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Bernie Boston Obituary
Boston died at his home in Basye, where he retired in 1994 after working for The Los Angeles Times, The Washington Star and the Dayton Daily News. His death was announced by the White House News Photographers Association, for which he served four terms as president.
Boston's photograph, "Flower Power," was a runner-up for the Pulitzer Prize. He took the picture at a war protest in Washington on Oct. 22, 1967.
He was also a Pulitzer Prize finalist for a 1987 photograph of Coretta Scott King unveiling a bust of her late husband, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., in the U.S. Capitol.
Born in Washington, Boston graduated from the Rochester Institute of Technology and served in the Army before starting his news photography career in Dayton. He moved back to Washington to work at the Star and was director of photography when the newspaper folded in 1981. He then was hired by The Los Angeles Times to establish a photo operation in the nation's capital.
He covered every president from Harry Truman to Bill Clinton.
After retiring, Boston and his wife, Peggy, co-owned the Bryce Mountain Courier, a monthly newspaper.
Copyright © 2008 The Associated Press
31 Entries
Breeden Video Works Company USA
May 11, 2009
Bernie Boston was more than a friend, best friend, or co-worker, he was a brother to me. He is one of the nicest guys you can ever meet in your life time. I am really going to miss him.
Florin C. Breeden
(CEO Of BVWCO)
Florin Breeden
July 2, 2008
We will miss Bernie Boston, he was a great friend to Camera & Palette & David.
allan dodds frank
February 21, 2008
Bernie Boston simply was one of the finest gentlemen, newsmen and teachers I have ever been lucky enough to work with, hear about or know. He was always most gracious with his time and always in fine form. And what a shooter! I remember going to the White House with him once and watching him work intently at the presser. I asked why he always shot with both eyes open. His answer was: "If someone starts shooting at the President, then I can find the gunman with the other eye and only miss one frame." It's not easy, but ever since then, I try to shoot pictures with both eyes open and think of Bernie. We all loved him. Allan Dodds Frank
Mary-Margaret Green
February 16, 2008
Dear Peg:
I have had trouble putting words to my feelings since learning of Bernie's death. He's one of those people who embodied The Star to me - talented, of course, but generous and easy to know and like. I'll always remember his smile and the parties at your home on Lewinsville Road. Sincerely,
How you can show support
Boris Weintraub
January 30, 2008
They don't come any better than Bernie Boston. A great professional, but an even better person, colleague, friend.
Laurel Williams
January 28, 2008
Dear Peggy, I have not had the opportunity to meet you since I have lived out of the area for some time. I am Bernie's cousin. His mother Noreen and my Grandmother are sisters. I am so sorry to hear he has gone on. I remember having him to explain to me how and when he acquired each camera in his collection every 4th of July when I was growing up. He will be dearly missed.
Carolyn Smith
January 28, 2008
Dear Peg,
I was deeply sadden to get a call from my friend Karen who told me about Bernie's passing and that I should read the article in the Post last week. My heart goes out to you. I will always fondly remember the times that we spent together and I have truly missed your friendship over the past years.
Love
Dave Schwartz
January 26, 2008
I was honored to call Bernie my friend. His love of life is an inspiration to all who knew him. Everyone who knew Bernie will miss his physical presence, but I know his great spirit will live on in all whose lives he touched. To Peggy, my most hearfelt sympathy.
Benjamin Forgey
January 26, 2008
Bernie was a splendid photographer and a wonderful man who will be remembered and missed by all who encountered him. For me, that was during the Star years.
Delbra Smith
January 25, 2008
Dear Peggy - We are so sorry to hear about Bernie passing. Our prayers are with you and your family. We will always cherish the wonderful times we shared with you and Bernie at your home. Take care. Hervy, Holly and Delbra Smith.
Rev. Arnold Taylor
January 25, 2008
Dear Peggy - Lilian joins me in sending our love to you. Bernie put up an admirable fight to live; but in death there is peace. Love, Arnold & Lilian Taylor
Diane Williams
January 25, 2008
Dear Peggy, I was so sorry to hear of Bernie's death today via the Star email trail. I'll miss him terribly and am very glad to have known him--and to still know you. I'm glad Rusty and Adam were able to visit with you both last year!
Harry Bacas
January 25, 2008
I worked with Bernie the entire time he was at the Washington Star. He was not only a standout on the photo staff, but a leader in any group. He combined a sense of humor with sturdy principles and a warm humanity. A grand guy.
Helen Olshefski
January 25, 2008
I was so sorry to hear about Bernie's passing. My husband Norbert, and Bernie spent many years together at the Washington Star. I remember the picnics at the McLean house. Great fun. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Peggy.
Cee Olshefski
January 25, 2008
Peg: My dad, Norb, worked with Bernie at The Star and I have such fond memories of him. So gentle and kind to us kids. They sure had fun there and I remember visiting your McLean home on several occasions. He will be greatly missed by so many and my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
William Greenawalt
January 25, 2008
Dear Peggy, I am so sorry for your loss Bernie & You will be in my prayers. You and I have never met, Bernie and I were at RIT at the same time, on Friday nights four of us would travel home in Bernies' car, down Rt 15, we called ourselves "The Night Riders". In two weeks I am scheduled to be in DC area for the National Prayer Breakfast, so I had the RIT Alum. book out, looking up his address and phone number, to call and possibly visit, and then I went on the Albany NY Obituaries to look for another friend and was shocked to see Bernies name pop up, the Holy Spirit works in strange ways to lead me to that site today, I was shocked, Why do we wait so long to reach out. The world and you have lost a generous, gentleman.
Love to You
Herman H. Smith
January 25, 2008
Dear Peggy,
I am very sad to hear of the passing of Bernie.
He was like a bother to me.
I have know him most of my life.
I will miss him dearly.
Hervy
The Staff of the Shenandoah County Animal Shelter
January 25, 2008
We will be forever grateful to Bernie for all he has done for the orphan dogs at the Shenandoah County Animal Shelter. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this trying time.
Michael Harris
January 25, 2008
This world is a better place for him having been a part of it. His contributions will not long be forgotten.
In strength, peace and love,
Mike Harris
Tom Gugliuzza-Smith
January 25, 2008
My heartfelt sympathy to the Boston family in the loss of Bernie.
Larry Geary
January 24, 2008
Bernie will be missed by many of us. He was such a strong yet gentle man that will never be forgotten. He was wonderful when we had our open house for our log home business and you all put pictures in the paper.
You have my deepest sympathy.
Rev. Walter Longshore
January 24, 2008
May God comfort and keep you.
My sister (June L. Rooks) and I are Bernie's cousins from NJ. We share
your loss.
Sally Peterson
January 24, 2008
RIP GOD Bless
Clinton Noble
January 24, 2008
I met him in Saigon, had breakfast with him, what a nice guy, sorry to hear he is gone. my prays are you
Diann Jenkins
January 24, 2008
Dear Peggy, I remember Bernie very well. Much to my surprise, I often asked Marion about him. I remember meeting you and Bernie at the McLean family home, when Buttons and I first got married. I always thought that was the most beautiful place ever. My deepest regrets goes out to the family.
Marion Davidson
January 24, 2008
Peggy, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your husband and my cousin. I am Marion Davidson in Washington, DC the daughter of Miriam Faulkner and the niece of Yolanda Reid. Just know that Bernie is in a better place. He is no longer suffering. I will continue to keep you in my prayers.
God Bless Cousin Marion.
Glen Hausfeld
January 24, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
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