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In Memoriam Candle

 

  • Patricia (Pat) Anne Phelan, age 79, passed away on May 23, 2024. She had a distinguished career beginning in 1968. Over a span of three decades, assignments included Assistant Superintendent, Glacier Bay National Park, Northeast Assistant Regional Director, and Superintendent, Tumacacori National Historical Park. Pat also served at the Everglades, Grand Canyon, and the Denver Service Center. In retirement in Tubac, Arizona, she was actively involved in various land, wildlife, and animal rescue conservation activities. More information ->
     
  • Tom Lorig, 78, died on June 7, 2024, from injuries sustained while on duty. Tom served Bryce Canyon, the National Park Service, and the public as an interpretive park ranger, forging connections between the world and these special places that he loved,” said Park Superintendent Jim Ireland, “As our community processes and grieves this terrible loss, we extend our deepest condolences to all of Ranger Lorig’s family and friends. We also want to express gratitude to the National Park Service and Garfield County emergency services staff who responded as well as to the bystanders who assisted NPS first responders.” Ranger Tom Lorig served for 40 years as a Registered Nurse in the Seattle, Washington area, and for over 10 years as a permanent, seasonal, and volunteer park ranger. He began his work with the National Park Service at Carlsbad Caverns National Park in June of 1968. In the decades that followed, he would serve at 14 national park sites including Badlands, Bryce Canyon, Carlsbad Caverns, El Malpais, Florissant Fossil Beds, Glen Canyon, Klondike Gold Rush, Mount Rainier, New River Gorge, Olympic, Saguaro, Yosemite, Zion, and Dinosaur National Monument, of which he was especially fond.
  • David Harold Wallace, 97, passed away on May 5. He worked for the NPS for many years, including at Independence National Historical Park (1957-1968) and the Harpers Ferry Interpretive Design Center. More information ->
  • Lois Lema passed suddenly on Sunday, May 5, 2024, in Lancaster, New Hampshire. Lois started in the NPS as a seasonal at Sleeping Bear Dunes in Michigan in the early 1980s and moved to The Statue of Liberty, NM, as a permanent LE Ranger for the 1986 Restoration. She stayed with the NPS until 2012 when she retired on Disability and moved to New Hampshire. Lois will be cremated, and a Celebration of her life will be held later. Donations in her memory may be sent to Bailey Funeral Home, 210 Main St., Lancaster, NH 03584, re: Lois Lema.
  • Jerry Austin Eubanks, 87, passed away on March 27, 2024. Jerry began his career with the Mississippi Highway Department before entering a 49-year odyssey with the National Park Service, which took him and his family across the United States. His work with the NPS included time in Natchez Trace Parkway, Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Shenandoah National Park, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park, Ozark National Scenic Riverways, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park before finishing his long career as Superintendent of Gulf Islands National Seashore for approximately 24 years. A graveside service will be held at a later date in McCool, Mississippi.
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  • Alfred M. “Fred” Suarez – May 3, 1943 – April 22, 2024. Fred was an employee in the Midwest Regional Office in Omaha, negotiating land acquisitions and contracts for more than 30 years. Fred retired from the National Park Service and followed his dream after, as he would say, a “lifetime of market research,” to develop a large sports bar in Omaha, The Old Mattress Factory, aka “The Matt.” Services were held on April 27, in Omaha, NE.
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  • Cynthia M. Worthington, 90, passed away on December 26, 2023. She retired from San Antonio Missions but also worked at Dinosaur, Whitman Mission, and El Morro, but she was most proud of her activities as a “ranger’s wife.” More information ->
  • Edward Nestestu Stondall, born on Jan. 21, 1930, died on Feb. 12, 2024, in Cypress, Texas. He is survived by two daughters, Nancy and Sandra; their husbands, Ed and Jim; and three grandsons, Nathan, Tyler, and Evan. Edward was a civil engineer who worked for the National Park Service for many years, and his work on the Alaska Task Force helped to expand the National Parks by around 44 million acres. A celebration of his life will be held on Friday, April 12, 2024, at the Alta Mesa Cemetery in Palo Alto. More information ->
  • Randy Thoreson, Stillwater, Minnesota, passed away at his home on October 28, 2022. Randy was an Outdoor Recreation Planner and Project Manager at the National Park Service. More information ->
  • Daniel E. Lee, 94, Cave City, passed away at NHC Healthcare, Glasgow, on November 19, 2021. Dan had a 34-year career in the National Park Service, retiring as park superintendent of Vicksburg National Military Park. He is survived by his loving wife of seventy-three years, Alice Reynolds Lee, and three daughters: Linda Turner (Jimmy) of Vicksburg, MS; Amy Lee (Thomas Wilson) of North Pole, Alaska; and Dana Tedder (Charlie) of Park City, KY.
  • Paul Henderson started his next big adventure on November 17, 2023. He passed away peacefully at home in Moab, Utah, surrounded by his family. Paul began working for the National Park Service in 1975, first as a summer gig, but they never successfully got rid of [him] until [he] retired 39 years later. He lived in Arco, Idaho for several years while working at Craters of the Moon National Monument. Paul is survived and celebrated by his wife, Betsy Henderson, of Moab; son, Cooper Henderson (Dana Olson), of Madison, Wisconsin; daughter, Hailey Henderson (Sam Webster), of Seattle, Washington; sister, Ann Baumann, of Lacey, Washington; and countless other friends and relatives throughout the country. In lieu of flowers or gifts, we encourage you to donate to Living Rivers, an organization whose mission and leadership Paul sincerely supported, by visiting www.livingrivers.org and clicking the “donate” button.
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  • William G. (Bill) Binnewies, age 87. Bill had a distinguished NPS career including seasonal assignments at Saguaro NP, Yosemite NP, and Timpanogos Cave NM, and permanent superintendent assignments at Tuzigoot NM, Navajo NM, Cedar Breaks NM, Morristown NHP/Edison Laboratory NHS, Flaming Gorge NRA, Little Bighorn Battlefield NM, and Canyon de Chelly NM. He was a graduate of San Jose State University. In retirement, Bill was President of the Board of Directors for Shoreline Education & Awareness in Bandon, Oregon, a Board member of the Bandon Arts Council, a Board member of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association, and Site Manager for the Los Luceros Foundation, Alcalde, New Mexico.
  • John F. Byrne died on August 31, 2023, at the age of 82. A Vietnam veteran, he held multiple degrees and built a notable career in the National Park Service, working on the Clean Air Act and leaving a lasting impact on iconic parks, including Yosemite, the George Washington Memorial Parkway, and the Appalachian Trail. After retirement, John was a global consultant on environmental conservation, a volunteer committee chair for the Sierra Club, and a professor at George Mason University. A celebration of life will take place at a future date. In lieu of flowers, we kindly ask that you consider making a donation to the National Park Foundation.
  • Elsie M. Ferran Hays, 92, April 24, 1931-July 1, 2023. Elise was a long-time former NPS Southwest Regional Office employee, retiring in 1992. Elsie then joined her husband Luke at the family ranch in Llaves, near her grandfather’s original homestead along the Gallina River, running cattle on various mountain properties in Llaves, Gallina, Abiquiu, and Coyote. More information ->
  • Richard Michael Blaney, 79, died peacefully at home in Bar Harbor on July 18, 2023, surrounded by his loved ones. Michael began his career with Acadia National Park in 1962, retiring in 2009. While with the park, he worked as a lifeguard, a Law Enforcement Ranger and retired as a Land Resource Specialist monitoring conservation easements and park boundaries. His career, and his pastimes, were dedicated to the peaceful and responsible enjoyment of nature. He believed fiercely in proper land preservation and education. In remembrance of Michael, hike a trail in Acadia, or wherever you are (take only pictures, leave only footprints!) and truly enjoy the beauty of the nature that surrounds you. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to either the Maine Coast Heritage Trust or the Big Sur Land Trust.
  • Dr. Harry Allen Butowsky – August 5, 1944 – May 6, 2023. Harry passed away peacefully at home Saturday, May 6, 2023. Harry began his career in federal service with the National Park Service (NPS) in Philadelphia, transferring to their headquarters in Washington, DC, in 1978. During his tenure with the NPS, Harry worked to preserve our Nation’s most significant historical artifacts, including the Saturn V rocket in Huntsville, AL, several WWII ships that served in the Pacific, and the school involved in the 1954 Brown v Board of Education Supreme Court decision. Later in his career, Harry managed the National Park Service History Division’s web page. After 35 years of service, Harry retired from the NPS in 2012. In his retirement, he continued to pursue his lifelong passion for teaching and writing. Harry is survived by his wife (Lois Jacobs) of 51 years, his son (Edward), his daughter (Karen), his two grand cats (Neptune & Luna), and many friends, students, and mentees. More information ->
  • Carroll Schell, 74, passed away on April 1. Carroll worked for the NPS for over 34 years, including stints at Yellowstone National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, Sagamore Hill National Historic Site, the National Parks of New York Harbor, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Christiansted National Historic Site and Buck Island Reef National Monument, Big Cypress National Preserve, Acadia National Park, the National Capitol Region, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. More information ->
  • Robert “Bob” C. Haraden, 100, passed away on April 2. He worked for the NPS from 1955 until his retirement in 1986, including as superintendent of Natchez Trace Parkway, Big Bend National Park, and Glacier National Park. He also did stints in Rocky Mountain National Park, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, and Yellowstone National Park. He received an Interior Department Meritorious Service Award and the National Parks Conservation Association’s Stephen T. Mather Award. More information ->
  • Dave Wright passed away on April 6, 2023. Dave started his career in the U.S. National Park Service as a staff planner for troubled construction projects. In 1974 he moved to Denver, Colorado as associate center manager, then to Atlanta, Georgia as deputy regional director of the NPS southeast region. He returned to Washington, D.C. as the NPS assistant director of planning design and construction for all facilities in the NPS system. While in Washington, he became a charter member of the Senior Executive Service, testified at many congressional budget hearings, led USAID-sponsored international affairs goodwill trips to China, Poland (prior to lifting of the iron curtain), Saudi Arabia, and many other countries, and hosted and guided visiting international park official delegations through National Park visits all over the U.S. He retired from the National Park Service in 1997 but stayed in Shepherdstown and continued his service as an 8-year member of the Jefferson County Parks and Recreation Commission. More information ->
  • Former Zion superintendent Jock Whitworth passed away in July, 2022. Jock retired from the NPS in 2014 and with more than a decade as Zion National Park’s leader, Jock continues to leave a legacy in the parks that will last forever. Our thoughts are with his wife Robin and their family. More information ->
  • Karen Taylor-Goodrich, 68, passed away on January 30. Karen worked for the NPS for over 40 years, including as the superintendent of North Cascades National Park and an associate NPS director. More information ->
  • Penny Lynn (Ward) Knuckles died Jan. 4, 2023, at her Custer home with her husband Dennis by her side.  She was 71. In November 2021, Penny was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML).  She fought the disease with every ounce of her energy for over a year through chemotherapy, radiation, and a risky stem cell (bone marrow) transplant. While studying biology at Muhlenberg College in Pennsylvania, Penny chose Jewel Cave National Monument in South Dakota as a place to work as a park ranger in 1972. There, she met Dennis Knuckles, also a ranger, and a 50-year partnership began. Penny finished her degree, and she and Dennis were married in the pines near Jewel Cave in December 1973. Penny served in 13 national park areas from South Dakota to Alaska, Florida to Hawaii, and many places. She worked as a park naturalist/interpreter, a law enforcement ranger and supervisor, and a natural and cultural resource manager. Her last assignment was as chief of resource management at Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota. Penny retired in 2006 but volunteered for several seasons with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on Midway Island in the Pacific Ocean. At Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, she worked with albatross and petrels, eradicated invasive plants, and wrote a vegetation management plan. A celebration of life will be held in May. More information ->
  • Frank P. Weed passed away in the early hours of December 2, 2022, in his sleep at the age of 85. Frank graduated college in June 1963 with an Electronics Engineer Degree. His first job out of college was at Hunters Point Naval Shipyard in San Francisco, repairing/installing radio and phone systems into the submarines. He worked there for a year and then went to work for the National Park Service. Frank was transferred from their San Francisco office in 1971 when they created a new Service Center in Denver along with fellow employees from the Washington, DC office. He was there until he retired in 2003 as Chief, Telecommunications Engineering. More information ->
  • Donald Baur passed away on December 15, 2022. Don was a partner in the Washington, D.C. Office of Perkins Coie, where he practiced environmental, natural resources, and Native American law. He served as pro bono legal counsel to the Coalition since its inception and was the recipient of the 1872 Award in 2008. Don began his legal career as an attorney for the National Park Service in the Solicitor’s Office of the Department of the Interior. Later, he served as General Counsel of the U.S. Marine Mammal Commission. Don was a passionate advocate for our national parks and a strong mentor to a new generation of conservation leaders. His passion, dedication, and kindness will truly be missed. For more information on Services for Don, click here.
