1948
Daniel Morris Baris passed away on June 29, 2023, at the Terraces at Summitview in Yakima, WA, less than three months from his hundredth birthday. Dan was born September 16, 1923, in Patchogue, NY, the son of Jewish immigrants from what is now Belarus. He is survived by his wife of 77 years, Geraldine Baris, three sons, seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents and his two older sisters. Before moving to the senior living community in 2008, Dan and Jerry lived in Toppenish since 1964. Dan grew up during the Great Depression on Long Island and Manhattan. Inspired by a summer in the Civilian Conservation Corps building trails and fighting forest fires, in 1941 Dan enrolled in the NY State College of Forestry at Syracuse University. Early his first year he met a cute coed from a small town in the Catskill Mountains who would eventually become his wife. World War II interrupted both his education and his romance. He enlisted in the Navy and was initially placed in a program at Cornell University that combined college courses with military training. That was followed by Navy Officers Training College. Upon his commission as an ensign, he was assigned to a troop transport ship, and he landed troops and evacuated wounded men at Iwo Jima and Okinawa. After completing his service, he married Jerry, who had recently graduated from Syracuse, and resumed his forestry studies. When he completed his degree in forestry, Dan had the choice between joining an uncle’s retail lumber business near New York City or accepting a Civil Service position with the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) three thousand miles away on the Makah Reservation at Neah Bay, WA. Rejecting the advice of both their families, Dan and Jerry chose the “wilderness” over city life. They loaded their only piece of furniture, a crib for their 11-month-old son (the second son was already expected), on to the roof of their 10-year-old Chevrolet and headed west. That was the beginning of a 30 plus year career with the BIA as a forester, appraiser, and realty division supervisor. Dan served on eight reservations in Washington, California, and Montana. In the late 1970s Congress passed a law that acquired a politically incorrect moniker as the “Honky Out Bill.” The bill’s objective was to create opportunities for Native Americans to assume supervisory positions in the BIA by offering non Native American supervisors incentives to take early retirement. Dan supported that objective and in 1979, at the age of 55, took early retirement. He left with a well-earned reputation for leadership and innovation, having implemented several procedures and programs that continued in place for many years after his retirement. Too young for a rocking chair, Dan started a second part time career as a consultant assisting in the purchase and sale of easements and mineral leases, and occasionally serving as a litigation expert on tribal real estate issues. Dan and Jerry had been riding bicycles for exercise for a few years. With his retirement bike riding became a focus of their lives. For the next two plus decades they went on several bike tours each year, locally, nationally, and internationally (Canada, Mexico, Europe, Cuba, and the South Pacific). They were featured in several newspaper and magazine articles, including Sunset Magazine. They also traveled widely to attend Elder Hostels. Dan in particular loved a challenge. Instead of simply doing the STP (Seattle to Portland) bike tour, he joined the tour after biking solo from Toppenish to Seattle and then returned by bike from Portland to Toppenish. In his early 70s he biked solo from Toppenish to LA to visit Tim’s family. He later rode the length of Baja California with a small group of riders to Cabo San Lucas. He took his final ride with a large group of family and friends on his 90th birthday, a 31-mile trip through the upper and lower Yakima Valley. By then the odometer on his touring bike read 125,000 miles. Dan was also active in several charitable activities. He was a longtime member of the Lions Club and was one of the founding members of the Yakima Unitarian Universalist Church. For years he was a volunteer counselor with SHIBA, assisting people to get affordable health insurance. He volunteered with the Cascadians and Sierra Club, helped for years with the Gap to Gap races and organized several bicycle winery tours in the Yakima Valley. Dan was a brilliant and wonderfully eccentric man who until the very end of his life loved studying and discussing history, politics, ecology, and climate change, to name a few topics. If Dan was awake and not on a bicycle, he was probably reading or talking. He belonged to several discussion groups, gave presentations to a number of groups and organizations and generally would “bend the ear” of anyone who would listen. With a mixture of sadness, fondness, and admiration for a life well lived, we say goodbye to a loving husband and wonderful father.
