About Jason Whyte

Jason Whyte, affectionately known as HoneyBee, was a cornerstone of the Sunshine Coast's electronic music scene and a beloved figure in our community. His journey through life was marked by creativity, adventure, and an unwavering commitment to bringing people together.

The Early Years

Jason was adopted and raised by Madeleine & Ralph Whyte of Lions Bay, where he developed an early passion for music and outdoor adventures. His love for the ocean, mountains, and the rhythms of nature shaped his worldview and fueled his creative spirit.

Growing up, Jason was active in Scouts and Cadets. During this time of personal growth and development, he discovered a deep passion for sailing and everything the ocean had to offer. Later in life he would really spread those wings as the caretaker for the Hullabaloo—a little tub of a sailboat owned by a friend. He spent his summers sailing and exploring the Gulf Islands, fishing, swimming, and jumping off docks with abandon.

Even as a teenager, Jason's fearless spirit was evident. Around age 14, while in a wheelchair, he would let people push him down the hill in Lions Bay—for money.

HoneyBee Productions

Jason was a figurehead in the BC underground electronic music scene. He was a staple of the Van City House Mafia, and he and many others first met at WaaZuBee Cafe in the early 90s. This was the beginning of many lifelong friendships and musical collaborations. It was also where he met and fell in love with Nico, Ocea's mom.

He began building his brand at secret underground parties in Vancouver and at the Soundwave Music Festival in Tofino. As a world-class DJ and VJ, Jason transformed the Roberts Creek Legion into a magical space where people could dance, connect, and celebrate life. His sets weren't just performances—they were experiences that brought the community together in ways that created lasting memories.

With incredible lighting setups, lasers, and an intuitive sense of what the crowd needed, Jason created atmospheres that were both electrifying and deeply human. His productions became legendary, drawing people from across the region to experience the magic he created.

On the Sunshine Coast, Jason was the founder of many beloved events, including S’elf and Soul Shaker.

A Life of Adventure

Beyond music, Jason was an avid adventurer who found joy in many pursuits. He was a sponsored snowboarder and also an avid skateboarder who never lost his youthful energy on a board. He was always pushing the boundaries of what his body would allow—an adrenaline junkie and daredevil who sought his next adventure with gusto. He was particularly fond of doing backflips from heights into various bodies of water.

After working at WaaZuBee Cafe, Jason spent three years cooking in a tent for tree planters in the Rockies, with a one-year-old Ocea in tow. In roughly 2003 he fell in love with Sayulita, Mexico, for its off-the-beaten-path and authentic surf-town vibes. It became a home away from home; yearly he would snowbird down for weeks of sunshine, surfing, and healing.

He was a passionate gardener who delighted in nurturing life, a fisherman who respected the ocean's wisdom, a surfer who embraced the waves' power, and a skilled carpenter who built with both precision and heart.

One thing that was both humorous and totally serious: if Jason found out you weren’t doing anything and the weather was relatively okay, your ass was getting dragged to the ocean with him.

Community First

What defined Jason most was his commitment to others. He was the kind of person who showed up when it mattered, who helped neighbors with projects, who lifted others up, and who made the Sunshine Coast a warmer, more connected place. His generosity of spirit touched countless lives and created ripples of joy throughout our community.

Legacy of Love

Jason's legacy lives on in the music that still plays, the friendships he nurtured, the spaces he helped create, and the love he spread so freely. He taught us that life is meant to be lived fully, with passion, creativity, and compassion. Though he's no longer with us physically, his spirit continues to inspire and bring people together.

The Sunshine Coast was brighter with Jason in it, and his light continues to shine through all those he touched. We celebrate his life, honor his memory, and carry forward the love and creativity he brought to our world.