Richard E. "Dick" Locher, longtime member of the Association of American Editorial Cartoonists, died August 6th of complications from Parkinson's disease. From 1973 to 2013 he drew for the Chicago Tribune and won the Pulitzer Prize for editorial cartooning in 1983. Locher also worked on the popular comic strip "Dick Tracy" for over three decades, first as an assistant for the comic's creator Chester Gould and later as the principal artist and writer.

However, the Locher contribution especially appreciated by members of the AAEC, which continues to enrich the organization to this day, is the creation of the John Locher Memorial Award for young aspiring cartoonists. The award, which was named in memory of Dick and Mary Locher's son, helps the AAEC discover new talent and encourages artists 18-25 years old to enter the editorial cartooning profession.

Several Association members, including current board members, have been past recipients of the award, and Dick and Mary's mentoring and continuing guidance have been key in launching a number of cartoonist's careers. This invaluable resource strengthens editorial cartooning and the AAEC is forever grateful to Dick and Mary Locher for their dedication to supporting and nurturing the profession.

The AAEC sends their heartfelt condolences to Mary Locher and the entire Locher family.

Ann Telnaes, President
Pat Bagley, President-Elect
Nate Beeler, Vice President
Monte Wolverton, Secretary-Treasurer
Adam Zyglis, Immediate Past President
Ed Hall, Kevin Siers, Signe Wilkinson, Board of Directors