2004 Inductees: EDSEL JOHN BONNELL, C.M.
Category: Music
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Edsel Bonnell was born in 1935, in the city of St. John's, and was educated at the Salvation Army College, Prince of Wales College, and Memorial University of Newfoundland. Recently he moved to the town of Conception Bay South, but he still continues to enrich his home city, and at times, the whole province, through his dedication to community service. He has been married for 44 years to the former Anthea Marshall, and together they have four sons - Mark, John, Bruce, and Brett.
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Although Edsel has an impressive list of community credits earned through his career in news and public relations, (especially noted being the 1977 Canada Summer Games held in St. John's), it is for his many contributions in the field of music that he is being honoured today.
Edsel has become practically a fixture around the Kiwanis Music Festival each year, and his involvement has spanned almost the complete spectrum. He has always been a competitor, of course, but his work as an advisor, mentor, cheer-leader, and general inspirational leader has set him apart as someone very special. For 10 years he was Chairman of the Festival's Advisory Board, and rarely, if ever, missed a regular meeting of the Board of Directors. His advice and comments were regularly requested, and he participated fully in all discussions. Not being a Kiwanian was the only factor which prevented him from actually voting! He also served on the Syllabus Committee, and was instrumental in recommending many of the selections still listed in our Syllabus today. His time, assistance, and expertise were always given freely for the enrichment of others.
The jewel in Edsel's crown of community service, and his demonstrated love and respect for music and his fellow human beings, has to be the Gower Youth Band - along with its relatively new off-shoot, the Gower Community Band. Formed in 1973, with only 13 members, the band has now become a household name, and a provincial experience. Officially, Edsel is the Musical Director of both bands, but in reality, he is much more, because his influence has always had a profound impact on the lives of the young people under his tutelage. The evidence of this was the expressed desire of so many of his former band members to continue performing and competing as adults in what became the Gower Community Band. He has been responsible for the training and guidance of hundreds of young musicians, and has always been their most ardent supporter.
Induction into the Festival's Hall of Honour is merely the most recent recognition given to this man who, himself, has given so much. In 1984, he was recognized as the St. John's "Citizen of the Year", and in 2001, was appointed as a Member of the Order of Canada, with his investiture taking place on October 26, 2002.
The Kiwanis Music Festival Association of St. John's is proud to induct Edsel John Bonnell, C.M., into its HALL OF HONOUR in the Music Category.
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