sweetzir
September 8, 2013
Will always remember his huge smile,generous nature,easy going classy style.
He opened up the doors in a fledgling music industry and pioneered the way for everone else!Well done my friend,proud to say
'I'm one of Wes's projects',and always will be.
Deepest sympathies for the Dakus family,so lucky to have great memories of our times together.
Pat Stephenson
September 8, 2013
Mavis, Layla, Keith, Vale, Vie and Mayne
I'm sure Wes would be so pleased with the wonderful memorial you held in his honour. His musician friends, his Vancouver family of friends, all met to reminisce and pay tribute to the "Wes" they knew. It is obvious that he touched many people in many different ways.
You are very blessed to have had Wes in your special family. May your fond memories of him be of comfort during these difficult times.
September 8, 2013
Caryl I hope you keep only the best memories. There were a lot of good times and plenty of laughs along the way.
Stay strong.
Love from Rose-Marie and family
George Tomsco
September 2, 2013
Wes, I pray you received Christ as your Lord and Savior. Thank you for your great kindness and friendship to the Fireballs. - We're remembering you in music on earth and in heaven.
September 1, 2013
Dear Dakus Family,
I was deeply saddened to learn of Wes's passing.
Wes and the Rebels had a profound influence on the music scene in Western Canada.
His musical legacy will live on.
Please accept sincere condolences on behalf of myself and the members of the Regina Musicians' Association.
Don Young
President Emeritus
Regina Musicians' Association
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