Daniel J. Edelman (1920-2013)

Dear Richard, the entire Edelman family,
My sincere condolences to you all. I am very sorry to read the news that Dan has passed away. He never gave up, he was always there and he had tremendous insights which only experience brings. He will not be forgotten.
As always,
teemu

I have known Dan since the mid seventies and have always been graced by his warmth and empathy. Will never forget him.
toni muzi falconi

To Richard and the entire family,

Please accept my deepest condolences to you and the whole family. Your father was a strong yet modest man who inspired me and countless others over the years. I am forever grateful to you and him for the terrific years I spent in the New York office working on some of the world’s most recognizable brands.

I know that no matter how full a life a man is fortunate to live, he is still deeply missed by his son. So, my prayers are with you.

Be well,

JD

Jerry Doyle
CommCore, Inc.

(Edelman Healthcare Alum: ’94-’99)

Dan’s longevity meant that he started in business before many of us were born but his instinctive vision, insight, creativity and decent principles are probably even more relevant today in the world of communications than they were in 1952. I’m proud to have worked closely with Dan and the family in the 1990s and even prouder to have been able to play tennis with him in Chicago all those years ago. Legends live on.

My condolences to the family, friends and work colleagues of Mr. Edelman. Was happy to have learned from him during my time at Edelman in the early 00s. He’s left an amazing legacy.

Years and years ago, as an account rep servicing the Edelman account, I sent the Chicago office a big plate of cookies for the holidays. My day to day contacts there called and emailed their thanks. But a few days later, you could have knocked me over with a feather when I received a hand-written thank you from Dan. What a class act, through and through, and what a marvelous business he built. I still have that card, by the way.

Dear Richard,

We, the Edelman Switzerland team, wish to express our deepest and most sincere condolences to you and your family on the loss of your father!

We have experienced the unique spirit of Dan since March 2012 when we became a member of the Edelman family. We have learned so much of Dan’s legacy of creativity, quality, commitment to the community and ethics, which is unique in the PR-industry.

We wish you all the best and our thoughts are with you and your family

Olaf for the team of Edelman Switzerland

Dear Richard and Family,

My blessings for a great innovator
Ingrid Hernández
KÖST Sustainability

Ruth, Richard, John and Renee:

My heart felt sympathies. I still have fond memories of Dan’s visits to Gould and colorful meetings with Bill Ylvisaker back in the early 1980s. The PR industry is richer and healthier for Dan’s leadership and presence.

All the best,

Gerry Corbett

Dear Dan – you gave us a firm full of your values

And left behind a legacy for us to cherish

Never before has there been a PR company so large

Each of us is proud of being here and doing our part

Dealing with clients that are best in class and being…

Ethical, creative decent, and committed to the community.

Legendary have been your actions and ways

May they guide us through the coming days.

As we continue gaining inspiration as a family

Never alone are we on this journey.

I remember how “Mr. Edelman” would make the rounds during files night in the old offices
at 211 E. Ontario in the early ’90s. With the constant influx of new kids as AAEs &
AEs, he’d pause before your door, check the nameplate, then pop in and
say hello. Of course, if you were the new kid on the block, you didn’t
have a lot of files to sort and you’d be in another office, helping someone
else. So you would occasionally get called another name.

Among the youngsters, the joke ran that you weren’t someone in PR until George Lazarus would call up Dan Edelman to complain about something you sent over. I feel very fortunate to have started my career at Edelman Chicago, and offer my heartfelt condolences to the family.

Laura Bokowy McGowan
Edelman alumna, 1992-94

How do you describe a man who was larger than life – a man who transformed an industry? Dan was one of the great entrepreneurs who not only started a business, but led it, grew it, evolved it, allowed Richard to take over, but never stopped caring. He stayed engaged from top to bottom. One of his key mantras carried weight that lasted a lifetime for thousands of people — “everyone is an account executive.” He reminded all those who worked with him to go at least one step further, to never give up never surrender, pay attention to the details, seize opportunities, go large,and think creatively (even in business to business pr). Clients came first, but he loved the thrill of the new business chase – and win. Bless you Dan for all you did for all of us. Your legacy will live on forever. Condolences to Ruth and the family.