1953
Richard Waack died on September 11, 2023 following a brief illness. He was born in Syracuse, New York. He was the husband of the late Catherine E. (Ellis) Waack who died in 2020. He is survived by two daughters and their families. Richard had been a resident of Wayland for over 61 years and previously resided in Framingham and spent his formative years in Syracuse, New York. He received his BS, Masters Degree, and PhD in Chemistry from SUNY College of Environmental Science & Forestry. He was associated for several years with the Dow Chemical Company as a Chemist both in Midland, MI and in Wayland. He spent many years as a Chemist with the Polaroid Company in Waltham and developed the SX 70 film forcameras; at the time, it was the state-of-the-art in photography. Richard was a longtime and active member in the Community United Methodist Church in Cochituate Village, Wayland. He loved the outdoors and while attending college was an enthusiastic competitor and member of the Ski Jumping Team. He enjoyed time spent with family and especially swimming, canoeing, kayaking, biking and skiing throughout New England.
1954
Donald Lohrer of Lake Clear, New York, passed away on August 26, 2023, two and a half days after receiving a diagnosis of Stage 4 cancer. Don was born on August 17, 1934 in Bergen County, NJ. After graduating from Lodi High School in 1952, he went on to receive a degree from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. Don was drafted by the United States Army in 1957. His bootcamp training took place at Fort Dix, NJ. He then served overseas in Germany through 1959 and was awarded a Good Conduct Medal. In April 1956, Don met his true love, Mary, on a blind date. They married at St. Joseph’s Church in Somers Point, NJ on January 16, 1960. They went on to have two amazing children, Donna (Lohrer) DeCaprio, President of UNITE HERE Local 54 and Michael Lohrer, Nutritionist. Don began working for the NJDEP at the Wharton State Forest in 1954 until 1957 when he was drafted. After his honorable discharge from the US Army, he secured a position in October 1959 as a surveyor for the NJ State Department of Transportation. He helped design many roads and bridges in South Jersey while working for NJDOT. He made many friends for life “the gang,” while working for the state of NJ. After decades of service, he retired in 1996. During his early years of retirement, he spent many hours volunteering with the Atlantic County Division of Parks and Recreation, and was awarded the Volunteer of the Quarter in Summer 1999 and Volunteer of the Year 1999. In 2001 Don, the love of his life, Mary, and their dog, Buster, moved to “God’s country,” Lake Clear, NY. There they explored the outdoors hiking, fishing, canoeing and cross-country skiing. He continued his volunteer work, spending many hours at the Fish Hatchery, St. John’s of the Wilderness and helping run the “90-Miler” Adirondack Canoe Classic. They made many great friends who became their second family. Don was a serious reader, having read over 500 books, as well as an avid birder, having memorized every bird species in North America. Don’s humor and sarcasm kept everyone laughing and smiling, even in his darkest hour. Don was predeceased by his mother, his father, and his sister. He is survived by his devoted wife, Mary, his adoring daughter, Donna DeCaprio (Thomas), his loyal son, Michael Lohrer (Natasha), grandchildren Nicolas DeCaprio (Jordan Hunter), Giovanna DeCaprio, Macchia Lohrer, Seth Lohrer, his darling brother, William “DB” Lohrer (Leslie), many cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, as well as many dear friends that he considered family. Don wanted everyone to toast in his honor, laugh and remember the great memories that were shared, but requested that no service be held. In lieu of Flowers please consider a donation to the Audubon Society or the American Cancer Society in Don’s name.
1956
Lyle Davis of Naperville, IL, passed away on August 23, 2023. He was born on September 29, 1934, in Fulton, NY. Loving father of Mary Patricia “Pati” Pineda née Davis, and John William “Bill” Davis. Grandfather of José Ramón Pineda, Ana Michelle Pineda, and Laura Elizabeth Pineda. Lyle was preceded in death by his parents, and his wife of 52 years. Lyle grew up in Baldwinsville, NY and attended Baldwinsville Academy and Central High School class of 1952. He went on to attend the College of Environmental Science and Forestry at Syracuse University where he earned his bachelor’s degree in science. At the age of 21, Lyle joined the Navy and served as a naval pilot for 12 years. After earning the rank of lieutenant commander, he left military service to begin work with American Airlines in 1968, flying commercially for 26 years, and retiring in 1994. Flying was one of his great joys in life. In addition to being a longtime member of River Glen Presbyterian Church, Lyle appreciated spending time in nature and especially enjoyed bird watching. Also, as an Eagle Scout, he participated extensively with the Boy Scouts as Scout Master in the Buffalo area and later as Assistant District Commissioner in the Du Page Area Council. Lyle was known for his bright smile and willingness to help everyone he knew. His anecdotes have entertained family and friends alike over the years. He will be deeply missed.
