Fred Ward | Photographer, 81
Fred Ward, 81, a Washington photographer who captured memorable images of the funeral of President John F. Kennedy and the Beatles' first American concert and who traveled the world on assignment for National Geographic magazine, died Tuesday at his home in Malibu, Calif. He had Alzheimer's disease, said his wife, Charlotte Ward.
Fred Ward, 81, a Washington photographer who captured memorable images of the funeral of President John F. Kennedy and the Beatles' first American concert and who traveled the world on assignment for National Geographic magazine, died Tuesday at his home in Malibu, Calif. He had Alzheimer's disease, said his wife, Charlotte Ward.
On his first day in Washington in 1962, Mr. Ward parked his Volkswagen van in the White House driveway, bounded inside, and picked up his credentials as a photographer for Black Star photo agency.
He often spent time with Kennedy and his family at the White House, photographing the president in his rocking chair or throwing out the first pitch at Opening Day for the Washington Senators.
When Kennedy was assassinated on Nov. 22, 1963, Mr. Ward captured a heartbreaking image of his widow, Jacqueline, returning to Washington, with her husband's blood caked on her legs.
Days later, Mr. Ward portrayed a solemn first lady and her two young children as they watched the fallen president's casket leave the White House on the day of his state funeral. The color photograph appeared on the cover of Life magazine.
Mr. Ward went on to have a career of remarkable range.
Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Charlotte Mayes Ward; four children; a sister; and four grandchildren. - Washington Post