Sad indeed! May the soul of this great man rest in peace! I was honored to have met Mr. Daniel Edelman at a reception in his home in Chicago, during the Edelman New Media Summit organized by Edelman Public Relations. Mr. Edelman, a PR pioneer and visionary, was as gracious as can be.

We are thankful for the incredible legacy he has left–his name sake PR company, the best in the world, his children who have carried on his legacy by taking the company to where no other has gone before, and the many men and women in public relations, businesses and nonprofit organizations–everyday people– whose life he has touched.

We are all very lucky to have had Mr. Edelman walk this earth and inspire all of us. He taught us that we could use public relations for the greater good. Thank you Mr. Edelman and God bless! To Richard and the family–my condolence!

Dear Ruth, Richard, Renee, John, partners, suppliers and clients:
What a great loss to us all! My husband and I truly regret not having bid our farewell personally last month in Chicago when the firm celebrated its 60th anniversary. We met Dan in Chicago in the 90′s and signed a partnership which lasted 10 years and was extremely successful despite the many dan-o-grams which taught us all so many lessons.
Dan was a legend in PR and an outstanding man.
While his passing brings tears to our eyes, it also brings us a big smile because he has lived.
We will cherish his memory.
Herbert and Vivian Hirsch

So sad to hear the news today. I feel so very lucky to have had the opportunity to work directly with Dan on Mexico Tourism when I first joined the company. He taught me so much and I think of him often in my daily work. After all these years, I still have one of Dan’s hand written notes posted on my wall – I will cherish it. It was a privilege to know him and work with him – a true legend.

My deep condolences to the entire Edelman family.

Sandra Saias

Heavy heart today, albeit full with the memory and honor having worked under Dan and the Edelman family. One of the greatest men I have and wil ever know. Zicronam Livracha.

With love,

Gary Goldhammer

Ruth, Richard, John, Renee and family – I have woken to the news in Australia this morning of Dan’s passing. My heartfelt condolences to you all. Judging by the comments on this page and on FaceBook today – this news has sent a ripple of sadness throughout his entire global work family – past and present. During my 20+ year career with Edelman – starting in Australia and then 11 years in the US and closing the circle back in Australia, I always described myself as an Edelman baby. I grew up in the Edelman “family” and today still practice so many of the disciplines in my own business that I learned during my career there. The consummate professional, Dan taught us that near enough is NOT good enough and to always strive for the big idea. I came of age in Chicago when I sat down the hall from Dan. I loved the Dan-o-grams which were long thoughtful treatises on a subject of client importance dictated into his tape recorder and including an immediate call to action – which then often ended in a PS I just heard from Pam that you have already done this – thanks!. I remember my meetings with him – waiting outside the office for the green light to come on, sitting in front of piles of neatly ordered papers all with their different paperweights on top – amazed that he seemed to know exactly where everything was. Pam Talbot was right in her recent speech when she said no matter how prepared you were, Dan was always one step ahead of you! He taught us to be passionate and professional and most of all he taught us to be fiercely proud of who we were and the work we produced. This is Dan’s legacy – and it is obvious as the tributes pour in that this lives on in all of us Edelmanites. I hope he would be proud to know that he has indelibly stamped this on all of us and in so doing has connected us all by an unbreakable thread of professional principles no matter where we are in the world. Thanks Dan.

When I started at Edelman in 2001, Dan was in the office most days. I’ll never forget when I received an interoffice handwritten note from Dan himself on my then five year anniversary saying congratulations and to schedule a meeting with him. That meeting happened, and it was one of the coolest experiences of my professional life. He asked me many questions about my career goals, my background in advertising and music and I was blown away by his knowledge of just about everything. But what impressed me the most was how intently he listened to what I was saying, which, trust me, was not anything impressive or interesting! I was nervous beyond belief, but he gave me his undivided attention, and created a moment that I will take with me forever.