  • Clark Dixon, passed away on December 7, 2022 after a brief illness. Clark had a 33-year career with the National Park Service. During this time, he served as Superintendent of Arkansas Post National Memorial, Superintendent of Morristown National Historical Park, and NPS Program Manager for the Southeast Region. Other Federal positions held by Clark include U.S. Army Military Police; Resident Youth Worker and Recreation Specialist at Harpers Ferry Job Corps Center; Crew Leader with the Young Adult Conservation Corps; Supervisory Park Ranger for the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park Visitor Services and Fee Program; and Site Manager Rock Creek Park Nature Center. Clark also served on the Board of Directors for the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Boy Scouts of America, Shenandoah National Park Association, Potomac Appalachian Trail Club, Berkeley/Jefferson Extension Master Gardeners, and Potomac Valley Audubon Society. He was also an active member of the Harpers Ferry-Bolivar Trail and Town Alliance. More information ->
  • Len Bobinchock passed away unexpectedly on December 5, 2022, due to complications from prostate cancer treatment. He was 72. Len began a 43-year career with the U.S. National Park Service. Starting out as a lifeguard and a member of the trails team, Len was soon accepted into the FBI Academy, where he trained as a law enforcement officer. After graduating, he became a National Park Service Ranger and firefighter who was often called into action to battle forest fires in California. As his career grew, Len’s expertise in land management led him to take on various Park Service leadership roles, culminating in a 25-year tenure as the Deputy Superintendent of Acadia National Park—a position he held until his retirement in 2014. While at Acadia, Len championed the development of Acadia’s fare-free shuttle—The Island Explorer. Today, Len’s vision of reducing the human impact on Acadia continues with the State of Maine recently approving a $32-million expansion of the transit system Len developed. Len is survived by his daughter Adriana and her husband, brothers Joseph and his wife Lisa, Edward and his wife Marilyn, and close friends Gerry and Denise Dawson and their daughter of Waltham, Massachusetts. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made in Len’s memory to the Patient Assistance Fund at the MGH Cancer Center at Newton-Wellesley Hospital. To give a gift online, visit giving.nwh.org. Under designation, please select other and write in MGH Cancer Center, Patient Assistance Fund.
  • Keith Whisenant, former deputy superintendent of Everglades NP and Dry Tortugas NP, passed away in September 2022. Keith started his career in an intake ranger position at (then) Tumacácori, NM, followed by assignments at Tonto NM, Buffalo NR, Everglades NP, and Chesapeake and Ohio Canal NHP. In 2003, he was selected as superintendent of Natchez NHP and returned to Everglades NP as deputy superintendent in late 2005. Keith retired with 40 years of service in 2012.
  • Charles “Chas” Cartwright, former Superintendent for Glacier National Park from March 2008 until his retirement from the National Park Service in December 2012, passed away on September 24, 2022, in Cortez, Colorado at the age of 72. During his time as superintendent, Cartwright was responsible for the management of over 1 million acres, a staff of approximately 130 permanent and 360 seasonal employees as well as volunteers, and an annual operating budget of almost $14 million, but he always took time to appreciate the people and landscapes surrounding him. His career with the agency included superintendent positions at Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, Dinosaur National Monument in Utah and Colorado, Devils Tower National Monument in Wyoming, Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site in North Dakota, and Hovenweep National Monument in Utah and Colorado. He held acting superintendent positions at Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico and National Bridges National Monument in Utah. He also served as the associate to the deputy director of the National Park Service in Washington, D.C.
  • Bob Heyder, former Superintendent for Mesa Verde National Park, peacefully passed away on September 14, 2022. Bob joined the Forestry Division of Yosemite National Park in 1947 and left to serve in the United States Army Infantry during the Korean War from 1950-1952. Bob returned to work in Yosemite and received a Bachelor of Science degree in wildlife management in 1958 from Humbolt State University. Bob worked as a Seasonal Park Ranger at Muir Woods National Monument before becoming a permanent District Park Ranger at Grand Canyon National Park. At the Grand Canyon in 1960, Bob met his true love, Katherine Koverman. They married in 1962, while Bob was Chief Park Ranger at Chaco Canyon National Monument, and their great adventure began. In 1979, Bob took the position of Superintendent of Mesa Verde National Park. In 1984, Bob organized the First World Conference on Cultural Parks held at Mesa Verde, and he oversaw the park’s acceptance as a World Heritage Site. Bob retired from the National Park Service after 42 years of government service in 1993, including 14 years at Mesa Verde National Park. A memorial service for Bob will be held on November 5, 2022, at 1:00 pm at the Mancos Opera House, 136 W. Grand Ave. Mancos, CO.
  • Frank “Alec” Alexander Gould, Jr., died peacefully surrounded by his family on September 7, 2022, at the age of 83. He began his career with the National Park Service as a ranger/historian at Colonial National Park in Yorktown, Virginia in 1962. After working four years at Fort Donelson National Military Park in Tennessee, he returned to Colonial as an interpretive supervisor. In 1970, he moved to Appomattox Court House, Appomattox, Virginia as Superintendent where he started a living history program that continues today. As Superintendent of Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park from 1972-1981, in Johnson City, Texas, he worked with President and Mrs. Johnson to develop the LBJ Ranch as a historic site with cattle operations and an interpretive bus tour. His next superintendency was at Buffalo National River in Harrison, Arkansas. In 1987, he worked as a deputy regional director in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania helping to oversee parks in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, West Virginia, and Virginia. Alec returned to Colonial National Historical Park in Yorktown, Virginia in 1989 as Superintendent and retired from the National Park Service in 2011, after a 42-year career.
  • Mary Bomar, the 17th Director of the NPS, passed away on August 28, 2022. On September 5, 2006, Ms. Bomar was nominated by George W. Bush as the Director of the National Park Service, succeeding Fran P. Mainella. Following Senate confirmation, she was sworn into office on October 17, 2006, by United States Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne at Independence Square in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She retired from federal service on January 20, 2009. More information ->
  • Dave Graber died suddenly at home in Three Rivers, California, on August 21, 2022, at the age of 74. Retiring as Chief Scientist for the Pacific West Region of the NPS, Dr. David Graber had a profound and long-lasting effect on science throughout the National Park Service. He began his 40+ year career with the NPS after studying with Starker Leopold at UC Berkeley. Throughout his career, David effectively advocated science-based management within parks. David was instrumental in providing oversight and guidance on some of the NPS’s most controversial science issues. Throughout his career, David embodied the importance of scientists and managers working together to protect resources. With this worthy goal in mind, he had an incredible long-term impact on the NPS.
