Former Kelowna Daily Courier sports editor Terry Edwards died last week after a long battle with cancer. He was 73.
Edwards was editor in the 1980s and 鈥90s. He also contributed to the paper from time to time after that.
Former co-workers remembered Edwards as a calm, unflappable presence on the sports desk, whose demeanour didn鈥檛 change even under the pressure of deadline.
Edwards was the first boss at the Courier for now-retired reporter and editor Pat Bulmer, who started in the sports department in 1985. They were a two-person department for 4-5 years.
A young 20-something reporter at the time, Bulmer recalls picking up a lot of tips and how-tos from his 10-years-older boss.
鈥淭erry was reliable, consistent and always got the job done in the most efficient, effective manner. I learned a lot from him. He helped my career get off on the right foot,鈥 said Bulmer.
Edwards battled cancer for nearly 15 years and was winning until the last few days. He had been an avid skier, was an avid Edmonton Oilers fan and, especially, a motorcyclist enthusiast. He co-wrote a ski column with J.P. Squire, who eventually took over.
鈥淚鈥檒l always remember Terry as an unflappable friend and reliable colleague,鈥 said Lorne White.
鈥淲hether it was writing stories or laying out pages to deadline, debating political views or weighing in on the Oilers鈥 latest moves, he was calm, cool and collected. Through the course of 15 years with cancer, including his final days in hospital, he kept an even keel, projecting serenity and composure.鈥
Online, some of his former co-workers offered similar praises:
鈥 鈥淚 used to work the early morning shift with Terry 鈥 I remember Terry as being pretty quiet (probably the early hour) but he had a great sense of humor and was always quick with a zinger when needed.鈥
鈥 鈥淎lways thoroughly professional and knowledgeable. Great personality.鈥
鈥 鈥淚 remember being a newbie in the Daily Courier newsroom in 1992 and meeting Terry, who was the sports editor at the time and how down-to-earth and welcoming he was to someone joining a daily paper for the first time.鈥
鈥 鈥淭erry taught me the finer aspects of layout and writing headlines. Decent, upbeat but calm guy.鈥
He is survived by sons Aaron, Shawn and Joel, grandchildren Alexis, Brendan, Keilee, Arlo, Athena and Zack, and many other family members.
Funeral arrangements are unknown at this time and will be announced at a later date.