Dear Richard,

I am saddened by the news of your father’s passing and offer my condolences to you and your family. I had the pleasure of meeting your father on a few occasions during my Edelman career (1994-2000), and was always so impressed by his knowledge, his passion and the inspiring speeches he gave to the Edelman teams of that time. I am forever thankful for my years at Edelman as they made me a true Public Relations practitioner – a credit to the Edelman way, inspired by your father and implemented and expanded upon by you.

Fondly,
Karen Carzo

In the late 1970s and in my first PR job, I was involved in the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial Fund project. Dan had a keen interest in the project that played a significant role in getting the Wall built and called from time-to-time – out of the blue – to comment on a significant media score or to just chat about the project. His interest was sincere and the questions he asked made it clear: This is a formidable man. As we’re seeing from these tributes, no employee at Edelman was too small to gain Dan’s interest and time. Clearly, that set him apart. Dan’s enthusiasm for his work and his employees apparently never waned, which perhaps helps explain the longevity of a life well-lived.
George J. Tanber
Edelman D.C. 1977-81

May you rest in peace knowing the impact you had on our profession and so many people. I wish the family warm memories and send an embrace to the entire Edelman family (network). I enjoyed four wonderful years in the Atlanta and Chicago offices during which I had the pleasure to meet Dan once. RIP to a true pioneer.

It was truly an honor to meet Mr. Edelman, Dan, through the Arthur Page Society. As a young professional I was always in awe of his work. He was a remarkable man who helped evolve the Public Relations profession into the practice it is today. I am forever grateful for the dedication he showed, and the many experiences he chose to share with so many practitioners.

With gratitude and my sincere condolences,
Susan S. Hoff
Former CCO – Best Buy Co., Inc.
Chairman & Proprietress – Fantesca Estate & Winery

In the late 1970s and in my first PR job, I was involved in the
Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial Fund project. Dan had a keen interest in the
project that played a significant role in getting the Wall built and
called from time-to-time – out of the blue – to comment on a significant
media score or to just chat about the project. His interest was sincere
and the questions he asked made it clear: This is a formidable man. As
we’re seeing from these tributes, no employee at Edelman was too small
to gain Dan’s interest and time. Clearly, that set him apart. Dan’s
enthusiasm for his work and his employees apparently never waned, which
perhaps helps explain the longevity of a life well-lived.

George J. Tanber
Edelman D.C. 1977-81

Ruth, Richard,
Renee, John and the extended Edelman family,

My thoughts and prayers are with you. We will so miss Dan. He has inspired so
many and I feel so fortunate to have grown up here and learned from such a
great man. I fondly remember the Dan-O-grams (I have them carefully organized in my desk), the many client service lessons in my early 9-Lives and Brown-Forman days, and the practical advice to always remember to carry an extra battery for the projector and a note pad to every meeting. I fondly remember the kindness of Dan, his passion for excellence, commitment to family (with regular reminders that there are three legs to the stool), and the fatherly way he would sometimes touch your face when he said
hello. Just an elevator ride with Dan could lead to new business opportunities,
new career possibilities and always a great story or two. One day, I found
myself in an elevator with Dan and my parents who were visiting from Canada.
I’m sure he was really busy but, by the time we stopped at the 63rd floor, he
had invited them to visit his office. I was so proud and my parents were
thrilled to meet him. But, they are as talkative as I am, so Dan finally had to
excuse himself from his own office so he could get on with his day! Thanks to
Dan for all he has taught us and may his legacy live on in all that is Edelman.

Jennifer (Sifton) Petterson

“The harder I work, the luckier I get.” – Dan Edelman (at least, he was the first person to say that in my presence). Farewell to an icon, and condolences to the Edelman family and the Edelman team.

