AV News 178 - November 2009
I was not too concerned, with even more help from Robert Albright and other
AV members, with her steely determination she was bound to win through
and I was convinced she would "crack it" sooner rather than later.
Then on the 9th September, tragedy struck - "a young gang member, hit
and run driver" driving at break neck speed rammed into the side of Doreen's
car causing injury to Doreen and Jim, but Jim came off the worst. Jim
survived an operation to repair his Aorta but his 87 year old organs couldn't
cope and he passed away.
This is part of the letter Doreen sent to me with this heartbreaking news:
"They showed my Apple Story at the funeral instead of singing "boring old
Hymns!!!" - and on two very large screens. It was magnificent and so many
compliments afterwards. You can't know how much I owe to you, who made
me get on with that AV, as now I wouldn't be able to."
These people I now consider real friends and was shocked and saddened
by this dreadful news, but it brought home to me that "photography is not
most valuable in gaining distinctions, winning awards or competitions, but in
recording a memory or capturing a moment in time".
Jim's story will be heard and seen by many, his descendants will know and
remember this wonderful man and his unique talent. I believe this sequence
is worth more than any prize and will be remembered long after those prize
winning sequences have been forgotten.
That's what photography is all about.
Our deepest sympathies go to Doreen and family