1957
Lt. Colonel Robert Beier (USAF Retired), “Bump” to his friends, died on September 14, 2023. He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Barbara, and sons Kurt (Deanna) and Mark (Alma), nephews EG Brower and Vance Brower. Robert was a first generation American born in March 1936, to Marie and Joseph Beier who fled Nazi Germany to Rochester, New York. Bob graduated from Syracuse University in 1957 where he rowed crew with his future brother-in-law, Monte Brower, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in forestry. He was a member of the Theta Chi fraternity. Next was primary flight school in Bainbridge and Valdosta, Georgia, and then advanced flight school in Lorado, Texas flying T37, T33 and F86’s. In 1959, after flight school, Robert and Barbara were married and moved to his first assignment at Wurtsmith AFB, Michigan, flying the F102 Delta Dagger in the Air Defense Command (ADC). Next in their multi-state odyssey was Grand Forks AFB, North Dakota, flying the F101B Voodoo. This assignment lasted 4 years and added Kurt and Mark to the family. In 1965, the Air Force moved the family further north to Elmendorf AFB, Alaska. Here Bob flew ADC missions protecting the United States in the F102. While in Alaska, the Air Force accepted his transfer to the photo reconnaissance mission moving Bob to Shaw AFB, Sumter South Carolina in 1966. While here, Bob interviewed and was accepted by Pan Am Airways, but first the Air Force sent him to Udorn, Thailand. He flew 76 combat recon missions in the RF101 over North Vietnam and the Red River Valley, making him a member of the Red River Rats fighter pilot fraternity. He earned a Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) and two Air Medals in this intense 90-day period of his life. After returning to the states, he attended Pan Am’s flight school in San Francisco and joined the Reno Nevada Air National Guard (ANG), which at the time was flying one of his favorites, the RF101. He and Barbara decided to settle in Reno in 1967 where they remained. Fate would dictate that one more state be added to the list when the Reno ANG was activated and sent to Richards-Gebaur AFB, Kansas City, Missouri for the Pueblo crises in 1968. The family lived there for about a year before moving back to Reno. Robert thoroughly enjoyed flying with the Reno ANG, often joking that he would have them to let him fly. He transitioned to his final fighter plane in Reno, the RF4 Phantom. He retired from the military in 1996 with over 20,000 flight hours, many in fighter aircraft. While with Pan Am, he flew the iconic 707, 727 and finally the 747, ending up as Captain. He was sitting in the cockpit loading passengers when Pan Am ceased operations in 1991. They offloaded the passengers and he dead-headed home unemployed. About a year later, Bob started flying with Atlas Air, a cargo outfit out of New York. He really enjoyed flying with Atlas, it flew to a lot of places he had never been, landing in new airports off the passenger’s beaten paths. After retirement, he and Barbara traveled the world. He often volunteered at the Reno Air Races and skied until he was 85 years old. He enjoyed telling tall but verifiable stories of the interesting places he had been and the people he had met. Meeting Jimmy Buffett and getting the crew invited to a concert, getting “lost” in Tahiti for two weeks, 747’s stuffed with flowers for Princes Diana, circling Mount Everest on a clear day looking for climbers because the cargo wouldn’t mind, and always flying very low and very fast, usually because the mission dictated it, but sometimes to remind his sons that he was thinking of them or because the bridge was there.
1959
Erl Swanson passed away on Sept. 12, 2023, at the age of 85. Erl was born in 1937 in New Rochelle, New York. He was a first-generation American; his parents had proudly emigrated to the U.S. from Sweden in the late 1920s. As a child in New York, Erl spent his summers playing baseball and his winters playing hockey. One of his first jobs was caddying at Winged Foot Golf Club in Mamaroneck, New York, which introduced a lifelong love of golf. Erl went on to play baseball and basketball for Syracuse University, where he graduated with a degree in landscape architecture. After university, he graduated from Officer Candidate School at Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island, and was stationed in San Diego, California. While in San Diego, Erl married Janice Hoodless in 1962. After the Navy, the couple moved to Medford, where Erl worked as a landscape architect for the U.S. Forest Service. In 1966, Erl and Jan transferred to Roseburg, Oregon, where Erl worked on the Umpqua National Forest until his retirement in 1993. Erl loved to play! In addition to baseball, golf and hockey, he was an avid bridge player, singer and guitar player. He also enjoyed remodeling his home on the South Umpqua River, a very special place to Erl and his family. He shared his love of play with his four grandchildren, who were the delights of his life. Erl is survived by his daughters, Kristin Smith, Laura Erickson (Dan) and four grandchildren; Kaitlan Degner (Peter), Clifford Danskine (Lauren), Lindsay Buccafurni (Nicholas) and Cassie Danskine (Midnightblue). He was preceded in death by his wife, Janice Swanson in 2005 and by his partner later in life, Dolores Smalley, earlier in 2023.
