Exacting editor had diverse talents

Edwin Richard 'Eddie' Edwards / 1918-2007

Edwin Richard "Eddie" Edwards, who strove to improve stories in the Honolulu Star-Bulletin during 22 years with the newspaper, died May 27 in Ballina, Australia. He was 88.

He retired in October 1980 after holding positions at the Star-Bulletin as state editor, assistant city editor, city editor and administrative assistant to the publisher.

"For many years, Ed and I worked together in the City Room, I as news editor and Ed as city editor," said Charles E. Frankel. "I was the shouter. He was the voice of calm and reason. He made copy better. He was a stickler for English and grammar and proper usages.

"He was a modest man," Frankel added. "For example, all staffers were asked to prepare obits in case of our death. He said he wanted a small obit, not a major one, because he felt he was not that important to the community. But we felt he was."

Retired Star-Bulletin business writer Russ Lynch said Edwards was city editor when he came here from New Zealand.

"I had no daily newspaper experience and Ed was a good teacher," Lynch said.

"He gently took me under his wing and taught me a few things about how to be a good newspaper reporter."

Lynch also recalled that Edwards "was handling news at a time when we had at least three editions. ... It was hard deadline work."

Edwards, born June 27, 1918, in Rockland, Maine, also was a retired U.S. Navy commander.

He and his wife, Barbara, moved to Australia after he retired. They were married 62 years.

Survivors also include two sisters and a brother in Maine.

A memorial service was held May 31. Donations may be sent to the Ballina District Hospital, Cherry Street, Ballina.