For a brief time in the late ’90s, Rick Bay was the publisher of 20/20. And this cover image from the first Expo West in Las Vegas in September 1999 captures a swagger and stance totally befitting the cool, confidence and camaraderie of Rick. Forever our friend and always a unique leader, Bay passed away on Dec. 2, 2012. He was 67 years old. Most in optical knew him as longtime and highly popular publisher of Jobson Optical’s Review of Optometry and the founder of Review of Ophthalmology. Marc Ferrara, 20/20 publisher notes: “Rick had been battling serious illness the last couple of years, but remained committed and active in his role here at JMI and the Review Group. He embodied such a rare combination of traits: business savvy, steadfast loyalty, competitive fierceness, impenetrable integrity and personal warmth that made us all feel so very special when we were with him. He will be deeply missed for so many reasons, but mostly because he was our true friend, mentor and leader.”

We miss you Rick. Whenever I hear the exclamation or greeting of “Hey Babe!” I’ll think of you and hopefully each time that memory will be enhanced by the recall of your wonderful smile and not the profound sadness now felt.    


Rick Bay with his wife Jeanne. They met in high school and just recently celebrated 43 years of marriage this past June.    —JJS