1962
Robert Lee Krahmer, emeritus professor, Oregon State University, College of Forestry, passed away October 17, 2023, at Evergreen Hospice House in Albany, Oregon. He was born in Forest Grove, Oregon on December 28, 1932, graduating from Hillsboro High School in 1950. From 1953 to 1955 he served in the Army in Germany. On his return he met Janet Babcock whom he married in 1957. Continuing his education at OSU he earned degrees in 1958 and 1960 and a PhD at the University of New York, College of Forestry and Syracuse University in 1962. In 1963 he won an award for his devotion to the promotion of research in science. In 1976 he received the Aufderheide Award for excellence in teaching. Linda Krahmer Reeves was born in 1960 and Eric Krahmer in 1963. The family spent 1968 and 1969 on a sabbatical in Melbourne, Australia. Serving on ten short-term church building mission trips to various countries and serving as elder and secretary with Hope Church were his most valued activities. He is predeceased by his parents, a brother Calvin, a sister Judy Gordon, and a grandson, Jacob Durrett. Survivors include Janet, wife of 66 years, daughter Linda Reeves (Lucas), son Eric (Barbara), brother Gary Krahmer, five grandchildren, and eight-great grandchildren.
1964
Dieter Gruenwoldt passed away on September 24, 2023, at the age of 82. Dieter was born in Berlin, Germany on November 24th, 1940. He spent much of his youth in Long Island, NY until moving to Canada in 1966. His love for forestry and the natural environment took him first to the Ranger School in New York State, and then to the College of Forestry at Syracuse University, where he graduated with a degree in Landscape Architecture. His varied career began with the U.S. Forest Service in Montana. He also served with the US Peace Corps in Chile (1964-66) where he passionately worked to advance community development. Upon arrival in Canada, he embraced Landscape Architecture, opening his own firm (Gruenwoldt Copeland and Associates) with his dear friend and business partner, Jack Copeland. Over time, his commitment to the environment and its stewardship led him to a role with the federal government in Indian and Northern Affairs. He was an early advocate for protection of First Nations’ lands and developed close relationships with Indigenous peoples. He particularly enjoyed working on Nunavut school projects, and consultative work to develop policy in the North. Dieter most of all loved spending time with his family, his wife Pam of 46 years, and his children Emily (Chris) and Leif (Tanya). He adored watching the activity of his four grandchildren, Finley, Gwen, Bran and Juniper. In his earlier years, he loved blazing trails in the “back forty” of the family’s property in Kinburn, building tree forts with Emily and Leif, tending to vegetable and flower gardens, fishing and hiking. Dieter always seemed to find the energy to tackle large projects at home, meticulously planning and drawing out the details at the kitchen table. With determination, sweat and hard work, he would implement his visions, most frequently by hand, somehow moving mountains of material by shovel and wheelbarrow. It was in this manner that he would shape the Kinburn property, on evenings and weekends, with Pam and both kids at his side or close by. He cherished the connections with many of his schoolmates over the years.
