Rest In Peace Randy Ponzio

The Vancouver music community is mourning one of its own, Randy Ponzio was found dead in a room at the Balmoral Hotel in the Downtown Eastside. Randy, whose real name was Bruce Randall Ponzio, was a talented and active artist loved and respected by many. He was 35 at the time of his death.

The police said they received a call on Saturday November 19, shortly before 5 pm reporting the discovery of a body in a room of the Balmoral Hotel in the 100 block East Hastings. There were no visible signs of trauma, but police are treating the death as suspicious.

Vancouver police are asking for anyone that might have seen Randy Ponzio in the days or hours leading up to the discovery of his body to contact Major Crime investigators at 604-717-2500 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477

Mr. Ponzio left a residence in the 1000 block of Pacific Boulevard around 9 p.m. on Tuesday night to go out for a walk, but failed to return. His disappearance prompted a wide search.

Police have confirmed that Mr. Ponzio’s banking information has been accessed in the Downtown Eastside in the past two days.

A donation page in support of his three children can be found at http://www.helprandyponzio.com/

Ponzio was known for his work with Quest Poetics and as a solo artist. In August, his song For the People won The Shore 104.3 FM’s Song Search competition. Ponzio was also recently featured in the third installment of the Music Saves series aimed at raising awareness for music therapy and inspiring musicians with physical disabilities, in support of the Vancouver Adapted Music Society.