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Edwin O'DACRE Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Edwin O'DACRE
17 Entries
Deirdre Kelly
September 8, 2024
Ed O'Dacre was my mentor and my everything in journalism. He hired me, a total unknown fresh out of the University of Toronto's Varsity, to become the nation's dance critic. At the time, I was the youngest hire and the only female critic in his incredible arts section, working alongside maverick writers like Jay Scott, John Bentley Mays and William French.
As my first editor, Ed was almost fatherly towards me, letting me know I was the same age as his daughter. He cared for me deeply, encouraging and pushing me, gently rebuking me when necessary. I'll always remember how he gave me an interview on the spot when I barged into his office after a brief phone call. He simply said, "Oh, come and see me sometime, kid," and when I did, he didn't throw me out. He sat down, interviewed me, and hired me soon after.
Thanks to Ed, I spent over three decades at the Globe and Mail. He stood by me during tough times and ensured I basked in glory that was all his making. He gave me a column and opportunities to write about pop music, fashion, food, hard news, and everything in between. I respected him immensely, but I truly loved him.
O'Dacre, as we all called him, was a true gentleman and an amazing journalist. I still cherish the thin brown pieces of paper I'd find in my mailbox, where he'd typed out notes like "Good lede, Kelly," or gentle critiques about not using citations in the first paragraph. He taught me everything I know about journalism.
Ed shaped the Globe's arts and features department during what many consider its high point in the 1980s. He was an outstanding editor who improved every article that came into his hands, and he was truly funny and wholly supportive of his writers. No one after was ever like him. His decency and integrity were unparalleled, especially in dirty newsrooms like the Globe´s. We have lost a bright light for sure.
I'm deeply honoured to have known Ed O'Dacre and am profoundly saddened to hear of his passing. I hope he's riding a Ducati across the heavens where he belongs. My thoughts are with his family.
Peggy McIntosh
June 26, 2024
Awww of course finding this too late. But just needed to say that Ed was a lovely boss during my role with The Glove and Mail magazine division days. I remember him saying when I was moving to KW to start a family - "you can be put in a pasture, but you will always be a race horse" lol! Loved Ed dearly. Think of him with great affection and know he´s smiling at all of us!
Wendy McMullen
April 19, 2024
I´ve just come upon this sad announcement. Please accept my sincere belated condolences.
"Mr. O´Dacre" was who he was to me; one of the wisest, most accepting and engaging men I have ever known - just so effortlessly cool. Both he and Mrs. O´Dacre graciously accepted a young and naïve girl into their family and treated me as if I belonged. When the tides of their son´s young love turned, they extended kindness amidst the drama, and went on to represent a far greater loss than the attachment itself. I have such wonderful memories of the warmth of dinners shared around their table, and songs sung in the living room afterwards. It was truly a time of roses, poetry and prose. The O'Dacre influence has impacted the woman I have gone on to be, and I am sincerely thankful for having shared that time, a lifetime ago.
He is gone, but ne´er forgotten.
With love, Wendy XO
FM Morrison
August 22, 2023
In the early 1970´s, my late husband Norman Snider, was attempting,somewhat precariously, to establish a life as a freelance writer. He did achieve that goal and the man to whom he owed so very much at the beginning was Ed O´Dacre, who sent him books to review. I think Norman earned $30.00 per review. Those dollars mattered but O´Dacre´s cool professionalism counted even more, as mentor, and disciplinarian, someone to whom 500 words meant 500 words. I know Norman only ever spoke of O´Dacre with gratitude and respect.
Bert Vandenbroek
August 21, 2023
I knew Ed from the days of the old Globe building on King St. W. We would fight for motorcycle parking spaces but we never worked "together" until he became Publisher of the magazine division and as executive chauffeur I had to look after the maintenance of his company car. After his and my retirement I continued to visit him at his house and park my BMW bike in his driveway in front of his Ducati for old times sake. We would trade bike stories and reminisce about the old Mop and Pail. Honest and true, he will be missed.
Louise Springett
August 20, 2023
My deepest sympathy go out to you Bonnie & all the family. A wonderful husband, father, brother to Terry, uncle & friend is a painful loss. May God heal your hearts with time and memories.
Maggi
August 19, 2023
Gentleman. Journalist. Mentor.
Ed was wonderful to work with on Broadcast Week Magazine.
We enjoyed ensuring the ratio of advertising and editorial was correct for the t.v. guide magazine and working under pressure to hit the right amount of pages every week.
It was my pleasure to know and work with Ed.
Sincere condolences to his family.
William Aide
August 17, 2023
I met Ed O'Dacre when we both worked for the Timmins Daily Press in the early 50's. Ed took me under his wing. He was so decent, intelligent and funny. I admired him greatly. I lent him a 33 RPM of Backhaus playing the Brahms B flat concerto. He returned it 60 years later...this is his music....
Michael Valpy
August 14, 2023
Ed was an outstanding editor who improved every article of mine that came into his hands. He also was truly funny. I valued every encounter I had with him.
Cathrin Bradbury
August 14, 2023
Ed was the best boss, editor and publisher, and a stand-out person. When you made him angry, as I sometimes did by by blowing the budget in the Globe's magazine division, he'd get this tic on his face and then you'd know to run for cover. Ed taught me that it's the moments of decency and integrity you remember and want to emulate in the rumble of work. After he left the Globe, refusing all fanfare and accolades, he'd call me once I became National editor, where I was in over my head. "Walk in every day with your head up. Never let them see you blink, Bradbury." I am very sad he's gone. Will there be a memorial for Ed?
Peter and Nancy Case
August 14, 2023
A great loss for family and the world of journalism.
Nancy and Peter Case.
Jane Myers
August 13, 2023
Jane Myers
August 13, 2023
Jane Myers
August 13, 2023
Uncle Ed.. such a fun uncle.. you will be so missed.. your laugh.. your smile..you were always up for a great conversation.. Love you
Cheri Natale
August 12, 2023
So sorry to hear of Ed's passing. He was the publisher of Report on Business Magazine during the glory days . As Sales Manager I looked to Ed for support with editorial when we had our many small battles. He was always a great help and taught me the intricacies of compromise. He will be missed. Rest in peace O'Dacre.
Daisy Morant
August 12, 2023
Another excellent person - and editor - has left us. He never let the fact that I worked in the Globe's composing room get in the way of a good discussion about writing and editing.
Liam Lacey
August 12, 2023
Ed was a key person in my life. He hired me at The Globe, supported me when I messed up, encouraged me when I did well and was my lodestar in matters of integrity. I don´t think people understand enough how he shaped The Globe´s arts and features department at what I think of as its high point in the 1980s. My thoughts are with his family.
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