A. James Rogers (“Jim”), a widely-respected forester, conservationist, and beloved community member, died on August 18, 2023 owing to complications related to Parkinson’s disease. Jim was born on Feb. 23 1942 in Niagara Falls, New York. He studied forestry at Paul Smith College and SUNY ESF. After graduating from the College in 1964, he moved to the Pacific Northwest to begin his career as a professional forester. After working for Weyerhaeuser and the U.S. Forest Service, he took the job as timber manager for Western States Plywood-the cooperative mill that employed many Port Orford residents at the time. After the mill closed in 1976, Jim went on to work as a private forestry consultant. Jim also became a renowned conservationist, dedicating his life to protection of the Elk River and its old growth forests. He’d seen how clearcut logging on steep slopes had the potential to ruin the river and so spearheaded the effort to designate the Grassy Knob Wilderness in 1984. In the face of mounting logging threats, Jim learned to survey for endangered spotted owls and marbled murrelets-seeking to find and protect their nest spots. To protect salmon spawning habitat, he led efforts to protect the Copper Salmon Wilderness in 2009 and to designate the Elk River (1988) and its tributaries (2019) as “Wild and Scenic.” All in all, Jim’s advocacy resulted in the conservation of more than 30,000 acres of wilderness-the largest concentration on Oregon’s coast. Through Oregon’s controversial “timber wars” of the 1980s and 90s, Jim brought a unique and important perspective to bear. After working years within the industry, Jim had knowledge and insights that gave him credibility in his call for more responsible timber harvest and also for protection of remaining old-growth forests. Also, in his efforts to conserve Elk River, Jim reached out to many different groups and inspired many people to help, becoming widely-respected for his ability to pull disparate people together to support conservation, and ultimately garnering the support of our U.S. Congressmen and Senators to champion the bills needed to protect the Elk River. Jim was fiercely independent and relished questioning arbitrary authority. When the local sheriff cracked down on “long hairs” during the early 1970s, Jim started to wear his own hair long and encouraged others at the plywood mill to do the same. He was never afraid to stand up to injustice. Despite his independent streak, Jim was also very community oriented, serving on numerous committees, including the Curry County Planning Commission, which he chaired for many years, and the Siskiyou National Forest Resource Advisory Committee. Jim helped start two Curry County conservation groups: Kalmiopsis Audubon Society and Friends of Elk River. He was an avid hunter and birder. He loved to study plants, trees, and local history, and was a wonderful story teller with a wry sense of humor, often delivering an unexpected punch line with a sparkle in his eye. Jim was the author of a book of essays about local wildlife: Curry County Mammals I Have Known, and his Elk River conservation efforts were featured in an Oregon Field Guide episode. Jim and his wife Carrie lived for more than 40 years in a rustic cabin up Elk River, growing and putting up much of their own food and living a self-sufficient lifestyle. In recent years, they moved into Port Orford. Jim leaves behind his wife Carrie Rogers; his children: Diane Rogers, Dennis Rogers, and Ian Osborne; 5 grandchildren: Steve and Allison Rogers, Chloe, Cailin and Olivia Osborne; brother Dave Rogers; and many cherished friends. He also leaves us all an incredible legacy of conservation- an Elk River with old-growth forests, clear, beautiful waters, salmon-and inspiration to continue his work.
Terry Timmons, 81, of Tybee Island, GA, passed away on October 26, 2023. Born September 13, 1942, in Mineola, NY, he graduated from Herricks High School, located in New Hyde Park, NY. Terry received his Bachelor of Science degree from the New York State College of Forestry at Syracuse University. At Syracuse, Terry was a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity and Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. Terry moved to East Lansing, MI to pursue his master’s degree in forest products. While at Michigan State, he met Julia Kamil Slaughter while he was working as a “house boy” for Julia’s sorority. They married and lived in East Lansing, MI until Terry graduated from Michigan State. They moved to Syracuse, NY where Terry received his PhD. They had their daughter Jennifer (Jennie) Lynn Timmons in Syracuse before relocating to Appleton, WI where Terry began his professional career with Kimberly Clark Corporation (KC) and had daughters Samantha (Sam) Anne Timmons and Amanda (Mandy) Terry (Timmons) Farmer. Terry began his career as a research scientist for KC in Neenah, WI. He worked internationally creating materials for non-woven fabric for the last twelve years of his career. Terry worked for KC for 33 years, retiring as a senior research scientist in Roswell, GA. He was instrumental in the development and execution of Kimbies disposable diapers (aka Huggies). Terry’s international work experience in Europe inspired his passion for cooking, which continued throughout the remainder of his life. Favorite moments include cooking large pots of ziti for friends and those in need. Terry shared his passion for international travel and handcrafted wood furniture with his family. A favorite destination was visiting friends in Italy and the Czech Republic. In their later years, he and Julia moved into their “dream home,” a home close to nature on Tybee Island, GA. Terry had a larger-than-life presence, loved a good meal, a glass of red wine, and gathering with friends. He was happiest at the beach, working in the yard, reading books, and being with his standard poodle (Fred). In his children and grandchildren, Terry instilled his tremendous work ethic, love of nature, cooking, travel, kindness to all living things, and call to serve others. He is survived by his wife Julia; his children Sam and Mandy (Steven Farmer); his brother-in-law Joseph Resciniti; his niece Christine Resciniti; his nephews John Resciniti and Tom Chisholm; and his grandchildren Lucas Farmer and Zach Farmer; and many dear friends. He is now at peace with his beloved daughter Jennie.
