Joel Davis, Retired Oregonian Photographer
On Friday we were notified about the retirement of Joel Davis, an Oregonian photographer of 27 years. Joel certainly covered a wide range of stories – as anyone would in almost 3 decades of newspaper photography. But, Joel’s greatest legacy at the paper is one of his joy in life and caring for others. His conversational ability is without par, in fact Joel twice helped talk suicidal jumpers off of Portland bridges. He left without a party, saying that he could not handle being the center of attention like that. He did share a beautiful goodbye note that I am reproducing here with Joel’s permission.
Dear Friends,
Like a cowardly boyfriend who breaks up with a note, I’m saying “Sayonara” with an e-mail. I’ve seen several retirement parties now, with the stories and sheet cake, and I don’t think I could get through it. Better to slip the moorings with the dawn tide.
Working at the Oregonian has been the best thing I’ve ever spent 27 years doing. But all good things come to an end and that ending time is now. Like a politician, I could claim that I’m choosing to “spend more time with my family”, but ironically, for me that happened while working at the Oregonian. (after 20 years, there are still those who are surprised to realize that Newsroom Manager Kathleen McDonald would be married to a guy such as I).
But everything comes to an end, and I have a few cracked frames, rotten planks, and some general repair to deal with. I’ve always been a newspaper man since my first paper route in 1958. Now it’s time to figure out the next 27 years. I’ve always felt that ultimately, our story-telling is the glue that holds society together. It’s not about awards, acclaim or contests, it’s finding the good in people and expressing that caring, those values, for everyone to share and affirm.
I’ll miss you all—as I miss so many of those who have already left—(names some of you do not know)—Dale Swanson, Steve Erickson, Millie Wohler, Lev Richards, Bud Crick, and many, many others. Obviously, I became a photographer because I can’t write succinctly—can’t edit myself. But now I’m getting a promotion—moving up to the most important job in the paper—that of Reader.
I’ll be keeping track of y’all (as Sandy Rowe used to say). And I’m old school enough that I’ll be doing it with newsprint on my fingers. I like to use my paper to start the fire, train the puppies, line the bird cage, and swat flies—as well as enjoy some good story-telling.
With great fondness and excitement for the future, I bid you all ‘adios’.
Joel Davis
Retired Oregonian Photographer.
Cheers, Joel! Good luck in retirement!
You can email Joel directly at whozisdis@yahoo.com
thanks for posting that Rob…many in the paper biz beyond The O know and love him as well. For me, he is the legacy photographer that all East Oregonian photographers hear about, and then get to meet. Thank you Joel! Hoisting one for ‘ya, cheers!-rob.
rob kerr
10 Nov 07 at 6:13 pm
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aholicsx » Joel Davis, Retired Oregonian Photographer
10 Nov 07 at 8:06 pm
How can you miss me when I won’t go away? Seriously, Rob–(both Robs) thanks. And I’ve discovered that my company e-mail service is shut off, so please let folks know these two new ways to get a hold of me. Not sure what I’ll do with all the free time (beside deal with some doctor stuff) but you know it’ll be exciting. See ya around–(yeh, I know, not if you see me first, heh heh).
Joel Davis
10 Nov 07 at 10:07 pm
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Andmadesuq.Com » Joel Davis, Retired Oregonian Photographer
11 Nov 07 at 12:05 am
wow. thanks for the heads up Rob. When I was a kid in high school, Joel Davis’ photos from Blazer games is what made me want to be a photographer. I never told him that, but I honestly would probably not shoot sports were it not for Joel’s cool photos. I’ll miss seeing you around town Joel! I wish you the best!
Craig Mitchelldyer
11 Nov 07 at 1:01 am
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moocora
11 Nov 07 at 4:12 am
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11 Nov 07 at 4:17 am
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11 Nov 07 at 7:19 am
I first came to Joel on flickr more than a year ago, when I saw a picture he shot,
It was an image of a 102 y\o lady holding a companion dog, having a tender smile on her face,
I was tremendously moved by the photo and looked over his photostream, I could not stay indifferent and sent him a note, since that day we have become “keyboard pals”.
I found in Joel`s work joy of life, good humor, intelligence, great curiosity towards people and different cultures and above all, kindness and humanity.
I think a photograph tells as much about its subject as it tells about the eye of the photographer who captured it,
i`m glad I got to know Joel through his photographic work.
I`ve heard from Joel about his retirement, ending is hardly great fun but the best part comes after that,
a new beginning;
I wish you Joel an interesting and fulfilling future, you deserve that,
good luck!
Irith Gubi
14 Nov 07 at 1:12 am