  • Rosalie Ems retired Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area Maintenance Secretary died on August 5, 2022. Rosale worked at DEWA for 30 years. She leaves behind her husband Frank, sons Frank (Tammy) and Robert (Lydia), and grandchildren Frank, Colby, Isabelle, and Sophia. More information ->
  • Paul Haertel, superintendent of Acadia National Park from 1994 to 2002 and a resident of Southwest Harbor for the past 28 years, died June 5. He was 81. “While superintendent of Acadia, Paul led the establishment of the Island Explorer bus system, the conversion of the U.S. Navy base on the Schoodic Peninsula into a park research and learning center and the acquisition of numerous other parcels of land and conservation easements,” said Acadia Superintendent Kevin Schneider. “He was a ‘ranger’s ranger.’ A stalwart lover of wild places, he served as ranger pilot in Alaska, was an avid birder and naturalist and a skilled outdoorsman – be it skiing, hiking, or paddling. He was the kind of person who believed in people, helping mentor a generation of park employees. More information ->
  • Allen Francis Simonds passed away on June 22, 2022 at the age of 87. He was one of the last of the Old Guard from Rocky Mountain National Park’s golden age. Allen began his permanent National Park Service (NPS) career in 1962, with an assignment at Mount Rainer National Park. While at Mount Rainer, son Stevie tragically drowned in a creek bed in 1963. In 1964, the couple’s second daughter, Krista Marie, was born. In October 1964, Allen took his family back to Colorado. Other than an 11-month special assignment at the Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) Canal National Historical Park in Maryland, Al served at Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) for the remainder of his NPS career, and was permanently stationed on the west side of the park in 1968. He retired from his role as a RMNP West Unit Supervisory Ranger in January 1991, and after retirement, Al volunteered over 7500 hours in RMNP. The family will honor Allen’s memory in a service at 11:30 a.m. on August 17th, 2022 at the AA Barn, County Rd 66, Grand Lake, CO. Al requested memorial donations go to Mission Aviation Fellowship, https://maf.org
  • William “Bill” F Locke, 85, passed away on August 3, 2022, in Silverdale, Washington. After attending college, Bill started a career with the National Park Service that would last over forty years. He began as a Park Ranger and retired as a Regional Budget Director. His career took him to National Parks all over the United States, living in Washington, Arizona, California, Massachusetts, New Mexico, and Alaska. His favorite places were Alaska and Hawaii, but the place he called home was Washington State. More information ->
  • Jose Aguilar Cisneros passed away on July 26, 2022, at the age of 83. A lifelong public servant, Jose’s professional legacy included being the first Hispanic superintendent in the National Park Service and the establishment of the San Antonio Missions as a National Historical Park in cooperation with the Archdiocese of San Antonio. In his career with the National Park Service, he served as the superintendent for the SA Missions NHP, as well as Bandelier National Monument, Gettysburg National Military Park and Big Bend National Park. More information ->
  • Rick Merryman, 74, died peacefully at home on Saturday, July 30, 2022, after a long battle with cancer. He was born and raised as a native Washingtonian until moving to Northern Virginia as an adult and then moving to Newport News, Virginia, in 2014. Rick was employed by the National Park Service for 42 years, finishing his career as the Chief of Special Events in Washington, DC, where he dealt with scores of demonstrations and special events. More information ->
  • John Roy Gingles (June 8, 1943 – April 20, 2022), 78, a native of Wyoming, is survived by his beloved wife of 34 years, Cynthia “Cindy” Mitchell-Gingles, of Manassas, VA and beloved daughter, Lisa M. Gingles. John earned his B.A. and M.A. degrees from the University of Wyoming in Laramie, studying on a Ford Foundation Scholarship. Over the course of his career he has also held positions as a National Park Ranger in Yellowstone National Park; as a Legislative Aide in the U.S. Congress; and as the Congressional Liaison for the Department of Interior during President Jimmy Carter’s Administration. His career spanned many years from the mid-1960’s to his retirement in 2001. More information ->
  • Gary Brown of Bozeman, MT, passed away on May 8, 2022. Gary spent a 35-year career working for the National Park Service. Gary began his career in the Blister Rust program in Sequoia NP. Later assignments were as a Park Ranger in Carlsbad Caverns, Yosemite NP, Yellowstone NP, Point Reyes, Chief Ranger Denali NP, and Yellowstone NP as Assistant Chief Ranger in charge of Bear Management and acting Chief Ranger of Rocky Mountain NP. Gary was regarded as an expert in bear management throughout the greater Yellowstone area and published several books about bears and living with bears. Per Gary’s wishes, there will not be a memorial service. More information ->
  • John L. Bailey, 72, of Paw Paw, West Virginia passed away Sunday, May 1, 2022 at Willow Tree Nursing Home in Charles Town, WV. He was born August 16, 1949 in Cumberland, Maryland and was the son of the late John H. Bailey and Sally C. Betson Bailey. John worked for the National Park Service, at the C&O Canal N.P. and Harpers Ferry N.P., until he retired. He was on the board of the Mountaineer Community Health Clinic. Services will be held at a later date. More information ->
  • Michael Thomas Sharp, age 72, a resident of Anacortes, WA passed away February 25, 2022 unexpectedly of a Pulmonary Embolism following knee replacement surgery. Michael was a 1968 graduate of Dothan High School. He served in the US Army during the Vietnam War and received his Bachelor and Masters degrees from Auburn University. After graduation from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, he began a career with the National Park Service as a Park Ranger, Pilot Ranger, and Special Agent in law enforcement with assignments in Philadelphia at Independence National Historical Park, Smoky Mountains National Park, Gulf Islands National Seashore, and Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska. A Celebration of Life dinner with family and friends will be held in May at the Skyline Marina in Anacortes, Washington.
  • William R. “Bill” Orlando, 68, died unexpectedly on Feb. 26, 2022, at his home in Shelby, NC. For years, Bill and his wife of 42 years, Barbara, called Martinsburg, WV home. Bill spent more than 20 years working for the NPS as an interpreter, as a law enforcement officer and a Civil War reenactor in Washington, DC, Antietam National Battlefield and the Chesapeake and Ohio National Historical Park. He was a member of ANPR and had attended several Ranger Rendezvous. Bill retired in 2003. He was then able to focus on his passion, cigars. He is survived by Barbara and his children Matt and Joyce.
  • Maryanne Gerbauckas died on February 3, 2022. Maryanne served 42 years with the National Park Service. Maryanne’s career with the National Park Service began as a park ranger at the Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island. She progressed through assignments in both the protection and resource management fields at Acadia National Park in Maine, Fire Island National Seashore on Long Island, Assateague National Seashore in Maryland and Virginia, Colonial National Historical Park in Virginia, the National Park Service Northeast Region office in Philadelphia, and William Howard Taft National Historic Site in Cincinnati. In 1992 she took over as superintendent of Edison National Historic Site. In 2007 she was named the Northeast Region’s associate regional director for resources, stewardship, and science. Maryanne retired in 2015. More information ->
  • Craig Stowers, 67, passed away in Anchorage, AK on February 10, 2022. Craig was a ranger at Denali (then Mt. McKinley) National Park from 1977 – 1982, part of the 1977 national intake ranger program. Prior to that, he served at Colonial National Historical Park. He left the NPS in 1982 to attend law school, returning to Alaska as an attorney, later moving into the judiciary. He became the Chief Justice of the Alaska Supreme Court, but always cherished his roots as a park ranger, proudly displaying his flat hat and other memorabilia in his chambers.
  • Helen Hartzog died on February 11, 2022, in Palm Coast, Florida. She was 98 years old. Helen was passionate in her commitment to and love of the National Park Service, its employees, and volunteers. She was also an Honorary Member of the Coalition. She will be buried in SC next to her husband George, who died in 2008. Condolences may be sent to her daughter Nancy Hartzog, 1345 Antrim Circle, Ormond Beach, FL 33174.
  • Richard W. Gregory passed away on January 2, 2022, in Windsor, Colorado, at the age of 85. Dr. Gregory was a past Director of the Natural Resource Program Center.
  • Robert Eugene Sellers passed on April 1st, 2021 at his care facility in Boise, ID at the age of 92. Bob retired from the National Park Service as a Fire Management Specialist.  He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by all who know and love him.
  • Walter J. Chavez, passed on Monday, November 8, 2021, with his family at his side. Walter was born on January 15, 1957. Walter pursued a successful career with the National Park Service that spanned 42 years, taking him to many cities throughout the country and Puerto Rico, before retiring in 2016 and returning to New Mexico where he resided in Placitas until his passing. Walter is survived by his daughters Michelle Chavez (Jose), Deborah Chavez (Nathan) and Lisa Orta (Victor); his siblings Elaine Chavez, Sandra Chavez, Lawrence Chavez (Greg), Darlene Morales (Rocky) and a very special little brother, Eric Chavez. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Julian, Dominique, Jordan, Samantha, Isaac, JC, Caprice, Gage and Mia. Walter also leaves behind many nieces, nephews and countless friends.
  • Benjamin Franklin Ladd, 85, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2017 at St. Charles Medical Center in Bend. Ladd was born Jan. 12, 1932. After graduating from Ipava High School, he attended Cal Poly in Pomona, California, graduating in 1963. He married Linda Casteel in Upland, California, Dec. 19, 1958. Ladd served in the U.S. Air Force for four years, earning the rank of technical sergeant, and served six more years with the California Air National Guard. Ladd worked as a National Park Service ranger at Yellowstone and Glacier national parks before becoming the first superintendent of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument in 1975. He earned many awards and letters of commendation for his work that was instrumental in developing the monument. He retired in 1993 and served as interim superintendent for Crater Lake National Park, retiring in 1994. He worked for the park service for 36 years.
  • Howard Ness died peacefully at home the morning of Sept. 26, 2021. Howard was a man who experienced his dream and more. Those original recreational tools and his passion for the outdoors and all it entailed, history, geography, archeology, wildlife, and more, led him to a career of innovation and service. Joining the National Park Service, Howard worked from scratch, opening an international office for US/Mexico Affairs with the support of New Mexico University working closely with Mexico in developing several National Parks in Mexico. Biologists from both countries were often brought together in the realization that wildlife really didn’t care about boundaries. A series of seminars on getting to know Mexico helped to build respect and cooperation between our countries. There will be no formal funeral services. He has asked to be cremated and maybe to have a small gathering of friends at his historical home. More information ->
  • Darwina Neal, FASLA, HM.IFLA, F.US/ICOMOS, retired as chief of cultural resource preservation services for the National Park Service’s National Capital Region in 2009. Previously, she was chief of design services. During her career, she designed, advised on, and reviewed a wide range of parks, monuments, and memorials throughout the Washington, D.C, metropolitan area, served as a consultant for landscape projects at the White House and Camp David and coordinated the design and construction of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Memorial Grove. She was at the forefront of promoting and being a leader for women in the profession, initiating the recognition and documentation of historic landscapes, promoting and overseeing Lady Bird Johnson’s Beautification Program, and inspiring public service for the profession.
  • Evan M. Soukup, son of retired NPS Chief Scientist Michael A. Soukup, passed away on July 7th, 2021, at Eastern Maine Medical Center, following injuries suffered as a passenger in a car accident. His family wishes to gently suggest, to everyone reading this obituary, that if anything has been left unsaid or undone, between you and your loved ones, with the belief, it can be said or done tomorrow, say or do it now. “Time and chance happeneth to us all” (viz. Eccl. 9-11), and no one is guaranteed tomorrow. Finally, Evan chose to be an organ donor and saved and enhanced many lives. His family honors that choice and wishes to let others know it was the first ray of light in our darkest time. Evan will be terribly missed. More information ->
  • Bob Peterson August 13, 1932 – November 28, 2020
    Bob lived the life of his dreams. He loved his family, friends, nature, the National Parks, and of course, flying. Favorite vacations included trips to the National Parks, with Zion, Grand Teton, and Yellowstone being among his favorites. Bob’s life started in Kansas, where he spent time on the family farm and developed his love for wildlife and nature. After serving in the Army, Bob attended forestry school at Colorado State University and then on to a long career with the National Park Service. While stationed in Yosemite, Bob fell in love and married the boss’s daughter Anita who joined him on his adventure for 62 years. They lived in an assortment of National Parks, including Isle Royale, Grand Canyon, Denali, Katmai, and Everglades. He ended his career in Boise as the Director of Office of Aviation Services for the Department of the Interior. Bob and Anita spent part of their retirement years living in Jackson, Wyoming. In retirement, Bob put his passion for the environment and flying together to serve as a board member and volunteer pilot for LightHawk. While living in Jackson, Bob contributed as a board member of the Grand Teton Association. Bob and Anita shared their lives with their children Kathy, Ann, Steve, his wife Lorri, their grandkids Kera, Garrett, Kristin, great-granddaughter Ivy, family, and a large circle of friends around the country. In memory of Bob, we invite you to support one of the organizations he was passionate about or any other organization that supports the environment.