1965
Robert Carl Flick (“Bob”) passed away at his home on October 29, 2023. He was with his wife of nearly 60 years, Beatriz, and his sons, Albert, and Peter. He died of complications from t-cell lymphoma. Bob grew up in Orchard Park, NY and earned a BS degree in Wood Science from the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry at Syracuse, NY. He interrupted his college work to serve in the Peace Corps in Ecuador, where he met his wife. After the Peace Corps, he and Beatriz moved to Syracuse where he completed his degree in 1965. Bob loved the Peace Corps and Ecuador, and he pursued a career in international development for about 55 years. He and Beatriz lived and worked in many countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. In all of these places, Bob worked hard to improve local and national economies, often by promoting agricultural projects. Also, he regularly offered his help and his home to visiting friends and family, sometimes for months at a time. His last assignment was again in Ecuador, and after retiring from regular employment in 2005, he continued part-time international consulting. His main retirement project, however, was to build a farm in Ecuador, with Beatriz, on land she had inherited from her family. They grew avocados, coffee, and sugar cane as well as vegetables for personal and local use. Avocados became their main crop, occupying about 50 acres of their 75-acre farm. Bob was one of the founders of Corpoaguacate, an agricultural cooperative association in Ecuador dedicated to improving the quality of avocados, and their local and international marketing. He and Beatriz built a home on their farm, and they lived there year around until he needed to return to the U.S. for treatment. Bob is predeceased by his parents, and by his older brother. He is also predeceased by his middle son, Eric, who passed away in Ecuador in July 2023. Bob is survived by his beloved wife, Beatriz, his oldest son and daughter-in-law, Albert and Gloria Flick, and his youngest son, Peter Flick, as well as by his two younger brothers. He is also survived by nine grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
1967
James Stout passed away on October 1, 2023, from a series of complications. Born in New Mexico, he spent the majority of his young life moving with his family from military bases in the United States and Canada. He graduated from the College of Forestry at Syracuse University as a landscape architect. He designed college and high school campuses, athletic fields, prepared environmental studies, inspected sites, and made presentations to clients. Jim also owned his own woodworking business, Classic Woods. He worked part-time during his career and continued after retirement. He cut and cured his own hardwood and produced a variety of products. He participated in craft shows in his early years, sold furniture in the Adirondacks, and was a member of the Riverside Artisans in Oswego for seven years. Jim enjoyed traveling throughout Europe with friends and vacationing with family. He enjoyed astronomy, gardening, his family, and wildlife on his 26 acres. Jim is survived by his wife of 55 years, Suzanne, his daughters Kori (Roger) Linder and Arin Stout. Also surviving are sisters Sandra Hesson and Debora (Steve) Brown, brother David (Susan) Stout, and his son-in-law Carl (Loretta) Hulett and grandchildren Nathen Hulett, Leah Hulett, Nicholas Linder and Sean Linder. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews who enjoyed Jim’s love and many good times at “Stout Acres”. All will miss him.
