Edward Bass, Apopka's City Administrator since 2018, has died at age 50.
Mayor Bryan Nelson confirmed the tragic news on his Facebook page Saturday.
"It is with great sadness to announce the death of our City Administrator, Edward Bass. Edward served The City of Apopka well for over seventeen years. A life wonderfully lived deserves to be wonderfully remembered. Edward will be sorely missed. Debbie Herndon Nelson and I lost a friend today who was like family."
Nelson also sent a statement to The Apopka Voice.
Mr. Bass was a native of Central Florida and a Certified Public Accountant. He began his career with the Florida Public Services Commission and was responsible for auditing regulated utility companies. He later served as the Finance Director of Apopka under Mayor John Land and earned meritorious recognition from a financial officers association for eight consecutive years until October 2014. He was previously the Director of Resource Management for Seminole County before returning to Apopka in 2018.
"Dear Edward Bass, today we say goodbye with sadness in our hearts," said Commissioner Diane Velazquez. "You will be missed. Grateful for the many years of sharing your genuine friendship. You loved the City of Apopka and everyone who called it home. This past year even as you faced the serious & difficult battle of your illness, you still showed up to serve the City; being available & willing to work toward getting the issues at hand resolved. A generous heart. A good and faithful friend to many. You were truly loved and appreciated. During these past weeks, friends did visit you expressing their love and praying with you—more than anything, we didn’t want you to feel alone. The Angels are with you in Heaven. Thank you for the many years of friendship. For your Public Service. I hold with Honor the written words on the paper you wrote when I visited you. So long, Edward, until we meet again."
“I send my thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of Mr. Edward Bass," said Commissioner Kyle Becker. "May they be comforted by fond memories during this difficult time.”
"I'm saddened to learn of the transition of Mr. Edward Bass," said Commissioner Alexander Smith. "My heart is heavy that he has been removed from among us. But I know that he has been released from the pains of this life to a place where there will be no more pain. From the very moment I was elected to serve as a City Commissioner, he has embraced me with the utmost respect. The value he added to the city of Apopka can not be replaced. The love, sincerity, dedication, and commitment he exhibited for the city are beyond words. He used all his energy and enthusiasm to make Apopka the place where people would want to come and call home. He was always open and willing to listen to my thoughts and suggestions. The skills and knowledge he shared with me will be cherished forever. Rest in peace, I'll see you in the morning!"
"My heart goes out to the Bass family as they endure the loss of Edward Bass," said Commissioner Nick Nesta. "He will be missed by so many. I pray for peace and comfort for his family and friends in the midst of this devastating loss."
I first met Edward Bass shortly after the Apopka City Council ratified him to become the next City Administrator. Almost immediately, we disagreed about the direction the budget was going in 2018 and every year since. Despite our differences, Edward always kept the lines of communication open between the City and The Apopka Voice.
Edward was an expert at a rare diplomatic quality called "disagreeing without being disagreeable." It's a talent that is sorely missing these days. Despite our differences, he always had a kind word for Denise and me when we saw him at events. He often came to the media table at City Council meetings to say hello and chat for a moment, no matter what articles were published on our news site.
He was the consummate gentleman and professional no matter what situation presented itself. He will be a difficult city administrator to replace, but I will remember him for the bravery he showed while battling his illness.
This is the email he sent to me after returning for his first City Council meeting after surgery on his tongue.
Reggie,
"Thank you for the kind words. I’m so glad to hear that you and others were able to understand my speech. I’m praying and training very hard to get my speech even better. That’s great to hear the results of the transcription app. Thank you and Denise for the continued prayers! Have a great weekend!"
Edward
Edward Bass displayed grace, dignity, and courage in the face of whatever he faced. We at The Apopka Voice wish to extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and loved ones. Our prayers are with you during this difficult time. We will miss him very much.
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MamaMia
I was shocked to read of Ed's passing, and I am so very sorry. He was a good man. I didn't know what his illness was, and because of privacy laws, I didn't ask. I kinda thought maybe it was a stroke, because his speech was a little slurred, but then I read this, about his tongue surgery, and just guessing, it sounds like cancer, maybe? He was a very good city administrator. He had his foes though, as does anyone in politics, and government positions dealing with the public. The last time I saw Ed was at the Mt. Dora Art Festival, and he was with Tammi, and he waved big time at my husband, and me, pushing through the crowds. He seemed very happy that day. I just can't recall if that was this year, or at last year's art festival? I remember Ed being so unhappy and upset when Mayor Land lost his election. Again he was so upset when Mayor Land died, and he spoke so fondly of him and cried. He wasn't crying for himself, but he thought so highly of Mayor Land. RIP Ed, I know you are in a much better place.
Monday, June 12, 2023 Report this