  • John C. Benjamin, 76, passed away at his home in Henderson, NV, on 9/16/20. John retired after a 45 year NPS career in 2013 as Superintendent of Carlsbad Caverns National Park. He began his career as a park naturalist at Dinosaur NP; other assignments included Protection Ranger at Lake Mead NRA; Asst. Wilderness Specialist, Glacier National Park; District Ranger at Glen Canyon and Grand Canyon; Deputy Superintendent, Boston National Historical Park, and Boston African American National Historic Site; Superintendent, Lake Meredith National Recreation Area; and Deputy Superintendent, Everglades, and Dry Tortugas National Parks. John is survived by his wife Deborah and son John. Condolences may be sent to Deborah at 1611 Shootout Place, Henderson, NV 89002.
  • Melody Krueger, 67, of Lakewood, CO passed away Thursday, February 11, 2021, after a five-year-long fight with cancer. Throughout her life, Melody was a strong, determined, and constant positive force. After graduating from college, she first worked in law enforcement, then as a park ranger and EMT with the National Park Service throughout the southwest, including Chaco Canyon National Historical Park and Petrified Forest National Park. She guided visitors through caves at Carlsbad Caverns National Park, gave nature walks at Alcatraz Island and Golden Gate National Recreation Area, was a volunteer firefighter in remote areas, and saved lives in Death Valley National Park. Later, she worked in Concessions Management and Contract Development at Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, and the NPS Regional Office in Lakewood, CO. She retired after 32 years of service. A lifetime member of American Youth Hostels, Melody always retained a core love of travel, her recent trips exploring Botswana, Portugal and Norway with her daughter. She loved gardening and botany, hiking and camping, and enjoyed classical music and concerts. She valued hard work, never held herself back, and did what she loved despite bad news and tough hurdles. Good memories never stopped finding her, and she never stopped making them. She was dearly loved and will always be missed by her family and friends.
  • Former National Park Service Director Gary E. Everhardt, 86, died December 28, 2020, as a result of complications related to COVID-19. Gary Everhardt began his NPS career as an engineer in 1957 and rose to the superintendency of Grand Teton National Park in 1972. Favorable notice there propelled him to the directorship in January 1975. As the ninth director of the National Park Service, he oversaw a great increase in park development and interpretive programming for the bicentennial of the American Revolution. During the Carter Administration, Gary returned to the field as Blue Ridge Parkway’s superintendent in May 1977.
  • Jere Krakow passed away peacefully on November 3, 2017, at his home in Albuquerque, New Mexico, following a yearlong battle with cancer. He was 79. Jere began as a park historian for the National Park Service and in 1995 was named Superintendent of National Trails for the Intermountain Region that administered nine national historic trails and the Route 66 preservation program. He retired in 1997 and began two decades of volunteering with the trails organizations he loved. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church, PO Box 2500, Albuquerque, NM 87125 or the Oregon California Trails Association, PO Box 1019, Independence, MO 64051.
  • Page F. Painter passed away peacefully on Saturday, Nov. 28, 2020. Page served in the National Park Service for over 30 years, retiring from Gettysburg National Military Park. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Leaksville United Church of Christ, 3424 Leaksville Road, Luray, VA 22835. Page will be cremated at Lotz Funeral Home in Salem, Va. and a graveside service will be held later in the spring.
  • James Francis Martin, 80, of Marfa, Texas, passed away September 7, 2020, after a battle with squamous cell carcinoma. Jim dedicated his life to the preservation and protection of our nation’s cultural and natural resources as a National Park Ranger for over 40 years. His love for our national parks began in the early 1950s with a serendipitous visit to Bandelier National Park where he met a young naturalist who took the time to teach him and his brother about the unique cultural history of the park rather than scold them for the removal of a cultural artifact. That interaction had a lasting effect on Jim. He began his career as a seasonal wilderness/climbing ranger at Rocky Mountain National Park. From there, Jim went on to work at Carlsbad Caverns National Park, Cabrillo National Monument, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, Saguaro National Park, Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park, Yosemite National Park, Channel Islands National Park, Petrified Forest National Park (temporary assignment), and finally back to Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park where he retired as superintendent in 2003. Condolences may be sent to Maria Martin & Family, 6755 Xana Way, Carlsbad CA 92009. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to The Nature Conservancy Hawai’i (Select Hawai’i under gift designation)  or The Elizabeth Hospice.
  • Edwin Cole Bearss peacefully passed away on September 15, 2020, surrounded by family, at the age of 97. Ed joined the Marine Corp after graduating high school in 1941. He served with the 3rd Marine Raider Battalion and 1st Marine Division. In the invasion of Guadalcanal and New Britain, Ed was seriously wounded by machine gunfire. He spent 26 months in various hospitals for multiple surgeries, bone grafts, and rehabilitation. Ed’s career with the National Park Service got its start in 1955 when he was stationed at Vicksburg, Mississippi as a Park Historian. While there, he did the research leading him and two friends to the long lost resting place of the Union gunboat Cairo and he was instrumental in its rise from the bottom of the Yazoo River. In 1966, Ed was transferred to Washington, DC. He rose to prominence and became the Chief Historian in November 1981, a position he held until July 1994. Then he served as the Director’s Special Assistant for Military Sites until his retirement on October 1, 1995. At the request of the Bearss Family, in lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Ed Bearss may be made to the American Battlefield Trust. Recognizing the special place that these battlefields held in his heart, such gifts will be used to secure additional lands associated with the Vicksburg Campaign. Please visit www.battlefields.org/RememberingBearss for more information.
  • Philip W. Ward passed away peacefully at the age of 85 on August 28, 2020, due to a long illness. Phil pursued a career in the National Park Service beginning at Great Sand Dunes National Park as a seasonal ranger. Over his 39-year career, he worked across the country at Blue Ridge Parkway, Natchez Trace Parkway, Colonial, Great Smoky Mountains, and Pt. Reyes National Seashore. He retired in January 1995 as Associate Regional Director at the Western Regional Office, San Francisco. He was predeceased by his son Patrick Ward. He leaves his wife Jo, daughter Amy (Greg) Hansen, grandchildren Scott (Melissa) Hansen and Kelly (Kasper) Nielsen, great-grandchildren Frankie Hansen and Charlotte Nielsen, nephew Douglas Davie, grand nephew Andrew (Rachael) Davie, grand-niece Crystal and Jennifer Davie, and niece Evelyn (Loren) Buss, grand-niece Lyla Davis, and Lorelyn Buss. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Friends of Saguaro National Park (www.friendsofsaguaro.org). At Phil’s request, there will be no memorial service.
  • Dr. Fred York (1946-2020), an anthropologist who helped reform federal relationships with Native American communities across the American West, passed away at his Seattle home on January 31, 2020. In a career spanning some five decades, York was an energetic presence, applying anthropological methods in support of Native American cultural interests in national parks and beyond. He developed especially close working relationships with the Navajo, helping protect the tribe’s graves and key cultural sites from the deleterious effects of resource development. He also oversaw ethnographic studies of tribal ties to National Park Service (NPS) units, such as Wupatki and Chaco Culture National Historical Park. By 1990, the NPS was recruiting Regional Anthropologists to address a rapidly growing list of laws and responsibilities relating to Native American cultural interests. His responsibilities soon encompassed the entire Pacific West region, California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Nevada, Hawaii, and U.S. Pacific Island territories – including roughly sixty park units in total. York also worked closely with Japanese-Americans incarcerated during World War II and their families helping develop plans for NPS management of Minidoka National Historic Site in Idaho and the interpretation of its painful history to the American public. He oversaw similar efforts, systematically engaging former patients and their descendants from the leper colony commemorated by at Kalaupapa National Historical Park in Hawaii. At the time of his death, Fred was collaborating on several publications, and independently authoring a book-length treatment of the relationship between Yosemite National Park and American Indian communities. He is survived by his daughter, Jessica York-Perez, her husband Ron, and his grandchildren Ramon and Chelsea; his sister Elizabeth York and her husband Gary Carter, “brother” Richard Savage and a circle of close friends and colleagues.
  • William Dunmire, a well-known New Mexico author and naturalist, passed away Thursday, August 1, 2019. Bill was 89. Known for his interest in New Mexico people, plants, history, and livestock, Bill wrote many books on those subjects. He was also proud to have completed a distinguished, 28-year career in the National Park Service, culminating as Superintendent of Carlsbad Caverns and Guadalupe Mountains National Parks. Earlier in life, Bill was a pioneering climber in Yosemite and climbed in Canada in the Waddington range and Canadian Rockies. He was a member of the California Himalayan Expedition to Mount Makalu in Nepal in 1954. With a lifelong devotion to the outdoors and environment, he spent as much time as he could skiing, canoeing, backpacking, fly-fishing, and photographing nature. More information ->
  • Former Glacier National Park superintendent Phillip R. Iversen died April 7 at his home in Kalispell with his family by his side. He was 96. Iversen was superintendent of Glacier from February 1974 to September 1980. During his tenure he made the decision to ban the use of snowmobiles in Glacier, citing impacts to wildlife, particularly along Lake McDonald. Iversen’s career in total spanned 30 years with the Park Service. He worked at Grand Canyon National Park twice; was the first park ranger assigned to the newly established C&O Canal National Historic Park in Maryland; and also worked in Petrified Forest National Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, Arches, Canyonlands National Park and Natural Bridges National Monuments, Dinosaur National Monument and was assistant regional director of the Midwest Region in Omaha, Nebraska, as well as state director of the National Parks in Utah.
  • Sandra E. Corbett, 69, of Mashpee, formerly of Bourne, passed away at home in Mashpee on September 10, 2019 surrounded by her family and close friends. Born in Cataumet, MA, raised in Bourne, MA, daughter of the late Herbert and Dorothy (Perry) Kelley. Sandy was a graduate of the Federal Executive Masters Level Leadership Program and attended a Leadership for Executives Program, Wharton School of Business. Sandy worked for the Federal Government for many years. She retired as the Associate Regional Director for Administrative Services, Northeast Region Headquarters located in Philadelphia, PA. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to FORWARD, P.O. Box 1174, South Dennis, MA 02660. Sandy will have a private burial with her family in attendance at Monument Beach Cemetery.
