It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Vance Jerold Masters, with his family by his side, on June 22, 2023 at Grace Hospital, at the age of 77 years. He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 50 years, Beverley, daughter Krista, son Vance Jr, grandson Liam, sister Arlene Travis Patera (of Florida), nephew Gord Travis (of Vancouver) and niece Allison Smith (Steve) (of Washington). Vance was predeceased by his father Paul Schmidt, his mother Ina, and his stepfather, Clarence Masters.
Musician, songwriter, producer. In the course of a career spanning over 6 decades, he performed with some of the top entertainers in the world. One of Canada's premier drummers, Vance played an integral role in the development of the local and international music industry.
As a child, he was influenced by the sounds of Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey, Gene Krupa, and Louis Bellson emanating from the family radio. A classically trained percussionist, Vance began his professional career in 1963 with The Crescendos, touring Britain and Europe.
Returning to Canada in 1966, he re-entered the local music scene with London Records recording artists, The Fifth. It was in this band that Vance re-connected with Kurt Winter - a relationship that continued until Kurt's death in 1997. The two would go on to form the short-lived, but now legendary, Brother, with Bill Wallace on bass. Together, the trio wrote several songs recorded by The Guess Who. The band was also responsible for organizing Manitoba's first outdoor festival, The Niverville Pop Festival.
So, so many groups over the years … The Fruit Eating Bears (with Joey Molland of Badfinger fame), The 5 AM Event, Dianne Heatherington and The Merry-Go- Round, Alan Schick, Papa Pluto, St. Silver, The Jim Kale Band, Wayne Walker, Burton Cummings, The Guess Who, Pat Riordan, Trigger Brothers, Twister, Guns 4 Hire, The Don McDougall Band, Yogi & Friends, The Walsh Twins, Sassy Jack and more.
Vance frequently played on benefits and fundraisers such as the Variety Club, the Jerry Lewis Telethon, The Museum of Man & Nature's Get Back show, Another Teen Dance Party. Numerous books by multiple authors, including a brand new one that is due for release September 2023, chronicle almost every aspect of his career.
Vance retired in 2016, when the progression of Multiple Sclerosis finally made it impossible to continue the career that brought him such happiness.
Vance's artwork and music filled our home. And yet to Vance, his greatest accomplishment was his family. He took tremendous pride in the achievements of Krista and Vance Jr., and loved spending time with his grandson, Liam. He had a special affinity for all animals and could always gain the trust of even the most people-adverse creatures.
To Vance's friends, your numbers are far too many to list all here. Know that he loved and treasured each one of you.
We express our deepest thanks to the doctors, nurses, and health care aides from the Intensive Care Unit at the Grace Hospital for the care and compassion provided to Vance and the family through his final days.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada - Manitoba Chapter.
