Colleagues Celebrate John Morris’ 100th Birthday

By Sonya K. Fry

Over 200 people celebrated OPC member John Morris’ 100th birthday in Paris, but one person was absent – John himself. The previous week, John had an operation and could not be released from the hospital in time for the party, so he was Skyped in. His opening words: “this is the happiest and saddest day of my life.” John always loved a party, but he had to miss this very important one.
The OPC presented a proclamation, which was written by Mort Rosenblum, and we were eager to read it to John in person because we were sure he would enjoy it. Instead Gabriel Morris Moscovitz, John’s grandson, made a video of the three OPC members, Vivienne Walt, Sonya Fry and Mort Rosenblum, each reading a line. We trust that John will be able to see and enjoy the video sometime soon. Mort said “I think he will laugh.”

John Morris has been an OPC member since 1954 when he was the executive editor of Magnum Photos. Since John was Robert Capa’s editor at Life magazine he has always been a special member of the OPC family of journalists. The OPC has sponsored the Robert Capa Gold Medal Award since 1955 and it is one of the most prestigious award for photojournalists because it requires courage and enterprise.

Updated news on John’s health: Gabriel sent this message: on Jan. 10: “My granddad is doing better! He’s out of the hospital now and in a rehab facility nearby where he will be for at least a couple of weeks convalescing.”

 

 
 

 
OPC Governor Vivienne Walt, former OPC executive director Sonya Fry and longtime OPC member Mort Rosenblum. The group gathered in Paris to celebrate the 100th birthday of veteran OPC member and renowned photo editor John Morris. Rosenblum holds a proclamation from the OPC that he had written for the occasion.
A signed proclamation in honor of John Morris.
Jim Bitterman of CNN, Vivienne Walt of TIME and Sonya Fry, former OPC executive director.
Sonya Fry and other attendees speak to John Morris via Skype from the hospital.