[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 92 (Friday, June 24, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1203]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF BRIAN LANKER

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                         HON. PETER A. DeFAZIO

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 24, 2011

  Mr. DeFAZIO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and 
legacy of Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist Brian Lanker. Brian 
died on March 13th, ten days after being diagnosed with terminal 
pancreatic cancer.
  Brian was a remarkable photographer. He was also a good friend. He 
began his career at the Topeka Capital-Journal in 1970--a paper 
nationally renowned for excellence in photojournalism. While at the 
paper, he shot a series on natural childbirth using the Lamaze method, 
which was not common at that time. The series culminated in a photo of 
Lynda (then Coburn) Lanker, Brian's future wife, giving birth to her 
son, Dustin. This ebullient photograph earned Brian the 1973 Pulitzer 
Prize.
  Shortly after that achievement, Brian moved to Eugene, Oregon, to 
take a position as the director of graphics for the Register Guard. 
Under Brian's direction, photos became a significant part of the news 
story. He raised the paper's standard for photojournalism to new 
heights, and he was awarded two Newspaper Photographer of the Year 
awards for his effort. In a remembrance, Carl Davaz, the paper's then 
deputy managing editor, told David Dunlap that Brian always thought 
first about the reader when taking pictures, and used his talents to 
bring words-and-pictures together.
  Brian became a freelance photographer after he left the Register 
Guard in 1982. He took breathtaking photographs for distinguished 
publications including LIFE Magazine, Sports Illustrated, and National 
Geographic. He was sought out for his photographic instincts and 
ability to capture single moments that told entire stories.
  His proudest works, however, came when he collaborated with poet Maya 
Angelou on two books: ``I Dream a World,'' his portraits of black women 
of achievement; and ``Shall We Dance,'' a photographic documentary of 
dance in America. The debut showing for ``I Dream a World'' set 
attendance records at Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington, DC. It is 
now in its 14th printing, which made Brian particularly proud because 
it meant the stories of these distinguished women were being shared.
  At the end of Mr. Dunlap's remembrance, he wrote about Carl Davaz' 
final visit with Brian. Brian simply told Carl, ``There's just so much 
left to do.''
  Just before Brian died, two of his children, who had separately 
planned weddings for later in the year, chose to get married at Brian's 
bedside so he could share in their celebration. He died soon 
thereafter. Brian is survived by Lynda Lanker, a recognized artist in 
her own right, and their children Julie Coburn, Jacki Coburn, and 
Dustin Lanker.
  For my part, I agree with you, Brian--there was just so much left for 
you to do. You are deeply missed.

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