My father, Garnet Edwards, who has died aged 79, was a gifted advertising creative and a dedicated rugby man. Known for his quiet leadership, sharp eye for design and sense of loyalty, he left a mark on both the creative industry and the communities that he helped to build.
Born in Bridgend, south Wales, Garnet was the son of Violet (nee Walters) and Douglas Edwards, a quarryman. He was educated at Oldcastle primary and Bridgend grammar school (later Brynteg school). He thrived academically but was most at home on the rugby pitch or fishing with his brother, Les, on the Ogmore river.
He studied graphic design at Manchester School of Art (now part of Manchester Metropolitan University), graduating with first-class honours, and went on to a successful career in advertising, working at several leading agencies in London, most notably Grey. He also helped to set up Wright & Partners in the 1980s with his close friend Johnny Wright.
Throughout his career he mentored a generation of creatives, including Trevor Beattie, who would go on to lead major campaigns for Virgin, FCUK and Wonderbra. Garnet is remembered as an exacting leader who believed “creative is king” and he approached his work with equal parts craftsmanship and humour. He led national and global campaigns for Nissan, Crown Paints, Vodafone, the Labour party, Thistle Hotels and Alfa Romeo, among others. He won many prizes for his work, including Clio and Design & Art Direction awards.
Outside the design studio, Garnet’s other great passion was rugby. He played for Bridgend Sports RFC, Finchley RFC and Middlesex, and later served as coach and president at Finchley, where he helped transform the club’s fortunes and launched its now thriving youth section. A return to Bridgend in the 90s led him to do the same there. An annual youth award at Bridgend Sports now bears his name.
Garnet was devoted to his wife, Jennifer (nee Grinnell), whom he met as a teenager and married in 1968. After her death in 2014, he found companionship with Kathryn Lewis, a family friend. He was a hands-on grandfather, a lover of French cheeses and port, and a great storyteller.
Former colleagues fondly recall his notorious “9x9 Club” – nine pints by 9am – and his love of mischief, typified by pranks such as luring pigs into his local pub in Ogmore, south Wales.
Garnet is survived by his children, Megan, Rhys and me, and seven grandchildren.