Dan’s passing is as if I have lost a close relative. Joining the company in London in 1967 I spent the next quarter of a century learning from his professionalism and respecting his vision , tenacity. and honesty. Beryl and I share the family’s grief and wish Ruth, Richard, Renee & John long and peaceful lives.

Sincerely

David Davis
Director
The Independent Ambulance Association

Dear Richard and Your Family,

I was very sad to learn of your Dad’s passing.

My deepest sympathy for your loss. I will always remember your Dad as delightful, intelligent, thoughtful and humble man. As young brand manager at the Ore Ida Division of Heinz in the mid 70′s, I will always remember sitting in the Gamekeeper Lounge in the Owyhee Plaza Hotel in Boise, Idaho crafting a successful brand public relations strategy on a cocktail napkin that resulted in a wonderful communications campaign on the etiquette of eating french fries that traveled etiquette expert Marabelle Stewart.

We did a lot of good work and had a lot laughs with your Dad and the Edelman Team
It was a great pleasure to know your Dad. He was first and foremost a good man as
well as a good business man. I know he is very proud of how you have carried on his legacy at Edelman.

Sincerely,

Stephen Encarnacao

Dayton Boots

Vancouver, B.C.

R.I.P. Daniel. We love you.

Dear Richard & Family,

My deepest condolences to you all.

I had the pleasure of meeting Dan at Summer School in 2005 in Washington DC. In a room of 100+ Edelman employees Dan was introduced to everyone individually, including myself and the 12 others on my table.

Around an hour later after listening to a presentation and talking to numerous others he returned to our table and remembered every person’s name, the offices we represented and how we had introduced ourselves.

For a man, at the time, in his 80’s, it was incredible to watch.
Condolences to the entire Edelman family.

Simon Corbett

Even as I’ve started reading ‘Edelman and The Rise of Public
Relations’, I am left feeling unfortunate not to have worked with and learned
from such an extraordinary visionary and trailblazer in the global PR industry.
Dan, RIP, we will miss you dearly.

I was also very sad to learn the news of Dan’s passing. Like many posting their memories, I am an Edelman alum (Chicago, 1992-1995) and have very fond memories from 211 E. Ontario, where he regularly walked the halls and stopped in offices to talk, regardless of your title. I cherished the hand-written notes from Dan for a job well done. My condolences to the entire Edelman family.

Sharon Brown Hegarty

Dear Richard,
,It is not often one has the opportunity to work with a legend in a profession; in the Edelman family that title of legend spawns two generations. My condolences to you, Ruth, Renee and John, and to those who are part of the extended PR family. Having been with Edelman three different times over three different decades, I had the pleasure of watching the company’s growth under your dad’s guidance and, ultimately, your leadership. While your dad often shared with me his “mistrust” of the South, I knew it was because he felt there was great opportunity here that he clearly wanted to capture. And, the agency ultimately did just that. Keep his memories close to you, dear Richard.

Donna E. Fleishman, Atlanta

I met Dan Edelman in 1989 when I was 29 years old, approaching 30 and excited about the opportunity to join what was then the 9th largest PR firm in the world. I grew to know and love Dan, Ruth, Richard and Renee and I have to say I truly was “in love” with my work at Edelman for many years. I was thrilled with the challenges and successes I experienced while growing as a person and professional with Edelman, and when I reresigned in 1998 for quality of life reasons, Dan called me himself to wish me well and tell me he was sorry that I was leaving. Now, it is my turn to let Dan know how much he meant to me, that I will miss him and how special it was that I was able to be part of the Edelman family. Because I was a member of the Edelman family — and I always will be. Sending thoughts of love, peace and comfort to Ruth, Richard, Renee, John and all of the clients and staff.

