Long time media personality Ben Meisner died early Thursday morning after a brief battle with cancer.
Best known for his strong opinions, Meisner was an open-line radio talk-show host with CKPG for almost 30 years before he called it quits over clashing opinions.
Meisner also had a column in the Prince George Citizen for about five years in the early 2000s and was a local business owner throughout the years.
Career highlights include Meisner being appointed to the B.C. Law Society's board of governors in 2010. He was among six "appointed benchers" or non-lawyers who sat on the 31-person board with the remaining 25 made up of lawyers elected to the board from around the province.
In September 2007 Meisner was one of nine Canadians to be given a lifetime achievement award by the Radio Television News Directors Association as well as having received the Queen's Golden and Diamond Jubilee medals.
Meisner, born June 3, 1938 in Saskatchewan, began his broadcast career at 17 years old in Dauphin, Man. He then went on to work in Toronto and Kamloops and spent more than 40 years in Prince George. He launched an online product called Opinion250.com in 2005 that is now called 250news.com.
Funeral arrangements have not yet been made and will be announced at a later date.
Premier's statement on Ben Meisner
VICTORIA - Premier Christy Clark issued the following statement on the death of Ben Meisner: "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."
MP Bob Zimmer's statement on Ben Meisner
“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.”
Remembering Ben Meisner
The Mayor of the City of Prince George is extending condolences and warmest regards to the family and many friends of long-time local media icon and city resident, Ben Meisner.
“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,” says Mayor Lyn Hall. “All members of Council have known Ben for years as a great friend, a great reporter, and a compelling voice in Northern BC.”
Meisner’s passing was reported this morning on 250 News, the online news company he founded.
“Above all, Ben absolutely loved Prince George and Prince George has lost a dear friend and a great advocate,” says Mayor Hall. “He will be very deeply missed.”
