John Stair Obituary

John Stair 85, passed away on April 21, 2015, in his Tucson home. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Barbara Stair; his brother, Dean; sister, Jean; his children and their spouses, Tracy Stair, Cheryl and Derek Guenther; his grandchildren and their spouses, Michelle Alden, Michael and Kelly Alden; and his great-grandson, Owen Alden. Having spent most of his life in the Arizona desert, John was an avid outdoorsman and lover of nature. He served his community as an environmentalist and educator for over 50 years, working at the Arizona Game & Fish Department and the University of Arizona Renewable Natural Resources Department. He enjoyed hiking, riding his horse in the Catalina Mountains, and talking with hunters and fishermen. He shared his passion for the environment with his family through camping and traveling. After retiring, John devoted countless hours working for the Democratic Party in Tucson. He will be fondly remembered for his witty humor, lively story telling, and the love and generosity he showed to others, especially his family. A private service will be held in honor of his life and legacy.

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Published by Arizona Daily Star on May 17, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for John Stair

9 Entries

Joe Billings

September 18, 2020

John Stair was one of the nicest, most thoughtful people I have ever met...I think that is why his memory resonates, despite the time gap...During my wild, post-teenage "bike-hikes" riding way out from NE Tucson, up 89 & into the W-side of the Catalinas in the late 1970's, I met John when he was an AZ G & F field officer...Once, he was leading a group of boy scouts up to Walnut Spring to do restorative work...He was just a great guy & a very knowledgeable naturalist...Thanks for allowing me to share this...Best wishes, JB

Kat Cowles

May 22, 2015

John was a good man.

Cindy Nevins

May 21, 2015

I met your Dad a few times and I remember his quick sense of humor and the glint in his eye. I mostly remember how devoted he was to Democratic causes. I didn't know of all his accomplishments as mentioned in his obituary. Take comfort in all his good deeds he presented to his family and his community. RIP John Stair.

Efren Peyron

May 18, 2015

My condolences are expressed to Mr. Stair's family. He made an impression on me, a boy scout from a mining town in 1961 at Camp Lawton. He was kind, gentle, teacher and his influence affected me my entire life

May 18, 2015

I was sorry to see of John's passing. As a U of A wildlife student, I like so many others, were mentored by John in the formative years of our future careers. His wit and humor always added to the trips to the field at O dark thirty and his depth of wildlife management sense has been a building block of my own career. John gave me many opportunities to apply my classroom learning in the real world and I learned many skills watching him work with kids and the adult public in wildlife outreach programs for years. John was a gifted wildlife conservation educator. After getting hired by AZ Game and Fish I still had the opportunity to work with John for many years. He was a good person who gave much of himself to help others develop and expand a love for our natural systems and the wildlife that lives there.

I'll remember John fondly from those early years; all except maybe that period he got into making that terrible grape juice homemade wine!

Soar with the eagles now John.

Kerry Baldwin

Harley Shaw

May 18, 2015

I'm very sorry to learn of John's passing. I worked under him on doves and quail the summers of '57, '58, and '59. He really started me out on my wildlife career. My memories of him are all good.

May 18, 2015

John was a mentor of mine when I was a student at the UofA working on my degree in wildlife. After he retired from AGFD I used to assist him at Mormon Lake with the Natural Resources Workshop sponsored by the Ag Extension Station. I always enjoyed visiting with John.
I still fondly recall our first meeting in the summer of '67 when he stopped me for running a spotlight at night in the Black Mtns. After he was sure I was not spotlighting deer we had a good conversation about wildlife and a career with AGFD. We became friends and he had given me pointers when I interviewed for a Wildlife Manager position in '73.
John was a good man and I appreciate all the time I spent with him...only wish I had kept in better contact after I retired. Tom Britt, Flagstaff

Barry Gillaspie

May 17, 2015

Loving memories and thanks to John for his contribution to my life. Warm regards to you all in this time.

Jack & JoAn Samson

May 17, 2015

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

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