In 2015, I was hired to photograph a fundraiser called Ladies Light Their Way. It was a night of incredible talent, but one performer captured my lens—and my heart—unlike any other: Sibel Thrasher.

Sibel was a pillar of the Vancouver blues, soul, and gospel scene, but to those who knew her, she was so much more than a voice. She was a warm, welcoming presence who treated everyone like an old friend. After that first event, we became friends, leading to several more collaborations.

One of my fondest memories was a private photo shoot at her home. Alongside her dear friends and fellow stage veterans Rosalind Keene and Barbara Fisher, the afternoon was a masterclass in joy. Sibel was the ultimate hostess—charming, attentive, and endlessly funny.

She always had a signature spark in her eyes. It was a look that told you she loved people, but also that she wasn’t afraid to throw a bit of “sass” your way. She could tease anyone and get away with it every time, usually punctuated by that infectious smile.

Sibel’s career was legendary. Whether she was starring in The Buddy Holly Story, performing in Ain’t Misbehavin’, or sharing the stage with the Marcus Mosely Chorale, she brought a divine energy to the room. She famously shared stages with greats like Etta James and The Platters, yet she always made time for the Vancouver community she loved so dearly.

Beyond the “sass” and the shared laughs, Sibel was a true titan of the Canadian arts. Her immense contributions to our cultural landscape were officially recognized when she was inducted into the BC Entertainment Hall of Fame, earning her a star on the Granville Street Walk of Fame

We lost Sibel in 2020, but that spark? It hasn’t faded a bit in my memory.