  • Former National Park Service superintendent John M. Good died at home in Meridian, Idaho, on Dec. 5, 2019. He was 95 years old. Born in St. Louis, Mo., on March 15, 1924, Mr. Good began his NPS career in 1951 as a cave guide at Carlsbad Caverns National Park, N.M., and retired as superintendent of Everglades National Park, Fla., in 1981. He worked at seven parks during his career including serving as chief naturalist at Yellowstone National Park, Wyo., 1960-68, superintendent, Acadia National Park, 1968-71, deputy superintendent, Yosemite National Park, Calif., 1971-76 and superintendent, Everglades National Park, Fla,. 1976-81. The family asks that, in his memory, everyone fights hard to preserve our public lands and public access to them as John Maxwell Good did his entire life.
  • Wayne Merry, long-time resident of Atlin B.C., died peacefully October 30th at home surrounded by his family. Wayne was born in Fresno, California on August 4th, 1931. Wayne had many accomplishments in his life, but he was most well-known for the first ascent of El Capitan in 1958 with Warren Harding and George Whitmore. He later helped establish Yosemite Search and Rescue, the Yosemite Mountaineering School, and the Yosemite Mountain Shop in the 1970’s. He was Chief Ranger in Denali National Park in the late 1960’s, where he and his family lived for a time at the Wonder Lake ranger station. In 1972 he led the first ski traverse of the Brooks Range. In 1974 the Merry family emigrated to Canada, settling in Atlin, British Columbia. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation or note of appreciation to the Atlin Historical Society or the Atlin Supportive Living Society (Box 111 Atlin, BC V0W 1A0) on behalf of Wayne.
  • Don Reeser 80, of Makawao, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by family, on March 9, 2019. Don spent his 44-year career with the National Park Service, stationed at Glacier, Grand Canyon, Muir Woods, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes, Redwood and Haleakalā National Parks. He served as Superintendent of Haleakalā National Park for 17 years before retiring in 2005. The park posted a tribute to Don here. A Celebration of Don’s Life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests monetary donations be made in his honor to the following organizations that he deeply supported: Friends of Haleakalā National Park or Ka ‘Ohana O Kalaupapa.
  • Ben L. Moffett has passed away at age 79 on Monday, August 19, 2019 at his home in Bosque Farms, New Mexico. Ben had a successful career with the National Park Service that spanned 23 years and two distinct offices in Santa Fe, NM, and Denver, CO. During that tenure he was responsible for informing the public about the 1988 Yellowstone fires and the wolf reintroduction mission to name a few. During his retirement he worked tirelessly to write a book on the history of basketball in New Mexico, a labor of love as sports, particularly high school sports, were always close to his heart.
  • Peggy J. Smallwood, 82, of Martinsburg, WV passed away on Thursday, July 11, 2019. Peggy was a long-time employee of Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. She retired as the Administrative Officer in 1993. More information ->
  • Richard Craig Schneider, 72, passed away on June 3 in Prescott, Arizona. Rich began his 34-year NPS career as an outdoor recreation planner with the Denver Service Center in the late 1970s and went on to serve in many national parks. His full obituary is published in Prescott’s “The Daily Courier“. Rich is survived by devoted wife, Barbara; son Aaron (Vanessa) Schneider; daughter Katie (Emilio) Sartori; granddaughter Elena Schneider; brother Robert Schneider; sister Suzanne (Hans) Borstad; mother-in-law Donna Edmondson; and aunt Marge Cecil.
  • L. Clifford Soubier, 85, passed away on June 5 in Charles Town, West Virginia. Cliff was a native of Council Bluffs, Iowa. He began his career in the early 1960s when he was hired by Dick Morishige as staff museum curator at the Western Museum Laboratory in San Francisco. Later he was park historian at Homestead National Monument in Nebraska and then moved to serve as park historian at the then-Custer Battlefield in Montana (now known as Little Bighorn Battlefield NM) from 1969 to 1971. He later served as an interpretive planner at the Denver Service Center and the Harpers Ferry Center in West Virginia. Cliff was especially known for his gifted interpretive planning and writing skills, as well as for his subtle yet hilarious wit. Cliff was preceded in death by his wife, Karen. He is survived by his son Jason of Maryland and daughter Aimee of Washington, DC, and their spouses and Cliff’s grandchildren. Services were private.
  • Stewart W. “Stew” Fritts, 79 of Sedona, Arizona, died peacefully in his home on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2016. He served in the Air Force Police from 1956 to 1960 and graduated from Montana State University in 1964. He worked for the National Park Service at Sequoia, Mount Rainier and the North Cascades as a Park Ranger. He retired from Grand Canyon National Park in 2008 after 48 years of service. He was preceded in death by his wife Donna Fritts. More information ->
  • Dr. Francis Anthony “Cal” Calabrese passed away peacefully at home in Omaha, Nebraska with his wife and service dog by his side. Dr. Calabrese was born and raised in Waterbury, Connecticut. He received his B.A. in Anthropology from the University of Colorado – Boulder, and his M.A. and Ph.D. in Anthropology from the University of Missouri – Columbia. His research contributions and publications span subjects relating to Southwest, Southeast, and Central and Northern Plain’s prehistory. Dr. Calabrese had a long and accomplished career with the National Park Service including his long-standing position as Chief of the Midwest Archeological Center. Dr. Calabrese also participated in Forensic Archeology with Physicians for Human Rights under the auspices of the United Nations War Crimes Commission. A CELEBRATION OF LIFE PARTY will begin at 3:00 pm with a toast to Dr. Calabrese at 4:00 pm on Saturday, June 15th, 2019 at 13024 Calhoun Rd., Omaha, Nebraska 68152. Memorial Donations may be made to The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks. More information ->
  • Richard “Dick” L. Holder died May 9, 2019 in Arvada, Colorado. A family visit to Yellowstone National Park when he was ten years old inspired a dream to become a park ranger. This dream came true in 1956, when he was hired by the National Park Service. He worked as a park ranger at the Blue Ridge National Parkway in North Carolina, Theodore Roosevelt National Memorial Park in North Dakota, and ultimately in Yellowstone National Park. His duties included the management of wildlife, law enforcement activities, and fighting wildfires. Richard retired from his government position in 1980. He spent his retirement years hunting with his son, Steve, fishing and camping with his granddaughter, Kinsey, chopping wood, and traveling the world with his wife, Shirley. More information ->
  • Tom Danton – Tom died March 1, 2019. Tom’s 30-year career as a Park Ranger started in 1973 at Rocky Mountain National Park. His career found him working in several natural parks such as Rocky Mountain, Grand Teton, and Saguaro National Parks. However, most of his assignments involved the presidential homes of Washington, Lincoln, Garfield, Hoover, Truman, Lyndon Johnson, and other presidents.
  • Erny Kuncl passed away on January 16, 2019, of natural causes in his Estes Park, Colorado home. Erny started his career with National Park Service in 1963 and for over 35 years he served as a Law Enforcement/Rescue Ranger and Special Agent. More information ->
  • John Fiedor, 66, of Dayville, OR passed away on Monday, December 24, 2018. John worked at many parks, National Capital Region, Gettysburg NMP and retired as Chief of Interpretation, John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. There will be a memorial service for John on January 6, 2019, at the Dayville Memorial Church at 11 AM Dayville, Oregon. More information ->
  • Irvin Leonard Mortenson, Jr. 77, of Sequim, Washington passed away on Saturday, October 27, 2018, at Rosario Assisted Living. Irv served as the Superintendent of Badlands National Park. He was born on September 12, 1941, the son of Irvin and Berneda Mortenson. More information ->
  • James “Jim” L. Brown, 78, of Poughkeepsie, NY, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, September 6, 2016. Jim worked for the National Park Service for 40 years, an occupation with frequent transfers throughout the country that brought him and his family from the Southwest to the Northeast. They moved to the Hudson Valley in 1987 where Jim served as deputy superintendent at the Roosevelt-Vanderbilt National Historic Sites in Hyde Park, NY, for nine years. His last appointment was as senior historian at the Gateway Recreation Area in Staten Island, NY. More information ->
  • Robert N. Perkins, Jr. – died January 9, 2018. It was in 1948 that Bob had a summer job at Grand Teton National Park, and he then knew what his future would be. Each summer of his college years and afterward he knew that he would be a permanent Park Ranger. After graduating from Hope College, Holland, MI, he continued summers at Grand Teton where his duties as campground ranger also included the Mountain Rescue Team. Those team members were awarded citations by the Secretary of the Interior in 1953 and 1954. Bob spent two winters at Everglades National Park. Permanent status then came along and he served in seven other National Parks, ending as manager of Minute Man National Historical Park during the Bicentennial years. He finished his government career with Bridger-Teton National Forest. More information ->
  • Diane Lobb-Boyce – died March 7, 2016. After staying at home to raise her sons, Diane was hired in 1981 by the National Park Service for the Roosevelt- Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Sites, where she served in the Administrative, Museum, and Visitor Services Divisions. She worked mostly in Visitor Services as an Interpreter, where she was honored to take Barbra Streisand, President Bill Clinton, and His Majesty Prince Andrew, Duke of York, on tour. During the middle part of the nineteen-nineties, Diane was instrumental in forming an interpreter exchange program between Springwood, the home of Franklin D. Roosevelt in Hyde Park and Campobello National Historic Park in New Brunswick, Canada, as well as the Little White House located in Warm Springs, Georgia. As a result, interpreters from all three sites were able to present a more complete story of the life of Franklin D. Roosevelt and his family and his legacy. Over her career she was able to share her extensive knowledge of Roosevelt Family history and genealogy with notable historians Jonathan Alter, Doris Kearns Goodwin, and her friend, Geoffrey Ward. More information ->.
  • Donald C. Hill – died October 24, 2018.  His passion for our national parks was seeded in April of 1965 as a seasonal at Black Canyon on the Gunnison National Monument and from 1968 through March of 1973 at Colorado National Monument. In 1975, he became an Intake Ranger becoming the first permanent employee and Ranger for the Morrow Point District at Curecanti NRA. Donald served as the Chief of Interpretation from 1978 until 1987. In February of 1987, he was selected to fill the Park Manager position at Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site in La Junta, CO where he finished out his career in the Park Service. More information ->
  • Dr. William J. Murtagh, who was described in a 2005 presidential citation from the American Institute of Architects as “the beloved pied piper of preservation” died Oct. 28 at a retirement community in Sarasota, FL. Dr. Murtagh was the first “keeper” of the National Register of Historic Places, a job that effectively made him curator of the nation’s significant buildings, battlefields, districts, objects, and sites. Dr. Murtagh was profiled in The Coalition Centennial Biographies.
  • Dr. John Lemons died September 26, 2018. John was an outstanding park ranger-naturalist. He worked in Yosemite/Tuolumne Meadows from the late 1960’s through the mid-1970’s. He was one of the few given the honor and privilege to lead the prestigious 7-day loop hike through Yosemite’s high country. John was a graduate of the University of California at Santa Barbara. He went on to earn his Ph. D. in zoology and physiology from the University of Wyoming in 1975 and entered academia. He published over 100 peer-reviewed articles; edited eight books; served as Editor-in-Chief of “The Environmental Professional,” the official journal of the National Association of Environmental Professionals; served as environmental science book series editor for Blackwell Science, Inc., and directed numerous grants and international projects. National park policy was a subject that remained among his personal and academic interests. Among his many publications, John authored articles about historic legislation that mandated NPS management to give priority to resource protection over visitor use.
