Public memorial Saturday for longtime B.C. bandleader, Dal Richards

VANCOUVER – BC Place stadium in downtown Vancouver will glow orange through the weekend as a tribute to the “King of Swing,” bandleader Dal Richards.

The 97-year-old clarinet and saxophone player was best known for leading New Year’s Eve festivities in the city for 79 years.

Richards died just before midnight on Dec. 31, days before his 98th birthday.

The leader of Vancouver’s music scene for decades also wrote the fight song, “Roar You Lions Roar,” for the BC Lions football team, prompting the orange tribute that began Thursday night at BC Place.

A memorial service will be held Saturday afternoon at Christ Church Cathedral in Vancouver.

Donations in his memory can be made to several organizations including the BC Cancer Foundation and the Dal Richards Foundation, which supports music programs for children and aspiring performers. (Roundhouse Radio)

Note to readers: CORRECTS to 79 years in para 2

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