At the Dylan Willows Celebration concert in March, Dylan Willows (left) is shown with morning radio colleague Jason Lamb.
Dylan Willows, a beloved and seasoned radio personality in Victoria, passed away on Thursday due to cancer, according to a statement made by The Zone 91-3.
Over her more than two decades on the radio, Willows was a proud supporter of regional music, having served as a juror for music grant programmes such as the JUNOs, Peak Performance, Western Canadian Music Awards, and FACTOR, and as a director of The Zone’s Band of the Month programme, which features regional artists.
Following his final performance with the Morning Zone in February, Willows, 44, was honoured with a two-night performance at the Royal Theatre in March.
The events brought in thousands of fans and entertainers, raising funds for his family.
Willows and his radio partner, Jason Lamb, were also awarded the Broadcast Performers of the Year award in May by the British Columbia Association of Broadcasters. This award is given to performers who exhibit excellence, inventiveness, perseverance, involvement, and originality in their on-air performance.
The two had spent sixteen years working together.
We must announce Dylan Willows’ loss with deep regret and sorrow. A statement from his family was uploaded on The Zone website on Thursday. “He was surrounded by his beloved wife and immediate family,” the statement states.
“Like any other, Dylan’s last days were spent with music, laughter, love, and the occasional taunt.”
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The family requests that everyone respect their privacy at this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Association, Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock, or The Zone’s Toy Drive, “as these were charities that were near and dear to Dylan’s heart.”
“Take your loved ones to see a local artist and a Band of the Month to support your local talent and preserve Dylan’s love and passion for music.”
