The Story of Charles Mandel: A Legacy of Punctuality

Charles Mandel was a unique and memorable figure in the world of journalism. Known for his sharp wit and quick humor, he could always be counted on to inject levity into any situation, even during high-pressure moments. Despite his short temper, Charles’ ability to balance professionalism with humor made him a beloved colleague to many. His quick turnaround times and unwavering commitment to meeting deadlines became his trademark. It wasn’t unusual for Charles to push his stories to new heights, sometimes deviating from the standard path, all in pursuit of delivering the best possible content. While his editors might occasionally be left scrambling, his talent and dedication always shone through.

For nearly three years, Charles served as a senior writer at BetaKit, a role he excelled in and where he made a significant impact on the publication. His passing a year ago, at the age of 64, after a challenging battle with cancer, was a profound loss to the team and the broader journalism community. In tribute to his memory, BetaKit has dedicated itself to sharing stories that highlight both his professional achievements and the personal qualities that made Charles such a beloved figure.

Charles was much more than just a journalist; he was an adventurer at heart. An avid outdoorsman, mountain biker, and marathon runner, he was someone who embraced the freedom of nature and sought adventure wherever he could find it. Charles lived off the grid in Nova Scotia, a lifestyle that reflected his independent spirit and love for solitude. This choice of living, though remote and often isolating, didn’t hinder his work. In fact, it became a part of his unique charm, offering a glimpse into a different side of his life that many of his colleagues would come to know through his Tales from Beyond the Grid Substack. Despite the challenges of spotty internet and the sometimes unpredictable demands of rural living, Charles remained committed to his work. His colleagues were often treated to the sound of barking dogs, the whinny of horses, or the braying of donkeys during team calls, as various animals from his property made their occasional appearances. His ability to stay productive despite the distractions of farm life was a testament to his discipline and work ethic.

Born into a family of poets, Charles’ career in journalism spanned five decades and took him across the country, from Edmonton to Vancouver to Toronto and throughout the Maritimes. His broad geographic scope mirrored the diversity of the beats he covered. Over the years, Charles held a range of roles in journalism that demonstrated his versatility and wide-ranging interests. He was a visual arts columnist, a news and features editor, a literary correspondent, a national news reporter, a music journalist, a climate reporter, and, in his later years, a business tech reporter. His ability to shift between such varied topics and still produce high-quality work is a testament to his adaptability and deep intellectual curiosity.

Throughout his career, Charles wrote for more than 60 publications, a list so extensive it would be impossible to detail in full. However, a few key bylines offer a glimpse into the reach of his work. His writing appeared in Wired, Canadian Business, The National Post, The Globe and Mail, Maclean’s, Canadian Geographic, Quill & Quire, The Toronto Star, and many others. He was not confined to the national stage, though. Charles also wrote for several community newspapers and alt-weeklies, where his storytelling ability and knack for distilling complex issues into engaging narratives made him a favorite among readers. He was able to take even the most intricate or obscure topics and make them accessible and compelling to a wide audience, whether through a highly technical analysis or an emotionally charged human interest story.

Charles was not only prolific in his writing, but his efforts were also recognized by his peers. He received numerous accolades throughout his career, including a National Magazine Award, a Kenneth R. Wilson Memorial Award, and two Island Literary Awards from Prince Edward Island. These honors were a reflection of the quality of his work and the lasting impact he made in the field of journalism. His contributions were pivotal in helping BetaKit win a SABEW Canada Best in Business Award for General Excellence, a recognition that the publication dedicated to his memory. For Charles, the awards were always secondary to the work itself, but they were a testament to the professionalism and skill he brought to everything he did.

Charles’ legacy extends beyond his numerous awards and bylines. He was known for his mentorship, his ability to bring out the best in his colleagues, and his readiness to offer help or advice when needed. His warmth and generosity of spirit were just as evident in his personal relationships as they were in his professional ones. Those who worked with him often speak of his loyalty, his candidness, and his unwavering commitment to truth. Whether he was offering a sharp critique or a gentle word of encouragement, Charles always had a way of making those around him feel heard and respected.

As we remember Charles Mandel, we not only honor his remarkable achievements as a journalist but also the qualities that made him such a memorable and cherished individual. His combination of professionalism, wit, generosity, and curiosity left an indelible mark on the world of journalism. His impact is felt by all who had the privilege of working with him, and his legacy will continue to inspire those in the industry for years to come.