Dan was an inspiring leader who cared deeply about the company and its clients, and his competitive spirit never waned. I recall the time Dan was in the NY office and had a large bandage on his forehead. At the time, he was in his mid-80s, and I thought he must have had a fall. Wrong. He’d gone after a shot in the corner while playing racketball and collided with the wall.

He leaves a rich legacy. My sincere condolences to Ruth and the entire family.

Richard Mahony
(Edelman 2001-06)

I never had the opportunity to personally meet the man in charge of creating such an outstanding PR firm. After hearing all the wonderful stories below, I wish I could have. If I ever have the opportunity to work within Edelman, I would be honored to help continue Dan Edelman’s legacy. I give my condolences to his family and loved ones.

I want to express my condolences and appreciation for the mental health programs that the Edelman family have supported, especially the Depressive and Bipolar Support Alliance in its early days.

I first met Dan in Melbourne in the early 90s when we had breakfast together. For two hours we talked across a range of subjects then stood up and shook hands. I had just sold my small PR firm to Dan and we had never even discussed what my role in the firm would be or a price – “We’ll just leave that to the accountants,” I remember him saying. We trusted each other and it was a trust amply repaid over the next 15 or so years as I worked with Edelman in three offices on three continents. My sons still fondly recall sleeping in Dan and Ruth’s hotel bed when we could not get a babysitter and were having dinner with the Edelmans in Singapore. Edelman always was, and is, a family company. My deepest condolences to Ruth, Richard, John, Renee and the grandchildren.

Sincerely,

John Holland

Dan was a trailblazer to whom a great many of us owe our careers, lifelong friendships and even our families (I met my future husband while on assignment abroad!). Thank you to Dan, Richard and all the Edelmans for creating a fantastic company, and giving me the opportunity to learn from the best as a member of the “family” for 10 memorable years in New York, London and Milan.

Kate Gordon

Dear Ruth, Richard, Renee and John
I was very sorry to hear about the loss of your magnificent husband and father. But over the sadness that has darkened the past days it is also wonderfull to see that he has meant so much for so many of usand that is something you should always be proudof and glad for!
I was a very young Assistant Account Executive in our Frankfurt office back in 1996, serving my first week when I had the pleasure of personally meeting Dan the first time while he was visiting the – by then only – German office. The knowledge of his achievement and the degree of engagement with all of us really made an impression on me and has helped a lot to “win me over” for this family business, back in 1996 and more so today, 16,5 years later. I am so proud to be part of Dan’s fantastic heritage!

My best wishes and deepest sympathy to you all!
Martin

Martin Flörkemeier
Managing Director
Edelman Frankfurt

The last time I saw Dan was when my husband and I visited him at home around the time of his 90th birthday. I hadn’t seen Dan in probably 15 years, but he was just as inquisitive as ever, probing me about my career and whether Edelman was doing a good job of servicing our business. (They were/are!)

Nobody had higher standards for client service than Dan. It drove everything we did during the seven years I was with the firm. Dan and Richard taught me to put ethics and transparency above all else, to know the client’s business as well as our own, and to never stop growing – personally and professionally.

The world has lost an extraordinary leader and human being with the loss of Dan Edelman. But what a legacy he leaves. It is a legacy that goes well beyond the Edelman firm, and extends to the thousands upon thousands of former Edelman employees and current and former Edelman clients who were positively impacted through knowing him.

Melinda McMullen
Current Edelman Client
and former Edelman Employee (1987-1993)

Richard,
My heart goes out to you and your family. Dan will be missed. Our firm, Harshe-Rotman & Druck, Inc. competed vigorously with the Edelman operation but in all cases, Dan was a true gentleman. He always acted like a friend and I will always be grateful for that. He was a giant of the PR profession, and the success of Edelman reflects that. My condolences to the extended Edelman family.

