John Isaac Smith

Disclaimer: we weren't really sure we wanted to set up a site here for John, but it does seem like an easy way to answer all the questions...


On Monday, January 4, 2021, my brother in law wrecked his log truck. It was his first day back on the job after being down here in California with his family for the New Year's.  It is appropriate to say that it was in part brake failure which caused him to lose control as he was making his way down the mountain with his load of logs.  The truck flipped to its side when it left the road, scattered the load of logs all over, and continued 200 feet to land on its top in a stream.  (There has been speculation as to what really happened.  The truck may have flipped to its side before leaving the road.) The property owner (a soft-spoken, humble young man) was nearby and heard the crash.  He investigated immediately and found John's head under water.  He was there til help arrived, holding John up and talking gently to him...


This took place near Scio, Oregon, where John moved about 9 months ago.  He began logging with Deacon Ben Unruh perhaps three months ago.   He bought himself an old blue Peterbilt, and was totally in love with the occupation that allowed him to be in the mountains every day.