John Forsberg was born and raised in Kansas. Upon graduating from college in Topeka with degrees in chemistry and mathematics, plus a commission in the Navy, he entered into service. It was in the choir of a church in Coronado, Calif., that he met Jane, and it was in the same church that they were later married.

Though tempted to stay in the Navy where his duty as flag lieutenant to a two-star admiral assured his future, the desire to become a veterinarian drew him back to civilian life and enrollment in the Kansas State Veterinary College where he earned a doctor of veterinary medicine degree.

After a short stint in Idaho, the Forsbergs moved to Forsythe, where John, often assisted by Jane, practiced for 18 years. They moved to Whitefish in 1985, and he recently retired from his position as supervisory veterinary medical officer for meat inspections.

They have a son and three daughters Jonathan, an orthopedic surgeon, Leslee, a retired colonel, Allison, a dietician, and Lisa, a teacher — and four grandchildren. John is known as a person of unfailing humor who is always willing to share or lend a helping hand.

He is a stalwart of his church and is active in helping children gain admittance to the Shriner’s hospitals. He enjoys playing his guitar and for 19 years sang in the Glacier Chorale. An avid reader, he is a frequent user and loyal supporter of the Whitefish library, where by virtue of donation of time each week, he and Jane have become an important part of its operation.

His hobbies include carpentry (a guest house and barn), baking with sourdough starter dating back to the Yukon in 1982, and knitting — not just any knitting but counting cross stitch, cruel stitching and needle point. He and Jane also volunteer at the middle school library and he is writing a book about his life’s experiences.

John, your varied activities have made life better for many people, and we thank you.

— Jake Heckathorn

This column is dedicated to those who give freely of their time and energy to worthwhile community projects, but whose efforts often go unnoticed. If you know such a person, please e-mail [email protected].