By Keith Sharp
The co-writer of one of Canada’s most classic pop songs, passed away in Vancouver on Sunday. Doug Edwards, guitarist with rock band Chilliwack for the past two decades is noted more for being the co-writer of the song “Wildflower” which was a No 8 Billboard hit and Candian gold-selling record for Skylark in 1972., He was 71 years old.
Edmonton native Edwards, co wrote the song with Saanich B.C police officer Dave Richardson who was also a friend of teenage keyboardist David Foster. Fronted by Donnie Gerrard, B.J Cook and Flip Arellano, Skylark were signed to Capitol Records who released their debut album in 1972. That record produced three singles but the band folded due to a poor response to their second album, simply titled 2.
Foster, who has since gone on to become a top international producer, arranger and keyboardist said of Edwards, “He was, always has been and probably will always be the best musician Victoria has ever produced – a one in a million.”
Prior to joining Skylark, Edwards played guitar for The Fifth Dimension and following the demise of Skylark, performed as a top studio musician for the likes of Terry Jacks & The Poppy Family, Valdy, The Hometown Band and Glass Tiger before joining Bill Henderson’s Chilliwack band.
Ill health forced Edwards out of Chilliwack earlier this year and he succumbed to cancer Sunday after also receiving a triple by-pass operation earlier this year.
