Gippsland Times and Latrobe Valley Express managing director Bruce Ellen remembered as prominent businessman

A prominent member of the Gippsland business community has been remembered as a major figure in country and regional newspapers and his daughter’s hero.

Managing director of the Gippsland Times and the Latrobe Valley Express Bruce Ellen, 65, sadly passed away after a long and brave battle with prostate cancer. Picture: Facebook

A prominent member of the Gippsland business community has been remembered as a major figure in country and regional newspapers and his daughter’s hero.

Bruce Ellen, the managing director of the Gippsland Times and Latrobe Valley Express, died on March 27 after a battle with prostate cancer.

Daughter Ash Fry said her dad had had a brave, stoic and stubborn fight with cancer and died after being admitted to the Maryvale Private Hospital.

“My dearly beloved dad is now at peace,” Ms Fry wrote in a Facebook post.

The 65-year-old was a well recognised face across the Gippsland region.

Daughter Ash Fry said her father was the one who could fix all her problems and had the advice she needed. Picture: Facebook

“Dad my was everything — he was my biggest fan, my role model, my hero, my sounding board, the one who could fix all my problems or had the advice I needed, would listen to my wild ideas, the one who pulled me into line, the one I never wanted to let down and the one I most wanted to make proud.

“Nick Ellen (Ellen’s son) and I were both blessed to have such a hardworking, dedicated dad who loved nothing more than hooking the float or car trailer up and heading across the country.”

Ms Fry said her father was a well respected business owner, a much loved boss and colleague, an innovative leader in regional news media and he was always willing to help people out.

“Whether it be as a mentor or to assist in organising something as incredible as Latrobe’s biggest ever blokes BBQ — which ironically, raises funds for prostate cancer research,” she wrote.

Ms Fry said she would often travel to Echuca with her father over the Easter long weekend.

Ellen was a dedicated father who loved nothing more than hooking the float or car trailer up and heading across the country. Picture: Facebook

“He and Jamie just came alive up there, he lived for the next time he was heading to the river with his best mate Wes and his family Rose, Jack Peck Rickard, Danielle Rickard, his brother Graeme and sister in law Janine,” Ms Fry said.

“The last three year have been an absolute roller coaster, some of the best times and some of the worst.

“Watching you suffer was intolerable and the only solace I now have is that you are at peace.”

Ms Fry said there would never be a day or a moment when she didn’t miss her father.

“I promise I’ll never go a day without being thankful for something you gave me, taught me, an opportunity you worked hard to provide to me, for the incredible years we did have together and remember the many accomplished we’re both so proud of,” she said.

Ms Fry said her father was her biggest fan. Picture: Facebook

“You can now pour yourself a Drambuie or espresso martini, drive as fast as you like and have Stairway to Heaven on repeat without any arguments from us.”

Federal member for Gippsland Darren Chester acknowleged Ellen’s steadfast commitment and significant contributions to the company and newspaper industry, spanning across four decades.

Ellen was awarded a life membership to the Country Press Victoria in 2022.

“Prior to his passing, Bruce was the longest-serving current board member of the Victorian Country Press Association (VCPA), having begun his tenure with the VCPA as an executive councillor in 1988, then serving as president from 1998 to 2000,” Mr Chester said.

Mr Chester said Ellen was the “driving force” behind the Wellington Shire Council and Latrobe Valley’s Big Blokes BBQ.

“My first meeting with Bruce was more than 30 years ago when he moved to the Latrobe Valley,” Mr Chester said.

“I remember Bruce as a calm and considered manager at the Latrobe Valley Express.”

Ellen was farewelled at the Latrobe Valley Funeral Services in Morwell on April 5.

The Gippsland Times has been contacted for comment.