Good-bye to Dan Edelman, a Dad

I was sitting in a client’s conference room on Tuesday when I read the news from a former Edelman colleague on her Facebook page that Dan Edelman, founder of the firm that bears his name had passed away at age 92. 

I worked at Edelman for two years (2006 and 2008) and before joining the firm, I was a client (2004-2006). I have always had great respect for the family, the culture, the clients and the work (which is why I hired them and then joined them!)

On that rainy Tuesday morning, I was overcome with sadness upon hearing the news. I was sad for an industry that will no longer have Dan’s spirit and guidance; I was sad thinking of the life he lived and all who had been impacted by him (personally and professionally) and the young PR professionals that will never know him; and, then, I was sad for my friend, Renee.

The communications world lost a pioneer and an icon, but Renee lost her dad. I never met her father. In addition to being a larger than life PR genius and one of the great communicators, Dan Edelman was just my friend’s father. Sure he was a leader, an inspiration, he spearheaded an industry with his legendary Toni Twins media tour, and he impacted so many careers. But, he was still just Renee’s dad.

There were many conversations Renee and I had about her father and mother, the trips to Chicago, the family outings, and her dad's 92nd birthday party in July. I would share stories about my trips back home to the Boston area to see my mom and dad, sister and brothers. We poured over family issues, my kids, life in general, and careers at countless breakfast and lunch excursions.

I mourn for an industry, but also for my friend who carries on in this world without her dad.  His life and death may be marked and documented by Facebook posts, articles in the New York Times, the Washington Post and many other places, but it doesn’t change the fact that for her, that he is no longer here.

For my friend Renee, I am so sorry you lost your Dad. He lived an amazing 92 years, a full life, leaves an incredible legacy, changed an industry and impacted an entire communications culture. And, to you he is all of those things, but most importantly, he is just your dad.