Mandzak, John M. John Michael Mandzak 1945-2011 John Michael Mandzak, 65, of Lewiston, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, September 2, 2011, with his wife and sons at his side. John was born December 19, 1945, in Wilkes-Barre, PA, to John Alan and Marguerite Butler Mandzak, and grew up in Corning, NY, graduating from Corning Free Academy in 1963. He earned an Associate of Arts degree in Chemical Technology from Corning Community College in 1966, and then worked for Corning Glass as an analytic chemist. John went to the University of Montana at Missoula for his bachelor of science in forestry and master's in botany. It was there he met Patricia Tolerton, whom he married on October 26, 1974, in Salem, OH, and with whom he had two sons, Michael and Stephen. He earned his Doctorate of Philosophy in Forest Soils from the University of Washington in 1987. John loved the outdoors and was privileged to find a passion early in life. At 16, John bought 80 acres and learned forestry from books and hands-on experience. Property certified by the American Tree Farm System in 1979 was chosen Montana State Tree Farm of the Year for 2008. John began his forestry career in Missoula. He worked 17 years for Champion International, the first year as a logger, the last 10 as Western Region Silviculturist (grower of forest trees), overseeing research and development, the nursery, and seed orchard. John was hired by Boise Cascade as Corporate Silviculturalist in 1995 to improve the health and productivity of millions of acres of managed forests. For the past six years John was Operations Silviculturist for Potlatch in Lewiston, Idaho. John had been a faculty affiliate at UM and since 1985 was an affiliate faculty at UI. One of his most gratifying professional moments was receiving the UI College of Natural Resources Honor Associate Alumni Award given in recognition of a distinguished career and support of the College. John was a driving force in promoting cooperative ventures between the corporate world, government and academia. He cofounded the Intermountain Forest Tree Nutrition Cooperative in 1981, chaired the Inland Empire Tree Improvement Cooperative and was known to nearly every forestry cooperative active in the west. John was a member of the Society of American Foresters since 1980, serving at all levels and was acknowledged for his outstanding service to the Society and the profession by his selection as a Fellow in 2009. Qualities that served John so well in his career, such as persistence and diligence also made for a successful elk and whitetail deer hunter. John always planned to retire to the MT tree farm, but in April 2009 was diagnosed with brain cancer. He underwent treatment, returning to work from October until June. As was his way, he quietly persevered throughout his battle. His last years were full of travel adventures with Pat and the "boys". John would want to be remembered as a good person, whether as devoted husband and father, supportive colleague, helpful neighbor, steadfast friend, gentle manager or encouraging mentor. He was brilliant, honest, caring, and forthright; dedicated to making the forestry world a bit better. He is missed. Surviving John are his wife, Pat Mandzak of Lewiston, Idaho; two sons, Michael Mandzak of Royal Oak, MI and Stephen Mandzak of Redondo Beach, Calif.; a daughter, Melissa Mandzak, of Chile, N.Y.; three sisters, Mary Beth Lisi of Savona, N.Y.; Karen Gross of Bradford, N.Y.; and Lisa Boyd of Orlando, Fla.; and nieces and nephews. John was preceded in death by his parents and a sister Kathleen Hicks. Cremation has taken place and John's ashes will be scattered over his beloved tree farm. A gathering to celebrate his life will be held September 26, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Smoky Mountain Pizza, in Moscow. Donations may be sent to the "John M. Mandzak Memorial Fund" in care of the College of Natural Resources, University of Idaho, P.O. Box 1138, Moscow, ID 83844-1138. Published in Idaho Statesman on September 18, 2011