Prince George broadcasting icon Ben Meisner has lost his battle with cancer.
The 76 year old Meisner was the President and Founder of 250 news which reported his death this morning.
Meisner, a long time talk show host in Prince George, took ill recently while on an ice fishing trip in Manitoba and passed away in Winnipeg.
MP Dick Harris was one of Meisners many friends in the North, and says his passing has been difficult:
“You know my first thought was that our area of Prince George, and the Province and the Country, has lost a person who has made a huge contribution in his life to the communities the Province and that Country”
He is survived by his wife Elaine in addition to his children and grandchildren.
From Victoria, Premier Christy Clark issued the a statement on the death of Meisner this morning;
“British Columbia lost a wise and passionate voice today. For decades,
Ben Meisner needed no introduction in Prince George and northern B.C. –
his voice was instantly recognizable.
“Ben led more than just opinion – one of the true pioneers of new
media, his willingness to adapt with the times is an example to current
and future journalists throughout the province.
“Whenever you went on with Ben, you always knew one thing: be ready. He
was friendly, but never failed to ask the tough questions. He knew that
his listeners, and the adopted hometown he loved so much, deserved
nothing less.
“My thoughts and prayers are with Elaine and his entire family.”
Prince George – Peace River MP Bob Zimmer also released a statement from Ottawa;
“I am saddened to hear the news of Ben’s passing and would like to extend my deepest condolences to his family, especially his wife Elaine, son Reg, and daughter Kim.
Known as the Voice of the North, Ben has made so many contributions to our region as the founder of Opinion 250, now known as 250 News. I will always admire his hard work and dedication to the people of Prince George and Northern BC. Our region will not be the same without him.
My thoughts and prayers are with Elaine, Reg, and Kim during this extremely difficult time.”
And lastly, from Prince George mayor Lyn Hall;
“On behalf of Council and the City of Prince George, I want to extend our condolences to Ben’s wife, Elaine, and his family, and to everyone at 250 News. All members of Council have known Ben for years as a great friend, a great reporter, and a compelling voice in Northern BC.”
“Above all, Ben absolutely loved Prince George and Prince George has lost a dear friend and a great advocate, he will be very deeply missed.”
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