John Maki

John (Jack) Earl Maki passed away Friday, April 25, 2014 from an aggressive form of prostate cancer surrounded by his family at home.  He was born April 4, 1939 in Hamilton, Montana, the first son of Earl and Helen Maki.From an early age he developed a strong work ethic and loved working with the animals on the family farm.  He attended schools in Corvallis, Montana, and graduated in 1957.  He then attended Montana State College and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Animal Science. Afterattaining a Master's Degree in Animal Physiology Reproduction he began working for the Montana Cooperative Extension Service in Lake County, Montana, in 1965.  Driven by his love of science, animals, and all things agriculture he became the Extension Agent for Beaverhead County in 1967. A few weeks after moving to Dillon, he met Regina Rieber and eight months later they were married on September 23rd of that same year. He built a home just outside of Dillon where he and Regina raised five children. He continued his strong work ethic throughout his entire life. He served the citizens of Beaverhead County as extension agent for 37 years. Many people remember him as a man with the answer for just about anything. From heifers to house plants, weeds to bats, if someone had a question, John could find the answer. He was instrumental at improving the cattle herds of southwestern Montana when, in the early 1970s, he began teaching ranchers the science and fundamentals of improving reproduction and performance through heifer selection. He was recognized both locally and nationally for his work as an extension agent receiving numerous awards including the Distinguished Service Award by the National Association of County Agriculture Agents and Montana State University Extension Service Agricultural Agent of the Year.Of his many professional accomplishments, he was most proud of his work with the 4-H program of Beaverhead County. He worked with two generations of 4-H students and, as he often lamented, was one year short of working with three generations. He spearheaded construction of the 4-H building and oversaw 37 Beaverhead County Fairs. In 2007, he was inducted into the Montana 4-H Hall of Fame. His family was his greatest source of pride and pleasure. He taught his children the values of hard work, community stewardship, and fun, supporting their 4-H projects and many extracurricular endeavors. He and Regina spent 15 years traveling all over the state watching their four sons wrestle in high school. The tradition continued when they traveled to Kansas last year to watch their oldest grandson win the state wrestling title. He adored his grandchildren and had a wonderful knack for making each of his grandkids feel special in their own unique way. He retired in 2003, but never stopped working. He took his hobby of woodworking into a second career, building cabinets for many households in southwestern Montana. He loved the outdoors and landscape of Beaverhead County and enjoyed spraying weeds with his son, Todd, for many years including the last summer of his life. Many remember John for his hard work and service but everyone remembers him for his gentle nature and kindness. He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Helen, and brother, Ralph.  He is survived by his wife Regina Maki and children Craig (Janel) Maki of Twin Falls, ID, Marilyn (Chuck) Buus of Ennis, Jeffrey (Janey) Maki of Wichita, KS, Brett (Anna Loge) Maki of Dillon, and Todd (Christy Gunn) Maki of Dillon.  Brothers Kevin Maki and Neil (Fran) Maki of Corvallis, MT. Grandchildren: Alexis, Chet and Kaden Maki; Chas, Lane and Sage Buus; Mackenzie, Lukas, Jack, Gabe and Adam Maki; Zach and Amelia Maki. One Great-Grandson:Robert (Bo) Bowman IV. Rosary (6:30 p.m.) and Vigil Services (7:00 p.m.) will be Friday, May 2, 2014 at Saint Rose Catholic Church in Dillon and Funeral Mass (10:30 a.m.) on Saturday, May 3rd with a luncheon at the Parish Center following the burial at Mountain View Cemetery. Memorials can be made to Beaverhead County 4-H Foundation or Barrett Hospital Home Health and Hospice.