1971
James Wheeler (“Jim”) passed away on April 1st, 2023. Jim was born in Elmira on March 24th, 1947. He is survived by his beloved wife of 35 years, Sharon (Woychak) Wheeler; daughters: Jennifer Allington, Courtney (Fred), Erin (Steven) Dale; step-children: Beth Barnes, Lisa Years, Jon Jacobus, Sybil (John) Brhel; 11 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren; brother: Jack Wheeler, sister: Joette (Phil) Devon, Brother: William (Colleen) Wheeler, along with several nieces, nephews, and his canine mates “Eli”, “Eddie”, and “Brandy”. In addition to his parents, Jim was predeceased by a brother, a niece, and a sister-in-law. Out of college Jim started his career in the building and contracting business. Working for several area contractors throughout the southern tier, before starting J.M. Wheeler Construction Inc. in 1989. He enjoyed the many connections and friendships made through business. After he retired, Jim returned to work doing estimates for Cook Painting. He will always be best known for his love of golf, his honesty, the devotion of love he had for his soul mate Sharon, his integrity in the business world and thoughtfulness shown to all who were lucky enough to have known the glint in his eye, welcoming handshake and warming smile. His motto has always been; “Drive fast, take chances! ”
1973
Dr. H. Michael Barnes died on August 30, 2023. He was a devoted husband, father and friend to all. HM “Doc” Barnes was born June 9, 1943 in Long Beach, California and grew up in Baytown, TX. He graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in 1961 and was a proud Gander where he played football and received a football scholarship to Louisiana State University (LSU). Doc went on to graduate from LSU with his BS in Forestry and Material Science (MS) Forest Products Technology before going to SUNY at Syracuse College of Environmental Science and Forestry to receive his PhD in Wood Material Science. Dr. Barnes was a Warren S. Thompson Emeritus Professor of Wood Science and Technology. He retired in 2022 after 51 years with Mississippi State School of Forest Resources where he helped establish the Forest Product Laboratory. Among his professional achievements, Dr. Barnes served in leadership to many of his professional associations. During his career he received many professional awards: 2016 Regions Bank-MSU DAFVM Superior Faculty Award for Service, 2015 LSU School of Renewal Natural Resources Hall of Fame, 2008 Society of Wood Science and Technology Distinguished Service Award, 2008 Forest Products Society Distinguished Service Award, 2007 Society of Wood Science and Technology Fellow, 2006 International Academy of Wood Science Fellow, 2006 Railway Tie Association Award of Merit, 2005 MSU Office of Research and Economic Development Ralph E. Powe Research Excellence Award, 2004 LSU School of Renewable Natural Resources Alumnus of the Year, 2004 American Wood Protection Association Award of Merit, 2002 Forest Products Society Gottschalk Award, 1988 Institute of Wood Science (now Institute of Mining, Minerals and Materials) Fellow. Besides the many distinguished awards he received over his career, he was most proud of the students he impacted around the world having received the Teacher of the Year from the Mississippi State University Forest Products Society Student Chapter. Doc was also the former Scoutmaster of Troop 45 in Starkville. During his lifelong commitment to the Boy Scouts of America, Doc had influenced thousands of young men having received the Silver Beaver Award, the District Award of Merit Pushmataha Area Council, the Cross and Flame First United Methodist Church, Woodbadge Scoutmaster, The Book of Golden Deeds from the Exchange Club, as well as the Key to the City of Starkville. He had also received his Eagle Scout and the Explorer Silver Medal. Besides his awards, the stories from his time as Scoutmaster Troop 45 are ones that will be told at campfires for many more years. He is preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Martha L. Barnes, his parents and a brother. He is survived by, his sons Bryan (Dalila), Brooks, Brandon, and Brett, and his grandchildren Matthew, Caleb, Catlin, and Casey.
1975
David Majewicz passed away at home on April 8, 2023. Born in Ilion, he was the son of the late Frank and Nellie Majewicz. He earned his MBA from Syracuse University. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. He worked as the Director of Marketing for Blue Cross Blue Shield. Surviving are his children, Amy (Scott) Majewicz-Hefley, Eric Majewicz, and Stacy (David) Jablonski; grandchildren, Blake and Skylar Hefley, Isaac and Marshall Jablonski.
1979
Dr. Ian A. Munn passed away on October 20, 2023 after a two-year battle with cancer. Ian was born on October 30, 1953 in Cleveland, OH. After going to a two-room elementary school in rural Ontario, his education led him southward. Ian attended high school in Indiana and completed undergrad at NC State, before working as a forester for 10 years and receiving a Ph.D. from UNC. Ian then found a faculty position he liked and a biology professor he loved at Mississippi State University and served as faculty and administrator for 29 years before retiring in 2021. Ian met Giselle Thibaudeau at MSU and they married in May 1998. Throughout their 25-year marriage, they remained ridiculously in love and had two daughters, Savannah and Mary Katherine. His wife and daughters could not have had a more devoted, proud, and loving husband and father. Ian was a good friend to people from all walks of life. There were few people he couldn’t relate to, from the duck blinds of MS and across the world, to the halls of academia. Ian loved traveling with his wife, duck hunting, photography, spending time with his dogs, and listening to his two daughters’ latest rants. Ian was predeceased by his parents. He is survived by his siblings Charlotte and Duncan, his wife Giselle Munn, and his two daughters. He will be missed tremendously.