Back in 1976, while working as PR Director for Air France in Washington, DC, I had the great pleasure of working with the Edelman team during the introduction of the Concorde supersonic airliner to the U.S. market. Edelman’s contribution to the successful outcome of that campaign was outstanding, considering the strong anti-Concorde activities of those who opposed its introduction. A few years later, I was working for Air France in Paris, when I ran into Dan at an Edelman-sponsored reception. He was standing with a small group of people, including some French executives, and asked me to join them. After a few minutes of conversation, he asked one of the French executives to engage me in French with a few questions….to which I responded. Afterwards, Dan turned to the executive and asked him how good was my French. “Very good for an American,” said the executive…not realizing that I was born in France to an American father and French mother. “Great,” said Dan with a big smile….”why don’t you come work for us?” My response was that I didn’t realize this was a test! Dan just kept smiling. I didn’t take advantage of the offer, although I sometimes wished I had. But, I did get the opportunity to work with Edelman again at least three times in my career…with equally good results. Dan created the foundation of a truly exceptional company with great people dedicated to providing their clients with the best service in the business. To Richard and the entire Edelman family, I want to express my deepest condolences for your loss.

Jim Collins
Luxembourg

I first met Dan in 1991 in Montreal when I was a PR student and he was the featured speaker at an IABC event. It was amazing to meet someone who was featured in my textbooks! To say I was impressed was an understatement. Four years later I joined Edelman in Toronto and I really got to experience Dan’s influence on PR and business. He pored over every part of the business, every office, every client (I remember getting notes from him back on our monthly new business and activity reports). I’ll never forget his keen input on the global mission, vision, values initiative. I distinctly remember his interventions during the GM’s meeting presentation on VMV. After all, it was his name on the door! The last time I spoke to Dan was in 2004 when I decided to leave Edelman and take an opportunity to work in the Caribbean. I almost fell off my chair when he called me. “Are you sure,” he asked? He wanted to make sure I did my due diligence (and maybe reconsider my decision as it included taking Shellie with me). But at the end of the call, he wished me well. My sincere condolences to Ruth, Richard, John and Renée. He was unforgettable and a true legend.

I’ve had the great privilege of working for Dan and his firm for 25 years, and some of my fondest memories were of my early years at Edelman Chicago, learning from and interacting with Dan on a daily basis. Some of the lessons I learned from him sound simple, but they are so important: be prepared, “do your homework” and thoroughly research companies and opportunities, build relationships, be well-read and well-informed, get involved in the community, document everything in writing (and that writing better be grammatically perfect!), and be tenacious, because a “no” just means “not right now.” Dan took a personal interest in every employee; his welcome notes and handwritten kudos for a job well done still sit in desk drawers all over the world, including mine. (Yesterday I found emails that he sent me 10 years ago, telling me that he had great confidence in me, which I apparently saved in my archives like treasured artifacts.) More than anything else, by his own example, Dan taught the rest of us to stay hungry, stay curious and stay active, no doubt the secret to his longevity in business and in life. I’m so grateful to have known and learned from Dan.

I had the privilege to work with Dan ten years ago on a pitch to an iconic Chicago financial company. Dan was relentless: We met the board directors whom he knew beforehand, he made many improvements to the presentation, and he insisted that we rehearse until we knew, in our sleep, every point we wanted to make.
By the time we walked into the room, there was no question that we would win, not only because we’d forged relationships with the decision-makers (although that undoubtedly helped, and understanding the importance of relationships was one of Dan’s many gifts), but because we’d taken the insights we’d obtained and forged a campaign that we passionately believed in, one that we knew would work for this client.

Dan was courageous, energetic and modeled habits of excellence, and he inspired these qualities in others. He was a giant, and will be missed. May his memory be blessing to his family and those who knew him, and inspiration to us all.