  • Carolyn Richard, a 34 year veteran of the National Park Service, passed away August 1, 2018, at her home in Phoenix, Arizona. She had a long and honorable career serving at many national parks across the country as an interpreter and curator. At Grand Canyon in 1988, as curator overseeing the planning and building of a new state of the art curatorial facility for the park’s collection she met Ellis Richard, also a career NPS employee at Grand Canyon. They married in 1989. Their daughter, Siena Richard, was born in 1993. In 2000, Carolyn began working for the NPS Washington Office as a training manager for the new Facility Management Software System. In 2005, she was hired as the Chief of Interpretation at Carlsbad Caverns. From 2005 to 2011 she worked at Grand Tetons NP as Chief of Interpretation. In 2011, she made her final move, back to Washington, DC as the Chief of Visitor Services and Education at the National Mall and Memorial Parks, a position she remembered as one of the most challenging and satisfying jobs in her career. She retired in September 2014.
  • Bruce Kilgore passed away on June 10, 2018, at the age of 88. Bruce was a giant in the history of the National Park Service science and natural resource programs. His contributions to the National Park Service were truly remarkable, including: Significant contributions to both park and National Park Service fire programs, and especially his pioneering personal work on giant sequoia in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks; Assembling and supervising a highly respected science program in the Western Region of the National Park Service; and Working to institutionalize the use of science-driven decision-making to effectively protect and preserve park natural resources for current and future generations.
  • Joe Rumburg, Jr., age 97, passed away peacefully on June 4, 2018, in Green Valley, Az. Joe was a career NPS ranger who also served as deputy regional director, regional director and deputy associate director of operations in WASO, passed away on June 4th. Joe was born in May of 1921 in Lewis, Colorado. He enlisted and served in the Marine Corps from 1941 to 1945 and was stationed in the South Pacific. After returning from war, Joe became a seasonal employee at Mesa Verde before getting his permanent assignment at Big Bend. Subsequent ranger assignments included Zion and Bryce Canyon, Grand Canyon, and Rocky Mountain. His first superintendency was at George Washington Carver and was followed by tours as superintendent of Bighorn Canyon and Natchez Trace. In l968, Joe was appointed the assistant regional director of operations for Western Region and became regional director in 1970.  He was then assigned to Washington as deputy associate director of operations. Following that he served as regional director for Southwest Region from 1974 until his retirement in l976. He was a recipient of the Department of Interior’s distinguished service award for his contributions to the National Park Service. The family is honoring his request for no services. Contributions can be sent to the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA), the Nature Conservancy, or Habitat for Humanity. More information ->
  • Aivars Zakis, age 77 of Mason, passed away on Saturday, May 30, 2015, at his home. Aivars received a Bachelor’s Degree in Wildlife Management from the University of Minnesota – Minneapolis in 1967. He was a wildlife manager for the Redwood National Forest in California, for the National Parks Service in Isle Royal, the Consumers Product & Safety Commission, and for the Bureau of Indian Affairs until his retirement. Aivars enjoyed woodworking and photography. Read more information here.
  • Eugene “Gene” Leroy Wester, 79, passed away in Crescent City on March 8, 2017. Gene began working for the Redwood National Parks in 1975 and retired in 2009. Gene served the federal government for 44 years.
  • Dr. Richard “Dick” Briceland passed away on April 7, 2018, in Washington, DC. He was 89. Dick joined the National Park Service in 1978 and retired from it in 2000. He had previously worked at the Environmental Protection Agency and as Director of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. While Associate Director for Natural Resources, he was a champion for the protection of park natural resources and instilled that ethos in his own staff and others. As new laws to protect the environment took effect during his tenure, Dick developed strategies and hired staff to address park threats. Just of few of his many accomplishments include: Creating the Air Quality Division (now Air Resources) to help enforce the special protections for national parks under the 1977 amendments to the Clean Air Act. Initiating a Natural Resource Trainee program that created a cadre of natural resource managers who were broadly educated on the diversity of natural resources as well as on natural resource issues and the legal, policy, and research tools to address them. Creating a Mining and Minerals Division (now Geologic Resources) to protect parks from mining both within (where the US does not own the subsurface rights) and outside parks.He leaves a lasting legacy.  He is survived by his wife Vivian, daughter Lynn and her husband, and four grandchildren.  Son Jim passed away in January.
  • Donald R. Field, age 78, died peacefully on Saturday, April 7, 2018, at St. Mary’s Care Center. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 12, 2018, at ST BERNARD CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2015 Parmenter Street, Middleton, WI. Don served as the Chief Scientist Pacific Northwest Region.
  • John “Jack” Hauptman, superintendent of Acadia National Park from 1987 to 1991, died here Feb. 3. He was 82. Hauptman lived in Southwest Harbor during his time at Acadia. He helped start private fundraising efforts to restore the carriage roads and preserve scenic vistas. Hauptman was superintendent at Fire Island National Seashore from 1982 to 1987 and from 1991 to 1997, when he retired from the National Park Service.
  • Reed Engle died on November 13, 2017, of lung cancer. In 1979, Reed was appointed the National Park Service’s first Regional Historical Landscape Architect. Responsibilities included providing technical advice and researching and designing restoration projects for 27 national parks in the Mid-Atlantic Region. In 1989 Engle was made Chief of Cultural Resources at Gettysburg National Military Park, in charge of historic buildings, monuments, landscapes, library, and archives. In 1994 Engle was made Director of Cultural Resources at Shenandoah National Park, where he oversaw archaeology, architecture, landscape architecture, historic preservation compliance, and archive and museum collections. Reed wrote three books on Shenandoah: Everything Was Wonderful, on the Civilian Conservation Corps, and In the Light of the Mountain Moon, a history of Skyland, both of which won the National Association for Interpretation’s First Place Award in its Interpretive Media Competition, and The Greatest Single Feature, a history of Skyline Drive. He also co-authored two additional books on the park. Reed’s research was critical in the effort to have Skyline Drive declared a National Historic Landmark. Read more information here.
  • Chuck Barat, age 62, died November 5, 2017, at The Elizabeth House Hospice in Hendersonville, NC surrounded by his wife of 39 years Linda Barat and his daughter Sarah Barat of Portland, Oregon. Chuck embarked upon his 30 year NPS career in 1978. He spent his first 15 years on the east coast and midwest, in positions at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Delaware Water Gap N.R.A., and Petersburg National Battlefield. The last 15 years of his career were spent in two western parks, Lava Beds National Monument for 8 years and Carlsbad Caverns National Park for the final 7 years. Chuck acted as Resources Management Chief at Lava Beds and Resources Management Chief at Carlsbad before completing an interagency Team Leadership Program and promoting to Assistant Superintendent at Carlsbad.If you wish to honor his memory with a donation, please send it to The Nature Conservancy or Elizabeth House Hospice, 581 S.. Allen Rd., Flat Rock, NC 28731. You may send remembrances to his wife Linda at 33 Triple Fairways Dr., Hendersonville, NC 28739.
  • Richard West Sellars, retired National Park Service historian and author of Preserving Nature in the National Parks—one of the most important books ever written about NPS died November 1, 2017. Read more by clicking this link.
  • Cecil Andrus, the longest-serving governor of Idaho, who saved Castle Peak from miners and engineered the protection of 25 percent of Alaska as wilderness, wildlife refuges, and national parks, passed away on August 24, 2017.
  • William J. (Bill) Briggle passed away on August 13, 2017, in Vancouver, Washington. Bill began his National Park Service career working seasonally at Sequoia and Kings Canyon in 1947. His final assignment was at Mount Rainier National Park where he retired as superintendent in 1999. In his over 50 year career, Bill’s assignments were many and varied. He held supervisory park ranger positions at Theodore Roosevelt, Yellowstone and Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Parks. In 1961 he became a recreation planner in the southeast regional office then transferred to Washington, DC to work with the new Bureau of Outdoor Recreation. Bill became a protégé of Director George Hartzog and served as his special assistant. In 1965 he returned to the field as assistant superintendent at Lake Mead. Throughout his career, he was superintendent of four parks: Glen Canyon, Lake Mead, Glacier and Mount Rainier (twice).In 1976, Director Everhardt recruited him to be Deputy Director of the NPS. Bill also served for many years as the deputy regional director and acting regional director in Seattle. In addition to his regular work assignments, Bill was tapped to head several important efforts. He served as director of the National Parks Centennial, marking the 100th anniversary of the founding of Yellowstone. In 1991 Bill was the Steering Committee Chair of the Vail Symposium which commemorated the National Park Service’s 75th Anniversary. Donations in Bill’s memory may be made to the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks. He was a longstanding member.
  • Richard K. Anderson Jr. passed away at home on Saturday, June 17, 2017, after a two-year battle with a very rare cancer. In 1978, he married Amelia Elizabeth (Betty) Harper of Sumter and they made their home in the Washington, D.C., area for 11 years while he worked for the Historic American Buildings Survey/Historic American Engineering Record program of the National Park Service. During which time he established the Standards of Excellence in measured drawing documentation in National Park Leadership in the fields of engineering, maritime and architectural preservation. For his contribution in these areas, he was awarded a Citation for Meritorious Service by the Secretary of the Department of the Interior in 1990.  More about Richard K. Anderson Jr. can be found here.
  • Marc Sagan, a leader, and innovator in the field of interpretive planning for parks and historic sites, died at his home in Loudoun County, Virginia, on May 24, 2017, at the age of 88. Marc’s career flourished under the NPS’s 10-year program, Mission 66, which aimed to dramatically expand visitor services by 1966, the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the NPS. Marc was one of a generation of innovators in the field of interpretation who transformed the national park visitor experience.
  • Dale Engquist died on June 4, 2017. Engquist worked for the National Park Service for more than 42 years by the time he retired in 2007. Of those four decades, Engquist spent 24 years at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, beginning as the assistant superintendent in 1978, and then moving into the superintendent’s role in 1983. More about Dale Engquist can be found here.
