On October 14, 2026, legendary photojournalist Jerry Gay passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 79. For those of us across the newsrooms of Robinson Newspapers, his passing marks more than the closing of a storied chapter in Pacific Northwest journalism—it is the loss of a mentor, a colleague, and a dear friend whose profound humanity forever altered how we see our craft and our community.

In a heartfelt message, his daughter, Ellen Bohn, shared the family's gratitude and remembrance:

"With heavy hearts, we share the passing of our dad, Jerry Gay, 79, who peacefully passed away this morning, October 14th. Jerry was a Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist, an adored father, grandfather, and a dear friend to so many. We are grateful for the love, memories, and moments shared with him.

Details for a celebration of life will follow.

Wrapping our arms around everyone who was blessed to share in Jerry's life."

A Poetic Eye and the Science of Film

Jerry’s journey as a photographer began in his youth, driven by a deep passion for the science and art of black-and-white film. He attended the prestigious Brooks Institute of Photography before diving headfirst into a career as a photojournalist—a calling that took him across the nation, honing his craft wherever breaking news called.

As Patrick Robinson recalls, Jerry’s relentless dedication to photojournalism was paired with a deeply empathetic soul:

"Jerry was a singular talent melding a poetic view of life with an amazing ability to distill the meaning of a moment into a single image. He told me that as a young man he would sleep with a police scanner under his bed and have his gear, and clothing ready to go at a moment's notice. He would hear a call, even in the wee hours and race out to cover the fire, or other breaking news. I think it made him even more sensitive if possible. He saw human suffering in person. That experience changes you, makes you understand like nothing else how fleeting life can be. Jerry's eyes and heart made the world a better place. He is deeply missed."

The Quiet Moment That Won a Pulitzer

Jerry’s national prominence grew rapidly in the 1970s. He was elected national president of the National Press Photographers Association (NPPA), named Regional Photographer of the Year four consecutive times, and covered major national stories—including his iconic 1977 jailhouse portrait session with Ted Bundy in Colorado.

His defining moment occurred during his tenure at The Seattle Times, when he was dispatched early one morning to cover a house fire at Three Tree Point in Burien. Rather than focusing on the destruction of the flames, Jerry turned his camera toward four exhausted volunteer firefighters sitting together on a muddy hillside after battling the blaze. Titled "Lull in the Battle," the photograph earned Jerry the 1975 Pulitzer Prize for Spot News Photography—capturing the quiet, raw human reality behind breaking news.

"We All Worshiped at the Feet of Jerry"

Despite international acclaim, Jerry remained closely tied to the grassroots heart of neighborhood storytelling, forming deep, lasting bonds with his colleagues at Robinson Newspapers.

Ken Robinson reflected on Jerry’s unique artistic mastery and the personal impact he had on fellow photographers:

"Jerry was an artist. His medium was film, notably black and white film. His art sprang from an adolescent interest in photography and was followed by a passionate interest in the science of it. He attended the best photography school in the world, Brooks Academy, but did not graduate. Instead, he began a career as a photojournalist. This work took him all over the nation where someone else was paying for the raw film that allowed him to polish his art.

We became friends through his work and over time, saw each other because of our mutual interest. I also love photography and grew up in the newspaper business where we were fortunate to practice our interest. Two of my four brothers also became exceptional photographers. We all worshiped at the feet of Jerry. Like any artists, we admired his work and recognized his unique talent.

About 20 years ago, Jerry came to visit and gave me two of his cherished Nikon F camera bodies and lenses. He had moved on to a new version of that brand of 35 millimeter cameras. The ones he gave me occupy a special place in my collection of cameras and while it sounds corny, I can almost feel the essence of work done by my friend, in those old cameras."

Returning Home to Robinson Newspapers

In the latter chapters of his career, Jerry brought his extraordinary gifts home to the local community, joining Robinson Newspapers—publishers of neighborhood staples including the West Seattle Herald, White Center News, Highline Times, Ballard News-Tribune, and Des Moines News. Walking the local streets alongside publisher Jerry Robinson and editor Eric Mathison, Jerry spent years capturing front-page photos and intimate feature portraits of everyday residents.

For Eric Mathison, working alongside Jerry was one of the highlights of a life in journalism:

"One of the worst things about growing older is dealing with the deaths of people who meant a lot to you. I was so lucky to work with and become friends with Jerry."

A Legacy of Compassion

To everyone who worked alongside him at Robinson Newspapers, Jerry taught us that a camera isn't a tool for taking something from a subject—it is a bridge for sharing understanding, dignity, and warmth. Jerry Gay changed the way we practice journalism, leaving behind a legacy carved not just in Pulitzer gold, but in the quiet, compassionate way we view the world through our viewfinders.