what a beautiful life… It’s always tough to know what or how much to share on the blog but this one is for Scott and Jerilyn. My heart is with you both.
This weekend I received the news that a photographer and friend that I deeply admire, Scott Raffe, who was recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer had suffered several strokes taken a turn for the worse with about two weeks to live.
When I started the blog, Scott was one of the uber talented friends I couldn’t wait to share with the world. Scott is from Tulsa and we always had a caring friendship from the time we met. He and his beautiful wife Jerilyn were married about the same time Bret and I were and I loved seeing their smiling newlywed faces at least once a year at our Dallas Show. Late yesterday, I received the news that sweet Scott had passed. Of course there is tremendous sadness but in the last month of his life, Scott did what we all would like to do - lived every moment. He came to Dallas, saw friends and won several medals at our professional show (he cleaned up!). He went to see one of his favorite bands Wilco at his favorite venue Cain’s Ballroom and he photographed his favorite subject, Circus Flora, for the last time. We should all be so lucky. So this post today is a celebration of Scott’s wonderful life, extraordinary soul and the gorgeous photography that will forever touch so many lives. For more of Scott’s work visit Circus Flora, his website , the original post from September 09 and a few images below.
“Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.” Dr. Seuss
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Scott Raffe on the lot of Circus Flora — June 11, 2011
He will be missed. His art lives on. Blessings and peace.
I adore this post, thank you so much sharing!
Sam, I’m so sorry to hear about this. Thinking about you and Scott’s family.
He took gorgeous photos.
RIP
Scott Raffe
Many kind remarks on Twitter.
0,o
The world lost a truly great talent, and a genuinely nice guy… he will be missed.
Sam, thanks for sharing with such tenderness the news of your friend Scott’s life. His work lives on and his spirit will too every time you think of him.
My younger sister Susie died of pancreatic cancer a year ago, leaving four children and a beautiful marriage. It doesn’t make much sense, but like Scott, Susie reveled in every moment.
One of my most treasured photographs was taken by Scott. It is a picture of my mom and I that hangs in my home. This was a gift he gave to many of his clients in St. Louis. I always enjoyed working with Scott. Even though I have not seen or spoken to Scott in a long time, I will truly miss him. He had so much talent and passion for his work. God bless his family.
What amazing talent. Some of the best I have ever seen! Many blessings to his family.
A beautiful tribute, Sam. And, an inspiring if not heartbreaking post to share. My thoughts to his wife and family and to you and Bret on the loss of a wonderful person and friend.
Thank you for honoring an amazing man. Your tribute captured his heart, his soul, and his passion. He is missed.
My dear friend Michael Sandler had Pancreatic Cancer. He was my art gallery buddy with a golden heart. What a stupid terrible killer.
There is an organization called Pan Can that is not that well supported but all monies push to the cure of Pancreatic Cancer. I am sorry for your loss.
http://pancan.org/