Ruth, Richard, John, Renee, and the entire Edelman (and Edelman PR) family,

On behalf of the APCO Worldwide team and the Kraus family, we offer our sincere, heartfelt condolences at the loss of Dan. We cherish memories of Dan as a role model in our industry. He inspired many people he never knew and encouraged a lot of people to join our industry. His contributions to push and develop the state of the industry, create a modern firm, help globalize the industry and the many examples of integrity and professionalism he exemplified will be a lasting legacy. The wonderful reflections of his accomplishments that have come from so many only serve to reinforce this.

I hope that you and your family can take comfort and a share a sense of pride in these contributions as you face your sense of loss.

On a personal note, Dan really was a role model in encouraging us to follow our dreams and entrepreneurial instincts. He had a sense of curiosity that was refreshing, and I was among those who found him always encouraging, helpful and provocative! I know how proud he was of his family and what has been accomplished and am sure you already miss him a great deal.

Our deepest sympathies are with the entire Edelman family.

Margery and Steve Kraus and the APCO Worldwide team

Richard, I offer my condolences on Dan’s passing. What an indelible mark he leaves on all of us who benefited from his wisdom, tenacity and creativity. In Dan’s honor, I retrieved one of my favorite Dan Edelman memos from 1982…thought you might appreciate some excerpts…a small example of his large impact…

3/19/82

…what’s needed in terms of starting an account and/or keeping things rolling once we’re underway on a program…

1. Cover the beat…

2. …You should know everyone from the president on down and you should be seeing him from time to time…keep our finger on the pulse…

3. Do exciting things that provide visibility for the company…Let’s “reach for the stars” as Leo Burnett used to say.

4. …you’re like a “reporter” who has a particular “beat.” …inject creativity and spirit and you must come up with new ideas and then you have to sell them to the client. It’s the challenge and the fun of our business. And it also assures a happy client and continuity of programs.

Thanks for your cooperation.

I always looked forward to Dan’s straightforward talk…even years later when he teased me about my slimmed-down appearance. No doubt, Dan will be greatly missed throughout the PR world. Our thoughts are with Ruth, you, John and Renee — Dan must have been very, very proud of his legacy.

My journal within Public Relations has been phenomenal. During my educational career when, years ago, when I first heard of Daniel Edelman my ambition was to meet him and work side by side with him and renovate many aspects within PR. When I heard about his passing I was and still am devastated. His legacy will never be forgotten and what makes me sad is not having the opportunity to achieve a level to work alongside this very intelligent and bright man. As I finish my educational career I want to stand bright just as my hero, my mentor, my light towards the PR field. Edelman is a legend and I strive to accomplish half the things he has done.

Rest in peace Daniel J. Edelman.
You will forever be greatly appreciated.
-2013-

Ruth, Richard, Renee and John-

It is with a very heavy heart that I write to send you my deepest sympathy. Dan was such an important part of my life. When I look back I remember our first meeting. He interviewed me than offered me a job with his newly formed company. I knew immediately that I would want to work with him and for him.

But that was just the beginning. When he persuaded me to move to New York to manage the NYC office, I thought it would be just for a few years until I returned to Chicago. Instead it was just the beginning of a new life. I met Bob Gilmore who a bit later was offered a position with Matson Navigation in San Francisco. Shortly after he moved, he proposed by phone and I soon gave Dan my notice. I recall telling Bob that it was not a two weeks notice situation since I was heading the office I needed to give Dan two months.

Dan chose Alma Triner to succeed me and she not only took my position, but she sublet my apartment. I did some free lance work for

DJE in San Francisco and L.A. Then when Dan was asked to make a presentation to the Wine Industry leaders, he asked if I would be interested in opening a San Francisco office if we got the account. I readily agreed, so he asked me to come to Chicago to work on the presentation and then, later, to accompany him to the presentation. He advised the wine people that if we were given the account I would head it up. He told them that I had formerly headed his NY office. They did award DJE the account and I was set to return to full time work. I was somewhat amazed because in San Francisco women were rarely seen in high places.

As it turned out, I shortly thereafter discovered I was pregnant and told Dan I couldn’t handle a new office AND a new baby. When he asked who I would suggest for the spot, I suggested Harvey Posert who then worked on the account for many years.

