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Thomas Maechtle Obituary
Thomas L. Maechtle of Sheridan, Wyoming, and Ocala, Florida, passed away on December 25 after a brief but serious illness. He was 58 years old.
Tom will be remembered for his passion for wildlife conservation with particular interest in raptor biology. An internationally recognized authority on peregrine falcons, he was a well-known and respected falconer, a calling he answered at the age of twelve.
He translated his love for conservation into a successful business based in Sheridan, Wyoming. Through Big Horn Environmental Consultants, he emphasized and promoted a balanced perspective and sustainable solutions for the benefit of wildlife and industry. His most recent projects included pond enhancement for mosquito mitigation in cooperation with Floating Island International and cellular tower osprey management solutions for large cell service providers.
He was a founding member and director of Earthspan, a non-profit research organization, where he worked on peregrine projects in Texas, Alaska, Greenland, Mexico, South America and Russia. His legacy and influence will continue through the many scientific publications he authored or co-authored and the cadre of biologists he inspired and mentored.
Tom is survived by his wife of 26 years, Kathy; their daughter, Ireland of Ocala, Florida; his three brothers and their wives, Robb (Rosemary) in Grand Junction, Colorado, Bill (Cindy) in St. Charles, Illinois, and Jim (Chris) in Geneva, Illinois.
A memorial service will be held in Sheridan, Wyoming late spring.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested consideration be given for donations to the educational fund for his daughter, Ireland, at Wells Fargo Bank, 2001 SW 17th Avenue, Ocala, Florida, 34471, C/O Ireland R. Maechtle. Acct. #6025387314.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Maechtle
2 Entries
July 7, 2017
Haven't seen Tom since I left Geneva in the 70's, but I'll never forget when we worked at a stable together and he one day left a stall door open, letting a prize Morgan mare and her foal go wandering in the neighborhood. Or, setting out on a Saturday looking for red tail hawk... is it slices? Tom was a good friend during those tricky teen years, we spent many an evening in the Geneva diner going through pot after pot of coffee. Wish I had followed the urge to get in touch. He's flying now.
Joel Hicks
January 6, 2017
I haven't seen Tom since we moved from Geneva many years ago, but when we were in grade school, several of us cleaned up a stream running west of Wheeler Park and got a picture of us in the Beacon (I still have the photo). If memory serves, Tom organized it. I knew of his work with Peregrine falcons, and feel an emptiness to know he's gone. My condolences to his daughter and wife. Joel Hicks
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