Bom-Wrapper

John Marker
In Memory of
John Forrest
Marker
1937 - 2015
Memorial Candle Tribute From
Anderson's Tribute Center
"We are honored to provide this Book of Memories to the family."
View full message >>>
Leave a condolence

Condolences

Condolence From: Dixie Dies
Condolence: Mary, Douglas, Andrew and Besty: I am so sorry you all are experiencing his loss.. I am sorry for you, me, the smokejumpers, the Forest Service - everyone. A hole has been made that won't be filled. Like anyone or anything could replace John Forrest Marker! I worked with John at the Forest Service in Ogden and we became lifelong friends. He was my mentor and my friend and was the reason for me joining the Fire ranks---he didn't tell me that once it was in your blood it didn't leave easily :)...and the reason I had a career in public affairs. He had a way of convincing people to do the right thing - not the easiest thing, but the right thing. He was instrumental in [I think] - the first every Region-wide management program for line officers - called ME 80's - management effectiveness for the 80's. He had the vision that there needed to be a change in skills and thought processes for line officers to be leaders for the future and actually ask the question 'do I really want to do this?, am I bringing value now AND for the future? how can I make this a better organization? Like - it really was ok not to be a line officer if a person wasn't happy with what they were doing. During the campaign he frequently told me that he was looking for a job when he got the one that he had, and that this program would be work, or he would be moving. He was ok with that because he believed in what he was doing -I'm not sure Mary knew what was on the line!! The upshot was there were a few line officers that moved out of line positions. It seems simple now, but then - wow! The most important thing John taught me was to be honest...and most importantly to pick the time and place to be honest.. but always be honest. He was... I try to be. One more thing... he had the best chortle - not quite a laugh, but that chortle... I still hear it and it is somewhat comforting. Peace, comfort, time...whatever you need, I wish you. Dixie
Sunday February 01, 2015
Condolence From: Marie Pickering
Condolence: Dear Mary, Betsy, and family. I am so pleased that I had the privilege of meeting
and becoming friends with your family. My mom started talking about you when you first moved to Mt. Hood. She just thought you were great! She was always right about things like that!

I am sorry about John's passing. He always seemed to be glad to see me., and he asked how I was doing in a way that told me that he was really interested and he cared. I am sure that he treated almost everyone that way. He was a very kind man. I think he was very intelligent, and could probably answer most questions about lots of things, and especially the ones about the forest. He seemed to embrace knowing about everything that was historical and currently important to the economy and interdependency of the agriculture of our Valley and the forest.

My dad worked for the Forest Service as a very young man, and his stories were full of the spirit of early Forest Service Rangers as they built trails, shelters, and strung telephone wires around Mt. Hood. I just finished reading a book about Teddy Roosevelt and Gifford Pinchot, the early days of the Forest Service and the very complicated, politically controversial, and incredibly dangerous and expensive challenge of fighting fires in our forests. We are fortunate that there are men like John Marker who would devote their lives to this career. When I look at and visit the woods, I will think about my dad, Smokey The Bear, and John Marker.


Tuesday January 27, 2015
Condolence From: David & Karen Louiselle
Condolence: Mary and family,

We are saddened to learn of John's passing and want to extend our heartfelt sympathy.

John was always a highlight of the day when we had the Mt. Hood Country Store - loved talking with him. Learning that his middle name was Forrest is so perfect.

Please know that two more friends mourn your loss.

David & Karen Louiselle
Sunday January 25, 2015
Condolence From: Roland Stoleson
Condolence: RIP my friend of many years. Your work for the FSX organization and the National Smokejumper Association reflect your commitment to Forestry and the Fire Community. You never really retired and I'm glad. Will miss you.
Friday January 23, 2015
Condolence From: Jean Harmon/Paul Randall
Condolence: Mary & family, we are so sad to learn of John's death. Our love & condolences to you all. We so enjoyed knowing him. With love
Jean & Paul
Sunday January 18, 2015
Condolence From: Ricki Duckwall
Condolence: I've had the privilege of visiting with John almost weekly for the past 15 years. I'd forgotten, or not known, his middle name was Forrest. It seems his name foresaw not only his profession, but his love and philosophies on management and stewardship of forested places. He was also an avid bird watcher and amateur weatherman who not only shared his knowledge, but his past editions of High Country News with me. My heartfelt condolences to my friend Mary and their kids. I will feel John's absence alongside them and faithful dog Shay. I will miss his input on my questions on nature or conservation. I don't recall words of phone calls with his forest service buddies, but will always remember the boyish laugh that punctuated them.
Saturday January 17, 2015
Share by: