One of the things I will miss most about him is his laugh. Fred had this laugh that often started a a chuckle, and kind of rumbled into a full blown laugh. You could always tell his humor was genuine, as his laugh involved his whole face, particularly his eyes, which would likewise be full of merriment.
Fred Demarest, former Chairman of the Syracuse University Photo Department, passed away some weeks back. He wasn’t laid to rest right away. He had a large and grateful family that needed time to assemble in Syracuse. Fred does have a big family, both literally and figuratively. They say the best use of a life is to build something that lasts beyond that span, and Fred did that, in a significant way. He created the Newhouse School of Journalism photography sequence, which has accrued renown over the years, and has educated many a young photographer. Thousands, in fact. They are part of his family, too.
There have been numerous other professors in the photography department, over the years, and as students do, they would gravitate towards one or the other. Many, I’m sure, found Fred’s avuncular demeanor a tad on the fuddy-duddy side of things and preferred other profs who gave the appearance of being cooler, or more dynamic. I myself always preferred Fred’s quality of advice, patience, the aforementioned laugh, and ultimately, his friendship. He was simply the best teacher I ever had, and an incredibly decent man to boot.
And I will miss him. Thank you, Fred, from my heart. Your faith in a young, misguided, temperamental, rash, clueless young photographer was astounding, especially in light of having very little evidence that faith was warranted. I went to see him when he was in hospice, and we had a great, long talk. He told me he was unafraid. He said, in his wonderfully logical way, “Joe, I’ll be okay, until I’m not okay.” And he chuckled.
I loved him dearly. I owe him much. He was my teacher.
More tk….
Joe, I’m sorry for the loss of your good friend. If Fred was half the inspiration to you as you are to others (like me), he must have been a great man. Take Care.
Being a teacher myself, and knowing you also as a teacher, thank you for your insightful, sensitive, appreciative eulogy. I’m sorry about losing such vital part of our photographic community. I wish these people would get more credit for how they change peoples’ lives (our lives). Cheers to all the unsung heroes that make heroes! Mick Stetson
Thanks Joe. I suspect his teaching style is reflected in yours.
Joe, this is a wonderful tribute. (I love this photo of Fred.) I came to know Fred quite well after he retired and came around Newhouse to visit. I learned so much about the early days of the MPJ program from Fred. It just astounded me that he could recall dates and people and details well into his 80’s.
Fred attended our military graduation banquets every year, until the year he called me the night before and told me he couldn’t make it because he was having heart surgery the next day. Fred said “Don’t announce that I am in the hospital, but if anyone asks, just tell him/her I am having heart surgery.” That always made me smile.
Fred certainly was one-of-a-kind. I feel blessed to have known him.
That was beautiful, Joe McNally.
Fred was a good friend and great supporter of the Military Photojournalism Training Program the he created and nurtured until and after his retirement. Always open to my suggestions, some of which were probably not very good, he was an absolute gentleman who I so enjoyed seeing and talking with and I and many like me will miss his wise counsel.
Thank you, Rick….he had a great gift as a teacher. Thank you for the kind words.
Thank you, Ken. You, and Fred, are the best.
Hey Jim…many thanks for reading, and thank you for the thought. All the Best, Joe
I think the greatest compliment any teacher can receive is to be remembered (for the most part) fondly and to be told they made a difference, It doesn’t need to happen often to become indelibly etched in your heart and soul, and it is always appreciated more than words can say. I think you can probably look at your words as a preview of what you can expect from the many who are influenced by you when the time comes for you move onto that last great adventure.
My deep condolences Joe. The dark secret of middle age is losing those who led us along life’s path.
Joe: well-written as usual. Very poignant. Thanks for sharing this.
So sorry to hear of Fred’s passing, Joe. I recall, in very clear terms, how much he meant to you when you spoke of him during our Nikon Owner interview. Next to family and close friends, a teacher who informs, inspires, and “reaches” us, is a treasure never forgotten. Sincere condolences.
Sorry for your loss Joe. Losing a mentor can be harder than loosing a family member. Shared passion tie people together. Cherish the man, and the time, and pass on the education with his spirit. (Oh wait you do!!)
Thank you, Mark…
Thank you, Robert….appreciate the thoughts.
Appreciate the note, Mo…..all the best.
Mr. Joe. My most humble condolences go out to you and his family. While I admire and respect you work and approach to the craft, it is you ability to teach it on so many levels that even a ape like me can understand. I am willing to bet the farm, that Mr. Demarest planted the seeds that grew into your teaching ability.
PJ
You make me wish I had had him as a teacher and mentor, both with your words and your photos. Sorry for your, his friends, and his family’s loss.
A very poignant post Sir
A good teacher can inspire hope, ignite the imagination, and instill a love of learning person with good photographic skill sorry for the loss
A Super touching post – its so rare these days to find someone who can inspire you – i firmly believe he has left a legacy by inspiring people like you to go on and spread the amazing lessons that you do. Your work is truly outstanding. Thank you.
Beautiful