John Weldon Mauk
b. August 22, 1936 d. January 19, 2012
The son of John Scrafford Mauk and Elsbeth Young Mauk, John led a full and interesting life, characterized by love of family, humor, being outside, telling stories, enjoying work, and being creative.
John was born in Seattle, the youngest and only boy of three children. He went to the Orme School in Arizona, Shawnigan Lake in Canada, and Lakeside School, where he graduated in 1954. Although John was somewhat diminutive as a boy, he enjoyed books, fishing, and working with his hands.
John attended Colorado College and pledged Kappa Sigma fraternity. He shared many stories of youthful indulgence and fun, and made life long friends in Colorado Springs. He graduated with and BS in Zoology in 1960. Many of his college friends have survived him, and his family is grateful for their years of loving support and friendship.
John married his college sweetheart, ('62) Susie Knowles (Adams) of Chicago and Phoenix, in June, 1960, and they moved to Seattle a year later. He had a brief stint in the family business, Mauk Seattle Lumber. He struck out on his own in the mid 1960s and formed Mauk Forest Products, selling cedar products for the majority of his working life. John was a pioneer in pre-stained siding, and specialized in custom-milled cedar.
John and Susie had two children- Scott Frederick (1966), and Katherine Anne (1969)- but divorced in 1972.
John was an avid bird hunter and outdoorsman. He began duck hunting in 1960s in the Columbia Basin, a place he hunted until the year before he died- he was able to hunt with one of his grandsons before he died- it was clear he was thrilled to share this passion with him. His son, Scott, disputes many of the hunting stories he told, especially those of fine marksmanship, but has been willing to concede their validity out of respect for his age and passing.
John moved to Moses Lake, Washington in 2004 to be closer to the "Duck Ranch" at Mesa Lake, and to escape the stress and expense of King County. In the last years of his life he made dear friends on Pirate Lane, sharing stories, laughter, cocktails, and loving support. His cantankerous tendencies were perfectly met by the openness and gregariousness of the Moses Lake people. He learned to fish for Walleye and bass, and changed from martinis to tequila and orange juice.
John was the quintessential mossback with webbed feet. He enjoyed so many things- he loved a good, dry martini as well as the history of logging and lumber. He geeked out on ferries, and their history. He loved watching a flock of ducks, no matter the size, circle and land on a pond. He loved ritually walking his dog every day, and sharing time with friends and family in conversation. Although he was interested in the weather, he seemed to take the Washington rain in stride (at least until he decided to move to Eastern Washington).
John's last years were characterized by the human challenges of physical pain and heartache. However, his children were at his bedside during his passing, and witnessed much of his suffering and loneliness melt away.
John is survived by his daughter Katie (Morford), son in law Mike Morford, and their two sons, Cole and Jesse; Son, Scott, and his two sons, Sage and Sawyer; Sister, Ann (Groff-Smith); nieces (Elsbeth) Becky and Susan, nephews Chris, Todd, John (Tico), Tom, and Michael. John was preceded in death by too many loving friends to list; his nephew, Tim Herron; brother-in-law, Steve Herron, brother in law Del McNutt, and sister Catherine McNutt-Rooks (Cappy).
He is greatly missed. A memorial will be held in the spring with family and friends.