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John Yarie Obituary
Born on Sept. 9, 1948, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Anthony and Almeda (Fankhauser) Yarie, John graduated from Garfield Heights High School in 1966. He went on to pursue his passion for forestry, earning his doctoral degree from the University of British Columbia in 1978.
For over four decades, John dedicated his life to teaching and conducting research at the University of Alaska Fairbanks as a professor of silviculture. He was a respected leader in his field, serving in professional and public service leadership roles and mentoring students. His work on forest ecology was influential and left a lasting impact on the world. John retired in 2017 and settled in Corvallis, Oregon, in 2021.
John was an avid lover of nature and enjoyed spending time outdoors. He liked skiing, hiking, camping, fishing and traveling, to name a few. He also had a talent for woodworking, particularly furniture, and enjoyed nature photography. John liked watching and playing sports, especially softball and tennis. He cherished spending time with his family and watching his grandsons grow. He was a kind and thoughtful person who enjoyed engaging in conversations with friends and colleagues.
John is survived by his two daughters, Vanessa and Sabrina (husband Coulter); his sister, Linda; and his grandsons, Nicco and Teo. He was preceded in death by his parents, Anthony and Almeda.
John will be deeply missed, but his legacy will live on through his work and the memories he created with those who knew and loved him.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Yarie
Harvey Brindell
July 12, 2023
Although John and I didnt know each other for a long time, we became good friends. We spent time watching sports together, talking about woodworking, music, and eating a good meal. He was always willing to help out and lend a hand when needed. He will be greatly missed.
Chris and Mary Maisch
June 7, 2023
Sorry to hear this news and condolences to the family and friends. I got to know John when I first arrived in Fairbanks as a seasonal worker for the USFS Institute of Northern Forestry which was located on campus. He was an active member of the Yukon River Chapter of the Society of American Foresters and very welcoming to me and my spouse Mary as new members in the Fairbanks community. I had many good conversations with John on forestry and university topics. He was very thoughtful and asked good questions. He really listened to what you were saying and provided good feedback. He will be missed by all.
Jessica Sharp (Guritz)
June 5, 2023
John was one of my forestry professors. He was a kind and intelligent man, and always had a warm smile. I enjoyed dropping by his office to chat and learning about forest ecology from him. As one of few forestry graduates during that time, some of our class sizes were very small - less than 10 students - and we enjoyed joking around and got to know each other quite well. John was a great man. My condolences to his family.
Harry Bader
June 2, 2023
John was a good man. He laughed and smiled more then most. He was humble when he need not be. He was curious. He listened attentively to others. His is an example of living that we would do well to follow.
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Pat Werner, Corvallis ,Oregon
May 30, 2023
So sorry to hear of John's passing and wish I had known he had moved to Corvallis. I remember fun times with the Yarie family and INF connections. John was an inspiration to many and left a positive impact to forest studies. He will be greatly missed.
Dave Verbyla and Becky Anderson
May 27, 2023
We are so saddened to hear of John´s passing. He was one of a kind. Our heartfelt condolences to John´s family and friends.
George T Roderick
May 24, 2023
Condolences to the Yarie Family:
Playing Masters slow pitch softball in Fairbanks was a most enjoyable time I got to spend with John. Always a competitor but more importantly a super nice guy, There are a few of the Allied Drillers Team that more than likely have already greeted you in Heaven.
Rest In Peace John. It was a pleasure having known you.
George & Joanie Roderick
New Braunfels, Texas
Jason Downing
May 16, 2023
John was an amazingly knowledgeable, compassionate and jovial person. I had great respect for him as a silviculturist, scientist, boss, teammate and fishing partner. I have many fine memories of working in the field together and trips to Chitina. My condolences to his family that he loved so much.
Jason Shabaga
May 16, 2023
I had the please of knowing John while I was visiting Alaska as a postdoc. He housed us for a couple of months while we doing fieldwork, generously providing good company and rooms to rest in. We had many great chats about science and everything else. He spoke fondly of his family and was eager to move to Corvallis to spend time with them. I'm glad he was able to get there before his untimely passing. My deepest condolences to his friends and family.
Melissa Lucash
May 16, 2023
I worked with John for several years and always found him to be a kind, giving soul who loved science and the outdoors. I will miss him! Condolences to his daughters.
Jason Vogel
May 16, 2023
I am grateful that I got to know John. He was such a generous man and a dedicated scientist. He will be missed. My condolences to the family.
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