1980
After living 69 wonderful, adventurous years, Marilyn Ehrenshaft died on April 23rd 2023, succumbing to lung cancer after 5 years of courageous defiance. She is survived by her life partner, John Williamson, who was so fortunate to share more than 30 years with this extraordinary woman. He will love her forever. After Marilyn’s parents passed away while she was in college, she was lucky to become an adopted member of the extraordinary and wonderful Powell family of Ontario, NY: Florence and Nolan (Mom and Dad), and her surviving siblings; Sue and Sharon, Alan and Nancy, David, Scott and Maria, Ken and Liz, and Jeff and Maureen. Although many mistakes were made, even more love was given and received. I loved you all and always will.
1986
Francis Webster passed away on October 6, 2023. Born in Niagara Falls, NY on April 18, 1956, he was the son of the late Aloysius and Theresa Webster. After receiving his Ph.D. in 1986 from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, he was a Postdoctoral Fellow at SUNY Stony Brook from 1986-1987. He then spent 35 years as a Professor of Chemistry at SUNY ESF before retiring in 2022. In addition, Francis was the CBA Varsity Women’s Assistant Lacrosse Coach, a member of Syracuse Rugby Club, and enjoyed cooking, running, and basketball. He also supported Syracuse Athletics and the Buffalo Bills. Surviving are his wife of 41 years, Kathryn Thresh Webster; daughters, Katie (Mike) Fiacco, Caroline Webster; son, Conor Webster; grandchildren, Sophia and Olivia Fiacco; sisters, Kathy White, Elizabeth Scully, Agnes Webster, Patricia Kubala; and brothers, Timothy and James Webster. Contributions may be made to SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry at www.esf.edu/donate
1998
Aaron Farrell, 47, passed away unexpectedly on November 5, 2023, at his home, from a heart-related incident. Aaron was born in Oswego. He was a 1994 graduate of Oswego High School, and received his bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science in 1998 from the SUNY College of Environmental Science at Syracuse University. Aaron had been employed as the Safety Director at the Syracuse Utilities Corporation in Brewerton. He was accredited as a construction Health and Safety Technician and was a member of the Board of Certified Safety Professionals. Aaron was an accomplished student-athlete, who excelled at soccer, hockey, lacrosse, and baseball. As an adult, he volunteered as a coach in youth hockey programs. He enjoyed golf and was an avid New York Rangers fan and an enthusiastic NASCAR fan. He is survived by his parents, Scot and Jeanne, of Oswego; his sister, Melissa Farrell (Donald) Herbert; a niece, Morgan (Steven Episcopo) Herbert; and a nephew, Zachary (Danielle Freezee) Herbert.
2002
Craig McNeely, 72, passed away in the home he built for his family on October 4, 2023. He was born in Dearborn, MI on December 11, 1950. He was married to Maryann for 45 years and together they had two daughters, Christine McNeely and Jenny (Stephen) Sommers. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren, Arianna, Dominick, Brooklyn and Journey; great-grandson, Memphis; his lifelong best friend and brother Rick (Millie) McNeely, sisters Leona (John) Harris, Colleen Boord, Heather (Michael)Prado; brother-in-law, KO Boord and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister Audrey Cornish. He attended Chittenango High School and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Construction Management and Engineering from SUNY ESF. He spent many years as a construction project manager, general contractor, however for the past 30 years he worked for himself as the owner of a commercial property management corporation. While he leaves behind a lengthy punch list, he leaves very little on his bucket list. His passion was building. He took pride in the fact he built and fixed everything himself. He with his wife by his side built the home they would raise their family in. His hobbies included collecting antique toy trains, and hunting, he enjoyed nothing more than to be in the woods with his brother, son-in-law, and grandson. Craig loved everything about the Adirondacks, especially snowmobiling and spending time fishing with his grandchildren at camp. He rebuilt cars and was a member of the Volkswagen Club of CNY. Everyone closest to him knew he was a farmer at heart and helped him spend summers bailing hay and tending to his flock of chickens brought him pure joy. He rebuilt his childhood go cart and numerous tractors and designed and built his own barn to store his collection. His wife never knew what to expect him to pull up the driveway with. It may be a classic Volkswagen bug, a boat, a huge pickup truck, or a tractor from the early 1900s. He always had his huskies by his side although everyone knew his favorite was the wiener poo. He enjoyed being at home bird watching; he spent years perfecting his technique to keep the squirrels out of the bird feeders. He lived a simple life yet one full of adventures. He knew everything about everything and loved to spread his wisdom. He was the strength and pillar of his family, and he will deeply be missed.