Page 322 - ShowSight, March 2020

IN MEMORY OF JOSEPH NEIL McGINNIS III
Six years ago, Joe McGinnis came into my life when he called to invite me to take photographs for ShowSight magazine. Although I knew how ill he was, I was shocked when I read the post on Facebook this morning. The last time that I saw him was at the Devon dog show where he had asked me to photograph. I had no dogs entered at the show, but when Joe requested me to photograph a show, I did. I will miss the times that we talked and I will miss having you select the photographs for publication. Thank you for everything that you did for me and the dog show world. He was always so supportive.
JEAN EDWARDS
IN MEMORY OF JOSEPH NEIL MCGINNIS III
So many thoughts remembering my friend, Joe McGinnis. The last few days I have spent rereading numerous From The Editor articles written over the years (20 years’ worth in my collection) by our Joe McGinnis. Joe’s creative articles are a lasting memorial to the man’s beliefs and values. I would urge some of you to reread. Certainly it is worth your time. We all
can learn from Joe’s teachings.
Joe, along with his beloved husband Duane, were stalwarts in the
Pekingese world. They both gave of their time and their money. They loved Pekingese, they showed Pekingese, they bred Pekingese, they sup- ported rescue Pekingese, etc. They founded and published the only Pekingese breed
magazine along with other dog publications.
Joe was Editor In Chief as well as Art Director for the Orient Express. I so appreciated his artis-
tic input in the hundreds of ads I placed in the Orient Express. In fact, I am smiling as I recall how it was Joe’s idea to add the bubbles and champagne glasses to all my Celebrations Winner ads. Joe was one of the most creative persons I’ve met. Probably creativity broadened by his love of theatre.
On a personal note, when I unexpectedly lost my GCH Pequest One Moment In Time (West- minster Award Winner), both Joe and Duane reached out to me. Their caring was so appreciated at a most traumatic time in my life. Few busy ones take the time to reach out.
I could list forever Joe’s many achievements, but I would be remiss if I did not mention his fashion style.
Oh could Joe “dress”. My last remembrance was running into Joe at Westminster in a hallway. He was dressed in black with a bright white scarf thrown casually over his shoulders. Joe “rocked”. A sad time for all of us Peke people, no less for Joe, was when the Orient Express was forced to close due to lack of community support. Ads were no longer forthcoming. Joe was heartbroken. Knowing Joe, he rebounded by throwing his entire being, heart and soul, into his other publica-
tions. But we all know the Orient Express was Joe’s baby.
Joe was so proud of his chosen designee, AJ. Joe and AJ were kindred spirits working together.
AJ has made Joe’s last years a positive. Thank you, AJ, for being there.
My last communication with Joe was when he contacted me in December in regard to his table
art collection. Art collecting was/is a shared passion with Joe and I. Knowing I love Bronzes our discussion was a positive one about such.
Rereading Joe’s salutation written that day brought tears to my eyes. Thank you, Joseph, for all that you did for the Pekingese. Thank you for your kind- nesses to me as a person. We love you, Joseph Neil McGinnis lll. Rest In Peace.
DOROTHY COOPER
CELEBRATIONS PEKINGESE, PEKINGESE CLUB OF NEW JERSEY, PEKINGESE RESCUE NETWORK INC, PCF NAT’L RESCUE COORDINATOR
320 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, MARCH 2020