John Wolfe

John Madison Wolfe, beloved husband, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away on April 1, 2024, in Pocatello.

John was born on June 12, 1947, in Santa Ana, California, to Jesse and Dorothy Wolfe. He attended Santa Ana High School and University of California, Berkeley, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in anthropology in 1970. Within the same year he met Linda, and later they were married in a cherry blossom orchard. The two of them enjoyed many adventures together as they both shared their love of the natural world.

John was an avid and accomplished outdoorsman and was always happiest in nature. He was just as comfortable in a canoe as he was on cross-country skis, and he loved to backpack, fish, river raft, and spend time in the mountains. Over the years he led many trips throughout the northwest and in the high Sierras for Outward Bound and Pocatello City Parks and Recreation, sharing his expertise in canoeing, backpacking, cross-country skiing, ski mountaineering, and mountaineering in all seasons. He also led mountaineering trips for young people who were either court-referred or part of a juvenile rehabilitation program.

John, along with a good friend, owned and operated the Oregon Mountaineering Equipment Company in Portland for a few years. In Pocatello John worked with friends to open The First National Bar.

John was a skilled craftsman who worked in leather and wood, creating many beautiful pieces. He also was a gifted musician. He especially loved playing his harmonica with the band Putnam Together, which played for various events in Idaho.

John was kind hearted and always ready to help any friend—or stranger or animal—in need. He greeted everyone with a quiet “Howdy.” Known for his easygoing, low-key approach to life, John was well loved and respected by his many friends, far and near, as well as by almost every animal he met. From childhood he had a way with animals, starting with a pet duck and family dogs. As an adult, he almost always had a loyal dog by his side.

John is survived by his wife, Linda; his brother, Ron (Sharon); his niece and nephew, Leigh Ann (Steve) Robinson and Scott Wolfe; and three great nieces—along with his beloved dog, Buster.

The family would like to give a special thank you to the many friends that helped care for, transport, and offered comfort to John in his final days.

A celebration of life will be planned in the near future. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be considered to your local animal shelter in John's honor.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family under the tribute wall tab above.