  • John Frank Luzader of Bridgeport, West Virginia died on November 16, 2016. Mr. Luzader was born on February 19, 1922, in Barbour County, West Virginia to Carey Frank and Reverend Lois Ruth (Radabaugh) Luzader. Enlisting in 1942 John served in the European Theatre of the War seeing action at Normandy on June 6, 1944, through France and into the Hurtgen Forest where he was wounded in the fall of 1944. He was sent home and married his wife Doris Jean (Bolyard) Luzader on January 9th., 1945. In the early 1950’s he was hired by the United States National Park Service. From 1953 through 1984 he served as a Field Historian at Saratoga National Battlefield, Schuylerville, New York, an Adjunct Professor of History at State University of New York, a Field Historian for the C&O Canal at Hagerstown, Maryland, Research and Planning Curator for the, Branch of Museums, Springfield, Virginia, Staff Historian of the Colonial and Revolutionary Periods, Washington, D.C., Chief of the Historic Preservation Division, Washington, D.C, and Denver, Colorado, finishing his National Park Service career as Bureau Historian in the Denver Service Center in 1984. His leadership and supervision oversaw the rejuvenation of numerous parks and established criteria and quality still utilized in the NPS. From the mid-1960s through 1984 there are few NPS historic sites that did not have his teams working on them. While working as the NPS Staff Historian he was the author of numerous mono-graphic history and historic structure studies as well as many booklets and books. These include Construction and Military History of Ft. Stanwix in 1969 and, Decision on the Hudson; 2002. Augmenting these works were numerous magazine articles and lectures throughout New York, Maryland, Virginia, Colorado and West Virginia. In 2009, at the age of 86, Mr. Luzader had published the book Saratoga: A Military History of the Decisive Campaign of the American Revolution, a book that received critical acclaim as one of the finest resources on the battle of Saratoga and was described as one of the preeminent treatments of battle descriptions of the American Revolution. Mr. Luzader was also the recipient of various honors including the Combat Infantry Badge, a Purple Heart, a Bronze Star and a Silver Star.  In 1970 he was assigned as a special researcher for the National Park Service on the American Revolution, spending a year researching and coordinating materials in England, France and Germany while preparing for the National Park Service’s programming for the Bicentennial of the American Revolution and receiving an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Oxford in England.
  • Frank Hays, associate regional director for natural and cultural resource stewardship and science in the NPS Northeast Region, died on Friday, March 3, 2017. “Friends and colleagues from across the Service know Frank was dedicated, kind and truly cared for the people who worked alongside him,” stated Acting Regional Director Joshua Laird in an email to NPS staff. “As a manager, he modeled a transparent and collaborative work ethic and encouraged his team to work together towards an integrated resource stewardship vision… Frank exemplified that passion we all feel.” Frank’s career brought him from Hawaii to the Arctic to the Northeast Regional Office in Philadelphia. After serving several months as acting ARD, he was chosen for the position in August 2015. Prior to moving to Philadelphia, Frank served as superintendent for Western Arctic National Parklands (WEAR) in Alaska. There, he responded to increasing threats from oil and other environmental spills and helped to mediate potential conflicts between native subsistence users and sports hunters. He also helped to facilitate local tribal consultation, to resolve Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act issues and to coordinate wildlife management efforts with state and local agencies. Frank also served as the Pacific Area director for the Pacific West Region and as acting superintendent at World War II Valor in the Pacific National Memorial, which includes the USS Arizona Memorial. His work as Pacific Area director earned him a Meritorious Service Award. Before that, Hays served as the superintendent of Manzanar National Historic Site, hiring the new park’s first employees and developing the park’s plans and early facilities. Hays’ other NPS positions include: restoration program leader at Grand Canyon National Park; coordinator for Fundamentals National Resource Managers Course (detail); resource management specialist at Saguaro National Park; natural resource specialist at Chaco Culture National Historical Park; and numerous seasonal posts dating back to his first season at Zion in 1978. Frank Hays Memorial Fund: https://www.gofundme.com/frank-hays-memorial-fund
  • Robert (Bob) Felker passed away on February 27, 2017, in Greensburg, PA. Bob retired after a 40-year career with the NPS as a senior field landscape architect in 2011. He had been duty stationed at the Natchez Trace Parkway for 33 years of his career where he oversaw completion of the northern and southern terminus and the Jackson, MS which was completed in 2005.  He worked on many other park projects throughout his career, including BLRI, SHIL, VICK, GRSM, Capitol Reef, Canyon de Chelly, Carl Sandburg, Fort Caroline, Fort Frederica, Abraham Lincoln Birthplace, GUIS, and Stones River. Condolences may be sent to Bob’s family, c/o Deborah Wilkinson-Armbrust, P. O. Box 3, Armbrust, PA 15616
  • Richard (Dick) Powell passed away on Saturday, February 18, 2017, in Arlington, Virginia, after a long battle with brain cancer. He was in hospice care at the time. He will be laid to rest on Tuesday, February 21 in a private ceremony in Northern Virginia. Dick retired in September 2013 after 48 years with the NPS with stints in Death Valley NM, Lassen NP, Sequoia NP, the Intermountain (Rocky) Regional Office and WASO.
  • Ivor Noël Hume passed away at 89 last Friday, February 3, 2017. Hume was one of the most famous of the historic archeologists and he “profoundly influenced the field of historical archaeology and inspired generations of students both casual and professional.” He worked at Colonial Williamsburg and Fort Raleigh National Historic Sites.
  • Bill Everhart passed away peacefully in his sleep on February 4, 2017. Bill was a key player in the National Park Service during the Johnson Administration.  He worked on projects in San Francisco, St. Louis, Philly, Harpers Ferry, Yellowstone and many others. Bill loved the outdoors. He grew up in Gettysburg and worked as a tour guide at the park there during the summers. Gettysburg was where he considered home. He was an avid walker despite a leg injury during World War II at the Battle of the Bulge.  He walked every day twice a day. The family will gather in Gettysburg later in April to celebrate Bill’s life. He was quite a guy to have a chat with and we feel grateful to have known him.
  • Ellen Croll, the wife of National Park Service retiree Stuart and mother to Perry, passed away peacefully at home on January 20, 2017, at 11:05 am.  Ellen had been in home hospice since January 3, 2017. She was diagnosed with Sporadic ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) in November 2016. There is no service planned at this moment, but Ellen’s family hopes for the burial of the ashes at the Grand Canyon cemetery. Our condolences go out to his Stuart, Perry, and Ellen’s family and friends.
  • John (Jack) O’Brien, of Cottonwood, AZ died October 2, 2016, in Scottsdale, AZ. He was born May 2, 1932, in St. Paul, MN and attended Cretin Military Academy in St. Paul and Dunwoody Industrial Institute in Minneapolis, MN.  He worked for the National Park Service for 30 years in six different parks. He served in several positions, including park ranger, park interpretation, and management.  He retired from Grand Canyon National Park in 1990 as Chief of Interpretation relocating to Cottonwood, AZ.  Among Jack’s many pursuits he particularly enjoyed family history, stamp collecting and model railroading. Jack is survived by LaVonne, his wife of 56 years, three daughters and a son. Services and burial were held at the Grand Canyon (National Park) Cemetery on Saturday, November 12, 2016, and attended by family and friends.  In lieu of flowers please make a donation to your local Humane Society, animal shelter or animal welfare. More information ->
  • Lester (Les or Mac) McClanahan, 89 of Custer, SD passed away on Thursday, September 8, 2016.  Les was born February 10, 1927, in Lawrence, KS, served in the US Navy between 1944 and 1946, and received a BA from the University of Kansas in 1953.  Les worked a number of part-time and seasonal jobs with the NPS and similar agencies until he was offered a full-time assignment in 1955 at Grand Collee Dam in WA.  His career took him to Mount Rainier, Craters of the Moon, Yosemite, The Statue of Liberty and in 1969 to Wind Cave NP where he served as superintendent until retirement in 1983. Les was an active member of his church, served on local boards and loved to travel with his wife, Wanda.  Les is survived by his wife, two sons and a daughter, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Memorial services were held on September 19, 2016, at the Custer Lutheran Fellowship Church in Custer, SD.  An Educational Fund has been established in Lester’s name with the  Employee and Alumni Association of the National Park Service.  More information ->
  • National Park Service retiree and Coalition member Alan Atchison passed away this week after a prolonged illness in Tucson, Arizona. Alan was the Chief Park Ranger at Grand Teton National Park. Our condolences go out to his wife Marcia and his family.
  • Former Yellowstone National Park Superintendent Robert D. “Bob” Barbee passed away on Sunday, October 2, 2016, at home in Bozeman, MT. In 2016, the Coalition published an NPS Centennial Biography about Bob Barbee and his service, achievements, and hospitality. The NPS Centennial Biography can be found here. His full obituary can be found here. The following link is for the website for Bob’s friends to post tributes and learn about the celebration of his life to be held in May in Yellowstone, the date to be announced: link to the website.
  • Rick Cook, former public affairs officer at Everglades and Dry Tortugas National Parks, passed away this past September weekend. In 2016, the Coalition published an NPS Centennial Biography about Rick, his service, and his immense contributions to the Park Service. The NPS Centennial Biography can be found here.
  • Michael Frome passed away Sunday, September 4, 2016. Michael has been well known as an author, educator and tireless champion of America’s natural heritage. Michael has written over twenty books, and he directed a pioneering program in environmental journalism and writing at Western Washington University. Please see his last edition of his Portogram titled Portogram: The Last Page.
  • John Clay passed away Wednesday, June 29, 2016, at Landsun Methodist Retirement Home in Carlsbad, NM. John retired as the Manager of the Southern Arizona Group of parks and monuments. 
  • Michael Hill passed away on May 1, 2016. Mike had a long, productive career with the National Park Service working as a park ranger at a number of places, including Channel Islands, Petrified Forest, Shenandoah, and Biscayne. He later served as a superintendent at Timpanogos Caves, Petersburg National Battlefield, and Assateague Island. Please see the full obituary here.
  • William E. Brown passed away May 1, 2016, in Sequim, WA. Bill made his career in the National Park Service as a historian and visionary of park values. His first job with the National Park Service as a technical editor provided an opportunity to work on many NPS publications. Bill left the National Park Service for a short period of time to work on the Black Mesa Defense and in 1971 wrote Islands of Hope, Parks and Recreation in Environmental Crisis. In 1975, he went on to an NPS assignment in Alaska, playing an important role in planning for Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve. He did work in the National Petroleum Reserve and completed key historic resource studies for Gates of the Arctic and Denali National Parks.
  • Tom Brown, former Associate Regional Director – Professional Service for S.E. Region passed away after a long illness. Tom’s funeral service will be April 2, 2016, 12 Noon at Mt Zion United Methodist Church, 1770 Johnson Ferry Rd, Marietta 30062.
  • Doris Steenhagen, 89, on March 16. Doris worked for the National Park Service in Richmond as a secretary in the 1950’s where she met and married Robert Steenhagen, former Associate Manager of the Denver Service Center. Doris and Bob were married for over 60 years. Bob passed away in 2013. Please see the full obituary here.