Dan was a very, very special person – bright, creative, kind and expected the best for all who worked for him or with him; The best quality of all was integrity. People with the media soon learned that anything we presented was truthful and we could be depended upon.

Were it not for Dan, I would not be living in California,curiously just half a block from the Edelman offices. I always admired and respected Dan. Curiously, a number of people at the Regent where I am living, learned of my connection to Edelman and have brought me clippings from the WSJ and the NY Times of the obituary and have expressed their condolances which really belong to you.

Dan was a Oner – there never was and never will be anyone quite like him. I hope the memories of your many years together will make his passing a little more bearable.

Sincerely.

Rita Gilmore

The term legend is thrown around a lot, but in the case of Dan Edelman it definitely applies. I had my own “Files Night” not too long ago and found this picture of the Edelman PR League Championship circa 1991ish. When I first joined Edelman as an AE, I showed up at my first softball game about a month after I was hired. I really didn’t know too many people so I was a little apprehensive and even more so when Dan arrived. He was probably around 70 at the time and of course had just come from the Lincoln Park Tennis Club having played several sets of tennis already that morning.

Edelman wasn’t nearly as big as it is now, but big enough that the Kuala Lumpur office was already on the business card, and after all his name was on the door. I thought then and I think now that it was very cool that the Chicago softball team was important enough for him to come to…virtually every game. I introduced myself, and he immediately engaged me in conversation about the sports group, and
after that I was always comfortable talking to Dan.

If my memory serves me right, Mark Pyper who couldn’t have been more than 25 at the time was the coach. Dan told Mark something to the effect that he shouldn’t worry about where or when to play him. So Mark reads off the lineup, and Dan isn’t in it. Dan then goes “Pyper, what are you benching me?” Mark turns completely red and fumbles around for a minute and says “I’m sorry Dan, I didn’t know you wanted to play”. As a smart Edelman AE, he quickly recovers and announces that Dan will be batting third and playing first base. I believe that Karen McRoberts had been the one taken out for Dan, and she says “Mark, that’s not fair!” Mark responds, “When your
name is on the t-shirt, you can call the shots”.

Great place, great work, and most importantly great people…best job I ever had.

Thanks Dan.

Dan Edelman was a role model for successful aging. Dan Edelman believed in himself. He respected his public relations company, his employees, and clients. He loved his family. Successfully aging people like Dan Edelman always do the right thing.

Observing Mr. Edelman from afar, I learned valuable life lessons about how to age successfully. Stories about his humble beginnings influenced me to be more grateful for all I have been given. Dan Edelman was thankful for the challenges he encountered along the way. The more successful he became the more compassion he displayed toward the human condition. This humble, loving man helped me to be a better person toward others.

According to Dan Edelman everyone on this earth matters and plays an important role in keeping the world informed and connected. Through his personal interactions with others I learned the value of responsible communication and social engagement. There is good reason why Edelman Public Relations is the most respected communication firm in the world.

Dan Edelman taught me about fearlessness and winning, and that living a life of no regrets and excuses were far more admirable lifetime goals than playing it safe.

I am especially inspired by his drive for perfection. His work ethic was founded on the
principal of doing your best and nothing less, or else why bother? If it takes me hours to write a single paragraph then so be it.

Without a doubt, the greatest life lesson Dan Edelman bestowed upon me is resilience. As a long-time advocate of older adults, I have personally witnessed the impact of loss in old age — physically and otherwise. Successful agers are resilient. Having lived over nine decades, Dan Edelman managed his lion’s share of losses with the dignity of a king.

Wherever you are right now, Mr. Edelman, I “hear” you loud and clear. I can feel your presence looking me in the eye and compassionately telling me to carry on and
be all that I can be until my very last breath. I will take your advice to heart. You are like no other, Mr. Edelman, and you will be forever missed.