Obituary of John Leonard Eskelin

Son, Husband, Father, Grandfather and Friend. John was the son of J. Leonard Eskelin and Esther Ruth Eskelin who lived in Boise, Idaho. His parents and his brother David proceeded him in passing. John was born in Mission, Kansas, and was 81 years old. John attended the University of Washington, graduating with a B.S. in Civil Engineering Degree. John served as an officer in the U.S. Air Force prior to becoming Assistant City Engineer of Grants Pass, Oregon. John joined CH2M in 1956 as a Wastewater design engineer. From 1956 to 1959, he worked on sewer projects in Corvallis and Roseburg. During 1959 to 1961, he was Project Manager for the construction of the Boise Bench Sewer District, the largest sewer project the firm had done up to that time. From 1961 to 1965, John served as Project Manager for design and construction of a variety of public and private wastewater projects in Idaho. In 1965, John left CH2M and Worked in the construction industry, primarily in sewer, water and highway projects. He rejoined CH2M HILL in 1973 and worked in the Portland office on public and private wastewater projects, primarily as the construction manager. John managed the design and construction of the Rock Creek Treatment Facility in Hillsboro, OR, the first fast-track project funded by EPA. From 1979 to 1985, he served as Vice President and Deputy Program Director, leading the design and construction of the $2~billion wastewater program in Milwaukee, WI. In 1985, John was picked to become the Discipline Director of the newly created Construction Management Discipline. John also headed up Work in Egypt. In 1966, John was named the Outstanding Young Engineer for the Idaho Society of Professional Engineers (ISPE). The award recognizes young ISPE members Who have made outstanding contributions to the engineering profession and their communities during the early years of their career. In 1992, he was elected President of the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA). John retired in 1994 and was involved in traveling, building and flying RC model airplanes, gardening and serving as a volunteer at local grade schools assisting children in developing their reading skills. John is survived by his wife of 59 years, Dona and his daughters, Carol Krings of Grafton, WI and Pamela Reichel and her husband Ron of Puyallup, WA. He also has three grandchildren, Danielle Castino of Seattle, WA; Adam Krings of Grafton, WI; and Mary Krings of Fort Collins, CO. These grandchildren were his pride and joy. He is also survived by his sister, Peg Powell of Lynwood, WA. John requested a private family memorial be held at a later date. . ..with Maui, Hawaii being the destination.