  • Gordon Plaisted passed away in Porterville, California from a long illness on February 4, 2016. In the early 1980’s Gordon started working for the National Park Service as a Procurement Agent for Sequoia National Park. In the early 1990’s, Gordon worked as Procurement Agent and Contracting Officer for the Southwest Regional Office of the National Park Service. Gordon then moved to Grand Canyon National Park in 1995 and accepted the Contracting Officer position at this important and busy park. His wife Velma also worked at Grand Canyon. Both Gordon and Velma retired from Grand Canyon in 2001 and moved back to Porterville in their retirement. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking those, who are able to, to please make a donation made in memory of Gordon Plaisted to Porterville Adult Day Services PADS, 227 E Oak, Porterville, CA. 93257.
  • Karen Conner Ballentine, age 54 of Gatlinburg, passed away Sunday, January 17, 2016. As a career employee of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, she served as Education Branch Chief. In lieu of flowers, Great Smoky Mountains National Park has established a Tremont Environmental Education Center scholarship fund to help kids attend their programs. Tremont is located within the park. Contributions may be made to the Karen Ballentine Scholarship Fund, Friends of the Smokies, P.O. Box 1660, Kodak, TN 37764. More information ->
  • Maurice John Zardus, a long-time resident of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, passed away on January 21, 2016, at the age of 87. Maurice joined the National Park Service and his family began an adventurous roving life in some of the country’s great national parks where he worked as a park ranger and ultimately as a biologist, beginning in Grand Teton National Park and eventually taking positions in Grand Canyon, Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Great Sand Dunes National Parks.
  • Ralph Webb, a Park Naturalist for 20 years, passed away January 8, 2016, in Las Cruces, NM. Ralph was born in Rock Springs, Wyoming Oct. 1931 and moved to Carlsbad, NM in 1947, graduating from Carlsbad High in 1951. He attended the University of Colorado before joining the Air Force and serving for 4 years attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. He graduated from Eastern New Mexico University. After retirement from the NPS Ralph obtained a Masters Degree from New Mexico State University in Special Education and taught school in New Mexico, most recently in Alamogordo, before retiring from teaching.
  • Clay W. James, Legendary NPS Partner Dies. Clay James was hired by Laurance S. Rockefeller to open many of the new RockResorts properties around the country. Rockefeller entrusted Clay with managing the transition of his beloved JY ranch to become a part of Grand Teton National Park. The National Park Service recognized Clay as a great partner. The NPS consulted with him on many issues and invited him repeatedly to serve on special committees representing the business interests of concession operations throughout the entire national park system.
  • Allan Leaf “Al” Lovaas, (April 5, 1931 – August 9, 2015). Al Lovaas, age 84, passed away at his home in Hot Springs, SD. Al’s career as a wildlife biologist led the family to many locations, including Canada, Montana, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Alaska. He spent most of his career with the National Park Service, including 6 years at Wind Cave National Park. Al was the Regional Chief Scientist in Nebraska and later, Alaska, and authored several scientific publications. More information->
  • John Parks – passed away on July 29, 2015, at his home in Santa Fe. John had been ill for the past several years. John worked for the NPS at Grand Canyon, Mount Rainier and retired from the NPS as Southwest Regional Office, Regional Engineer, and Maintenance Manager.
  • Dr. William J. “Bill” Lewis – Professor of Sociology, Emeritus, University of Vermont, passed away at home on July 8, 2015 – Bill spent school years in the classroom and summers as a ranger at Yellowstone National Park. As he would for more than half a century, he continued his work for the National Park Service, primarily at Yellowstone, as a ranger, naturalist, and a trainer of naturalists. His book, “Interpreting for Park Visitors,” is considered a classic and a must-read for anyone in the field of interpretation and communication. More information ->
  • Dan Murphy – Dan passed away Sunday morning, June 14, 2015, in St Louis, MO of congestive heart failure. Dan joined the National Park Service in 1969 and worked in Arches National Park, Grand Canyon, Tetons, Salinas Pueblo, the Gateway Arch and the Sante Fe regional office in a variety of assignments including archeologist, park ranger, writer/editor, and historian. After retirement, he was the caretaker for Cunningham Ranch, a Nature Conservancy property in Cisco, Utah. More information ->
  • Don Sanders Squire, 92, passed away May 12, 2015, in St. George, Utah. Don worked at Lake Mead NRA, Nevada; Yosemite NP, and Lassen NP, California; and finished his career as superintendent of Walnut Canyon National Monument outside of Flagstaff, Arizona, retiring in 1980.
  • Lloyd M. Pierson, died peacefully at home the morning of May 4, 2014; he was 94. Lloyd spent the majority of his career with the National Park Service, starting with the Service in 1948. He worked as an archeologist, ranger and finally superintendent at various monuments and parks, including Aztec, Tonto, Montezuma Castle, Chaco Canyon, Arches, Shenandoah Parkway, Desoto, and Appomattox.
  • Frank J. Betts, 87, passed away in Fort Collins, Colorado on Saturday, April 11, 2015. He is survived by his wife Kathy. Frank worked for the NPS from 1952 to 1978. Most notably, Frank was a recipient of the National Park Service’s highest honor, and the very first Unit Valor Award to be given. He was one of four rangers involved in a dangerous high angle rescue on Hallett Peak, Memorial Day weekend in 1956. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, April 17, 2015, at Windsong Estate, 2901 Saddler Blvd, Fort Collins, CO at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Frank’s name to Front Range Hospice, the Shriners Hospital for Children, or the Employee and Alumni Association for the National Park Service in care of Vessey Funeral Service.
  • Dean V. Peterson, 84, passed away in Superior Montana on Sunday, March 22, 2015.  Dean joined the NPS in 1959 as an electrician in Yellowstone N.P. In 1967, Dean accepted a position in Mount Rainier National Park as electrical foreman, accomplishing many improvements in the 20 years he was there.  He retired in 1987.
  • John Michael Kauffmann, 91, died peacefully at his Yarmouth, Maine, home on Nov. 16, 2014.  He joined the National Park Service as a planner, assisting in the establishment of national parks including the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal and the Cape Cod National Seashore. In 1972, NPS relocated John to Alaska to study areas under consideration for designation as national parks, monuments, and reserves. His work contributed to the passage of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, (ANILCA), permanently conserving more than 100 million acres.
  • Harry Willcox Pfanz, 93, Civil War author and former chief historian for the National Park Service, died of natural causes at his home in Gaithersburg, Maryland, on January 27th.“Harry Pfanz was one of the finest historians in the National Park Service,” said Robert Sutton, current chief historian for the Service. As chief historian, he provided direction and guidance when the nation and the National Park Service celebrated the bicentennial of the American Revolution and he refined the Service’s policies and guidelines for historic preservation. In retirement, he wrote a trilogy of the Battle of Gettysburg which is considered a classic and the most detailed history of the battle. Harry passed his love of history on to his son, Donald, who served as a historian at Fredericksburg Spotsylvania National Military Park and retired last year.
  • Joy Lyons, 56, of Park City, passed away Monday, Jan. 12, 2015, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Joy was a Park Ranger for 33 years at Mammoth Cave National Park. She was passionate about research, interpretation and preserving our rich history for future generations.
  • Dr. Patricia Parker (April 16, 1943 – December 16, 2014). Former Chief of the American Indian Liaison Office in WASO. Pat was a tireless champion for Native American cultural interests in NPS and beyond. Memorials are being planned and will be announced. In lieu of flowers or other tangible expressions of condolence, donations to the Native American Rights Fund would be welcome.
  • Bill Dengler former Chief Park Naturalist at Mount Rainier National Park, died on December 8, 2014. His family said, “His first and always love was the parks.”
  • Ingrid Castellina – daughter of Anne Castellina. Ingrid died November 22, 2014.  Ingrid fought very hard and was an inspiration to everyone who knew her and what she was going through.
  • Dwight Fay Rettie, 84, of Morehead City, NC died Sunday, September 28, 2014, at home. Mr. Rettie was a lifelong conservationist and public servant. Retiring from the National Park Service in 1986, Rettie was a 30-plus year federal employee who lived, taught, and exemplified a brand of public service no longer given prominence in American culture. His greatest public service hero was President John F. Kennedy, whom he served in the Interior Department under Secretary of the Interior, Stewart L. Udall.
  • Tony Bacon, Wednesday, June 11, 2014, after a tough bout with cancer. A formal service is planned for June 28th at 11:00 at the Troy High School Activity Center, Troy MT.  Following the service will be a “celebration” for Tony at the Majestic View Ministry about 16 miles from where the Services will be held. More information ->
  • Annette Parent, April 29, 2014.  Annette grew up in Pennsylvania, attended Westtown School and Swarthmore College. With her family, she toured the Western United States on summer camping trips in the 1930s and 1940s, seeing places long before the tourists of today. Annette married Hiram Parent in 1957, lived in various Arizona national parks, and raised a son and daughter. The family lived in Carlsbad Caverns National Park from 1968 until Mr. Parent retired in 1980. More information >
  • Kevin Christopher Buckley, April 28, 2014. Kevin retired as General Superintendent of Gateway National Recreation Area in 1999 after 30 years of service. The family has asked that in lieu of flowers donations be made in Kevin’s name to the Rockaway Point Volunteer Fire Department, 204-26 Rockaway Point Blvd, Rockaway Point, NY 11697.
  • Charles M. Hudson, April 5, 2014.  Better known as Charlie to everyone he ever met, he was a Denver Service Center Architect for decades, dating from DSC’s start in the early 1970s. Personal notes and remembrances should be sent to Charlie’s wife, Connie Wanke, 2074 S. Adams Street, Denver, CO 80210.
  • Greta Ann Doutre Cook, March 1, 2014.  Greta worked at Shenandoah National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and Olympic National Park. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 5, at 1 p.m. at the Port Angeles Senior Center, 328 East Seventh Street. More information >
  • Paula Penney Eckiss, Former Director of the National Park Service Office of Communications –  Oct. 30th, 2013. Paula retired from her position with the NPS in 1987.  She remained an unapologetic proponent of the U.S. national parks for the rest of her life. More information >
  • Dolores “Nicky” Webley, Retired Budget Analyst, NCR, January 3rd, 2014.
  • William Roy “Bill” Row, nicknamed “Snuffy” –  Feb. 3, 2014. Bill started his career in Law Enforcement as a Ranger for the National Park Service working at Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Colorado National Monument, and Badlands National Park.  He retired in 2005. More information >
  • Donald Lewis Heilemann – February 7, 2014.  Mr. Heilemann was the Audio Visual Director for the National Park Service’s National Capital Region from 1972 until his 1991 retirement. Mr. Heilemann covered many historical events, including the 1976 National Bicentennial celebration, presidential inaugurations, US visit of Pope John Paul II, Washington Summit with Mikhail Gorbachev and President Reagan, presidential events and special events in national parks.