HYDE PARK, UTAH: Janis Skujins died on April 7, 2005 in Hyde Park, Utah. He was born April 13, 1926 in Liepaja, Latvia, son of Janis and Zelma (Silins).
Janis emigrated from Latvia to United States and served as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army from 1950 - 54. He married Irena Vizulis in 1955, and they were later divorced. He is survived by his sons Andreis and Juris. and his former wife Irena with whom he remained friends.
Janis received his BA (1957) and his PhD (1963) from the University of California, Berkeley. He was well known to many students at Utah State University having been a professor in the Biology Department (soil biochemistry) at Utah State University, Logan Utah, from 1969 - 1989. He continued as professor emeritus until the time of his death;
During his career he distinguished himself as the editor of several publications including Semiarid Lands and Deserts, 1991, and contributed over 60 articles to professional journals. He was a member of the International Symposia on Environmental Biogeochemistry and acted as president from 1973 - 1989. He was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation from the University of Helsinki in 1980.
Janis was an enthusiastic stamp collector and an avid world traveler. After 1989 he made frequent trips to Latvia, providing important public service to his homeland as an environmental consultant. He was a member of the Latvian Academy of Sciences.
Janis was cremated, as was his wish, and will be remembered at a memorial service in his honor on Tuesday, July 12,2005 at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 795 N. 800 East at
4 p.m. A reception will follow at 786 N. 1500 East, Logan. Condolences may be sent to the family and a guest-book signed online at
www.allenmortuaries.net