John, 69, died October 2, 2000, in his home in Helena, Montana, after a three-year battle with prostate cancer. He was born November 28, 1930 in Omaha, Nebraska, and attended the University of Nebraska for one year before transferring to the University of Montana. He graduated in 1955 with a bachelor's in Forestry.

Following graduation, John served four years in the Air Force as a pilot and radar installation officer. He then returned to Montana where he worked for the USFS in timber management until his retirement in 1986.