On May 9, 2024, Roger Stutts unexpectedly passed away. Kind and generous, Roger touched everyone whose path he crossed, including many Forest Service colleagues. He worked closely with them for over 40 years, studying and documenting pine trees for the USDA Forest Service Institute of Forest Genetics in Placerville, California.

Roger had many talents that the Forest Service put to good use. He climbed trees for pollination work and collected cones and seeds. He developed nurseries and plantations, recorded data, and helped maintain buildings and grounds. The thousands of trees he planted across California and Oregon, earned Roger the distinguished honor of monitoring the most trees planted at one site in the institute’s history. His varied tree work took him to destinations across the U.S. and even to Mexico.

“His IFG years and camaraderie with the scientists and staff were a highlight of his life,” his wife Lauri Stutts said.

Roger also gave the institute some well-deserved publicity. Starring in Huell Howser’s California PBS series “California Gold,” Roger pointed out the institute’s moon trees. He explained to Howser how the seeds of these famous trees traveled to space and back with Apollo astronauts.

Along with his television appearance, Roger got to meet former California governors Davis and Schwarzenegger during the California State Capitol Christmas tree ceremonies. This was a highlight for Roger, who served as the institute’s representative for selecting the Capitol Christmas tree for several years.

These experiences gave Roger a deep connection to the Forest Service. Before retiring in 2008, he achieved “clipboard” resource manager status.

Even after retiring, Roger didn’t part with the agency. Working as a contractor for research geneticist Jessica Wright, he monitored the health of the institute’s tree plantations across California and Oregon.

These many contributions to the Forest Service live on, as do the memories of a kind and talented man. His wife, three children and many grandchildren will always remember Roger, as will his Forest Service colleagues.

“For those who knew Roger, please think of him when you hear the wind playing through the pines—standing forever tall amongst the trees,” Lauri said.