Richard D. Bay, medical publisher

Richard D. Bay, 67, publisher and president of Jobson Medical Information in Newtown Square, died Sunday, Dec. 2, of metastatic parotid cancer at Bryn Mawr Hospital.

Mr. Bay started out working in the mail room at Chilton Publishing Co. fresh from John Bartram High School in 1962.

"We all came from West Philadelphia, and this was a big deal working at Chilton," said his wife, the former Jeanne Kirk. "His job was stacking and delivering the mail."

Over the years, Mr. Bay learned a succession of jobs - assistant production manager, writer, associate editor, managing editor, business manager and publisher of Chilton magazines such as Motor Age, Hardware Age, and Food Engineering.

He also oversaw two health-care publications - Review of Optometry and Review of Ophthalmology. When Jobson bought the vision publications in 1999, "Rick went with them," his wife said.

Jobson's corporate headquarters is in New York, with a branch in Newtown Square. It works with clinicians, pharmacies, and government and managed care groups to deliver health-care information across multiple platforms, according to its website.

Mr. Bay served as president of the Professional Publication Group as well as being one of the company's senior vice presidents. He was responsible for publishing the Review titles in optometry, ophthalmology, and contact lenses, and for overseeing Review's online products and conference group.

"He was all about work," said his wife, but liked to travel, read, and spend time at the family summer home in Ocean City, N.J.

Five years ago, Mr. Bay was diagnosed with parotid metastatic cancer, a malignancy of a gland below the ear. He fought the disease with treatment and kept working until he was hospitalized two weeks ago, his wife said.

According to his family, he was respected for his knowledge, loyalty, and generosity. He mentored many and was known for his keen wit.

In the office, he fostered a family-style atmosphere, said Michele Barrett, a sales manager with Jobson for 14 years.

"One of our employees was having difficulty paying for his daughter's glasses. She was in first grade, and without them for two weeks, [couldn't] see. Rick opened up his wallet and put the money in an envelope and handed it to the person and said, "Go take care of your daughter,' " Barrett recalled.

Mr. Bay met his wife in high school. They married and celebrated 43 years together in June.

Surviving, in addition to his wife, are a brother; four sisters; and nieces and nephews.

A life celebration has yet to be scheduled. Contributions may be made to Head and Neck Cancer Alliance, Box 21688, Charleston, S. C. 29413, or by visiting www.headandneck.org.