John Richard Shochat

John Richard Shochat 4/17/1949 to 2/7/2013

Born "the first half of the last century," as he liked to say, John died at home in North Ogden, Thursday night, February 7, 2013, of a surprise and fast-acting cancer. He was 63.

John entered the world of Ruth and Jack Shochat in Pasadena, Calif., and spent his childhood in nearby Rosemead. He hoped to be an aerospace engineer until that industry faltered in the 1970s. John then followed his heart to get degrees in wildlife management and range conservation, which he put to use in a 35-year career with the U.S. Forest Service.

He met his wife Julie when she worked for him one summer; they were married in 1985. Both shared a love of the outdoors, gardening, square dancing, and pets.

Intensely private and often quiet, John was also fiercely loyal, with deep and lifelong friendships.

John is survived by wife, Julie; sister, Barbara (Dick) Battersby; brother, Bruce (Carole) Shochat; sister-in-law, Linda McKenzie; brother-in-law, Charley Ice (Sue Young); many nieces and nephews, and beloved pets, Scout and Kozy.

A Memorial gathering is scheduled for March 16, 2013 from 3 to 6 pm., at the Shochat home in North Ogden.

Cremation entrusted to Lindquist''s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd.