A man who left a lasting legacy in the province through his work in journalism, public relations, music and the public service has passed away.

Edsel Bonnell passed away on February 7 following a brief illness. He was 88.

Bonnell served as a broadcast journalist during the 1950s reporting on the contentious IWA strike in Badger. He moved to print in the 1960s as the editor and later owner of the Daily News. In the 70s he created Bonnell Public Relations, the province’s first independent PR firm and earned a Life Time Achievement Award from the Canadian Public Relations Society.

He entered the political realm in the late 80s, serving as Chief of Staff for former Premier Clyde Wells.

Bonnell was also the founder and conductor of the Gower Youth Band and Gower Community Band. Donations in his memory are being accepted for the Gower Community Band’s outreach program.