In Memoriam: John Wilburn

John D. Wilburn (’06 B.S. and ’12 M.S. forestry) of Grants Pass, Oregon, died in a kayaking accident in California on March 9 at the age of 30.

A native of Winchester, Virginia, Wilburn was a natural resource conservation officer for the Oregon Department of Forestry. He worked for the Virginia Department of Forestry before returning to complete his master’s, focusing on habitat dynamics and nesting for eagles. He developed management plans for military lands, including the Indian Head Naval Support Facility in southern Maryland and Naval Support Facility Dahlgren in the Northern Neck of Virginia.

“John Wilburn was in a class all by himself,” said Associate Professor John Munsell, Wilburn’s advisor. “He was very independent and creative, and won many over with his humility and honesty. John had no problem taking an idea and making it a reality, which is what made him such a pleasure to work with. I am honored to have been his advisor.”

“John was rarely idle, almost always fearless, and kind,” said alumnus Matt Brinckman, a fellow forester and a close friend of Wilburn’s. “I can honestly say that John was the finest and most true forester of our generation that I have ever met.”

A longtime kayaker, traveler, mountain climber, and biker, Wilburn had a strong passion for the outdoors and was always looking for the next adventure. He is survived by his wife, Erin Johnson Wilburn, their families, and countless friends.