by John Mackie, Vancouver Sun September 21, 2016
The Poppy Family performs in the late 1960s or early 1970s. Left to right: tabla player Satwant Singh, guitarist Craig McCaw, singer Susan Jacks and guitarist/singer Terry Jacks. Photo: SUBMITTED/ Vancouver Sun With John Mackie story [PNG Merlin Archive]
Vancouver music legends Terry and Susan Jacks are both in hospital, recovering from serious health problems.
Terry, 72, suffered a stroke at a house he owns in Haida Gwaii about two weeks ago. It was his second stroke in the last six months.
“He’s been recuperating up in Haida Gwaii since his last stroke,” said his friend Jamie Anstey.
“He was doing really well, but something happened and he had another stroke and had to be airlifted to Prince Rupert Hospital and then to Lions Gate (in North Vancouver) for a procedure.”
Susan, 68, has been in Surrey Memorial Hospital for several weeks with kidney problems.
![VANCOUVER. July 12 2014. Susan Jacks performs with The Poppy Family Experience at the annual Khatsahlano Festival, Vancouver July 12 2014. photog} / PNG staff photo) ( For Prov / Sun Entertainment ) [PNG Merlin Archive]](https://wpmedia.vancouversun.com/2016/09/vancouver-july-12-2014-susan-jacks-performs-with-the-popp1.jpeg?w=300&quality=55&strip=all)
Susan Jacks performs with The Poppy Family Experience at the annual Khatsahlano Festival in Vancouver on July 12 2014.
Earlier this week her son Thad Dushinski said in a Facebook post that “she is currently having the fight of her life from various complications from kidney disease,” and had been on life support.
“A couple of days ago she was in intensive care, and was right on the edge,” said McCaw.
“But we saw her (Monday), and she’s bounced right back. It’s pretty incredible. She has lots of energy and we were cracking jokes.”
“Susan is a lot better,” said disc jockey John Tanner.
“I saw her a week ago and she was in an induced coma, but when I saw her (Monday) she was great, she was laughing and chatting and storytelling. She had quite an experience, almost like a near-death experience type thing.”
Susan received a kidney transplant in 2009, with a kidney donated by her brother Bill. She had been in good health until her recent health scare.
Terry was born in Winnipeg and moved to Vancouver as a kid. Susan was born Susan Pesklevits in Saskatoon, and grew up in Haney and New Westminster.
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Dear Susan….thinking of you and sending good wishes your way to get better soon….so glad you are in good spirits, and that you’re making a turn around….God Bless and love to you….Gillian
I’m sorry to hear that. I know Canadian musical artists are revered up North.
Bless John Mackie for filing a story. I truly believe that the positive thoughts of others aid in recovery and, possibly, make the afflicted aware that they have made a difference in the world.
I first saw Terry performing with The Chessmen at a mid-60s fundraiser for York House private school. I was hooked on his songwriting and fragile-yet-endearing vocals from that point on. I first noticed Susan when she performed under her maiden name Pesklevits with Howie Vickers and Tom Northcott in a short-lived trio called Eternal Triangle.
The Poppy Family, just like the Guess Who, made it in the US prior to Canadian Content regulations. Back in the late 60s that meant first getting a cross-Canada hit–no mean feat since most popular domestic acts were just successful regionally. The late Vancouver Sun columnist Jack Wasserman tracked every step in their career, often referring to Terry and Susan as “the kids.” Wass was pleased as punch when Which Way You Going Billy? almost topped the Billboard charts.
As a solo artist, Susan went on to popularize Anna Marie, a countryish song penned by Bruce Miller who loomed large in the alt-country Vancouver scene of the early ’70s. Think he was an American who relocated to Nashville after President Carter allowed draft dodgers to return.
My prayers and thoughts are with both Terry and Susan.
Hi Terry,
Fond memories of your cheerful laughing nature back in Vancouver. Your records are still played on Australian radio. Always wonderful to hear. Keep your spirits up & know that we’re thinking good thoughts for you back enjoying life again. Good thoughts for Susan too.
From another appreciative fan, your friend, Hap!