Vancouver Jazz Singer Renee Doruyter Passes At 68

Vancouver lost a popular jazz singer, recording artist, and arts journalist last Thursday when Renee Doruyter (seen here with close friend and onetime Vancouver Jazz scene celebrity Almeta Speaks) passed away of cancer, age 68, at St. Paul's Hospital surrounded by friends and family.

Renee attended UBC and the Vancouver School of Art before embarking on a 40-year media career, starting in radio, then spending more than 30 years at the Province newspaper as a reporter, columnist and copy editor, covering at various times lifestyles, theatre, dance, fashion, food, music and pop culture. 

During her years as a journalist, Renee also pursued her first love and great passion in life as a jazz vocalist and singer-songwriter, recording three albums, and appearing in numerous venues with jazz musicians, creative improvisers and performance artists here and abroad. 

Multi-talented, she also created a line of sterling sliver and semi-precious jewelry, Cadeaux.

The Vancouver Province carried this final tribute.

A celebration of Renee's life will be announced shortly.