In Memoriam: Fred Ward (1935-2016)

2 minute read

Photographer Fred Ward—who captured intimate moments at the White House with Martin Luther King Jr., John F. Kennedy and Gerald Ford—died last week, from Alzheimer’s disease, says his daughter, Lolly Ward. He was 81.

“Fred was the smartest photographer in Washington,” says Dennis Brack, a colleague who worked alongside Ward at the Black Star Picture Agency for 40 years. “There have been other smart photographers since he went west, but they have excelled in only one field—Fred had it all together.”

Following the Kennedy assassination in 1963, Ward captured the affecting image of Jacqueline Kennedy returning to Washington with her husband’s blood on her legs. Days later, his image of the grieving first lady with her two young children before her husband’s casket, would appear on the cover of Life Magazine—a photo that Andy Warhol turned into an iconic print of Jacqueline Kennedy.

Portrait of photographer Fred Ward.
Portrait of photographer Fred Ward.Fred Ward—Award Agency

Over five decades, Ward traveled to more than 130 countries on assignment for TIME, Newsweek, Life, and National Geographic.He piloted experimental aircraft and his own helicopter, as well as underwater diving. He photographed pop star icons, including the Beatles’ first American concert.

Ward died at his home in Malibu, Calif. He is survived by Charlotte, his wife of 58 years and their four children.

Rachel Lowry is a writer and contributor for TIME LightBox. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram.

Follow TIME LightBox on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

John Lennon and Paul McCartney at the British Embassy after their concert.
John Lennon and Paul McCartney at the British Embassy after their concert.Fred Ward—Award Agency
Portrait of Elvis Presley.
Portrait of Elvis Presley.Fred Ward—Award Agency
Portrait of Martin Luther King.
Portrait of Martin Luther King.Fred Ward—Award Agency
Civil rights in Cambridge, Gloria Richardson.
Civil rights in Cambridge, Gloria Richardson.Fred Ward—Award Agency
John F. Kennedy, medal of honor ceremony.
John F. Kennedy, medal of honor ceremony.Fred Ward—Award Agency
John F. Kennedy at a baseball game.
John F. Kennedy at a baseball game.Fred Ward—Award Agency
Jackie Kennedy with Caroline and John Jr. at JFK's funeral.
Jackie Kennedy with Caroline and John Jr. at JFK's funeral.Fred Ward—Award Agency
Portrait of Robert F. Kennedy announcing he is running for president.
Portrait of Robert F. Kennedy announcing he is running for president.Fred Ward—Award Agency
Portrait of Audrey Hepburn.
Portrait of Audrey Hepburn.Fred Ward—Award Agency
Portrait of President Gerald Ford smoking by Fred Ward.
Portrait of President Gerald Ford smoking.Fred Ward—Award Agency
Fidel Castro surrounded by grapefruit trees.
Fidel Castro surrounded by grapefruit trees.Fred Ward—Award Agency
Portrait of the Dalai Lama.
Portrait of the Dalai Lama.Fred Ward—Award Agency

More Must-Reads from TIME

Contact us at letters@time.com