When he leaned forward and his eyebrows went up I knew TRUTH was coming. Sometimes it was a comment about silly web practices. Sometimes it was about the downfall of the greats. And sometimes it was about the meaning of photography. Or war. Or cars.

Jacque didn't compromise a whole lot. His opinions were pretty fixed. The term "Crusty Old Fart" applied. But the clarity of his opinions - the pure crystaline understanding of what works, reminded me of the way reading Rand or Nietsche can give you an instant of understanding the universe. For just that instant you see that life is good and should be grabbed quickly and with vigor. Caution is for sissies.

The first time I saw Jacque DuRoi's photography was in photo school. The first time I met him was when a model I'd arranged to photograph was married to him. Whodda thunk he'd be in Billings?

Jacque is largely responsible for me continuing to make photographs. Or to blame. For me, it means that he's to thank for the joy I get from it. (And then there's the time he bailed me out of some serious trouble, but that's another story.) Let me say that second to the last part again for emphasis. Jacque's outlook, philosophy - his being there - has made my life substantially happier than it would have been had I never known him.

Thanks Jacque. Get a haircut.

-Don

The following photo, take in July of this year, was Jacque hamming it up. The wig looked as good on him as it did on anyone.

Jacque DuRoi King was a friend and a mentor and I will miss him.