I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of David R. Stoecklein on Nov. 10. Stoecklein was a well-known and accomplished photographer and educator who ably and perfectly captured the ranching lifestyle with his camera lens. The Idaho Statesman reports that funeral arrangements for the 65-year-old Ketchum resident are pending at Summers Funeral Homes, Boise Chapel.

Although I never met Stoecklein personally, his photography is a favorite among all of us on the BEEF magazine staff. Through the years, several of his stunning images have served as covers for BEEF and special sections within the magazine. In addition, his coffee table books have been a popular prize for contest winners on the BEEF Daily blog. If you're not familiar with his work, or want to revisit his artistry with a camera, I encourage you to check out his portfolio on his website here.

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Here’s a little more about Stoecklein, from the pages of his website:

“David Stoecklein launched his photography career by taking lifestyle shots of skiing, fishing, hiking, and biking, landing assignments for companies such as Coca-Cola, Ski magazine, L.L. Bean, Reebok, Timberland, and Scientific Angler. It was not long, however, before he turned his lens to his neighbors on the great ranches of the West.

“David’s fascination with the ranching heritage of the American West led him to befriend, and subsequently photograph, the men and women still breathing life into the mythical figure of the cowboy. David’s passion for preserving the traditions and beliefs of the country’s honest, hard-working cowboys and cowgirls gradually earned him their respect. With that respect came an open invitation to share in their lives, and the great responsibility to honor their trust.”

In honor of Stoecklein, we are giving away three of his coffee table books to voters in the Greeley Hat Works “Home Is Where You Hang Your Hat” Photo Contest. The deadline to vote is noon today, so check out the gallery of 15 finalists and help us select our champions.

VOTE HERE.

Although Stoecklein has passed, his legacy will live on in the huge body of his life's work. Thank you, David, for capturing the memories, the traditions and the lifestyle of the American rancher. We thank you for passionate pursuit of bringing our heritage to life through your photography.

The opinions of Amanda Radke are not necessarily those of beefmagazine.com or the Penton Farm Progress Group.

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