'San Jose Mercury News' Photographer Len Vaughn-Lahman Dies

Posted Monday, July 13, 2009 12:00 am

By: Daryl Lang Photographer Len Vaughn-Lahman, who spent nearly three decades at the San Jose Mercury News, died July 10 at age 55 after a lengthy battle with cancer. His death was reported Friday by the Mercury News, which described him as a "sweet-souled bear of a man."

Vaughn-Lahman studied journalism at Ohio University and the University of Missouri-Columbia. After college he shot for publications including the Los Angeles Times and the Arizona Star.

He joined the Mercury News in 1981, where he covered local as well as international news, including stories on the Brazilian rain forest and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"He was a true raconteur; he had an easy way with people and he was comfortable in any circumstance, whether it was covering plane crashes or politicians or even studio photo sessions," said former Mercury News Executive Editor David Yarnold, quoted in the Mercury News.

To see a gallery of his photos, go here.

-- Nielsen Business Media

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'San Jose Mercury News' Photographer Len Vaughn-Lahman Dies

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