John Cary

Madison: John Robert Cary died July 26, 2019 in his home after six years of fighting stage 4 cancer. Born Aug 31, 1946 in Fairbanks Alaska, John recounted endless stories of running wild with his siblings and friends. Motivated to learn all that there was to learn, he read constantly. A National Merit Scholarship brought him to the University of Wisconsin in 1964 where he studied zoology and chemistry. He was well-versed in Latin, and was a scientist, musician, mechanic, woodworker, gardener, cook, but foremost a scholar-- a modern day Renaissance Man.

Despite his opposition to the war, John went to Vietnam in 1968. He proudly served, first as a combat medic and later as a surgical assistant in a field hospital. Back at UW-Madison, he completed his masters at the Department of Wildlife Ecology where he spent his entire career. John mentored graduate students, taught graduate and undergraduate courses, created computer models with wildlife applications, and did field work all over the world. Unconcerned with credit for his efforts, his interests lay in solving unique problems and advancing his students. He never moved away from what he deemed to be the "magical" city of Madison.
In 1986, a yellow lab puppy became John's copilot, and three more followed over the years. In 1990, he married Renée Sandler with whom he had two children. Austin and Amelia were John's pride and joy, and he was thrilled by their intellect, character, and ability. He was the best husband and father his family could ever be privileged to have in their lives.

John was a lovable, unusual, and brilliant contrarian. Though an atheist, he filled the house with statues of Dionysis and other Greek Gods and from a young age was inspired by Epicureanism as described in De rerum natura (On the Nature of Things). John was exceptionally optimistic, kind and innately at peace. Overwhelmed with love at the end of his life, he would often say "you see, living a virtuous life is its own reward."

John Robert Cary is preceded in death by his father Orland Cary, mother Mabel Risse Cary, and brothers Brian and Timothy Cary. He is survived by his wife Renee Sandler, his children Austin and Amelia Cary, siblings Charles (Shiela) Cary, Russell (Janet) Cary, Jeannine (Bobby) Lowe, Marie (Bill) McMinn, Steve (Mary Ann Robinson) Cary, and Marcia Cary, and many cousins, nieces and nephews. We are tremendously grateful for the care John received at the Carbone Cancer Center from the incomparable Dr. David Hei and staff, and from Agrace Hospice.

Please join us for a celebration of John's life on Sunday August 11th at 11 am at the John Wall Family Pavilion in Tenney Park in Madison, WI (402 N. Thornton Ave. Enter off Sherman Ave). We invite people to share a few words. A light lunch will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, John said, "If you want to remember me, give someone a book!" We have also set up an endowment to contribute towards the Wildlife Ecology Summer Field Practicum. John brought his skill as a field biologist to this program, and was deeply involved in giving wildlife students enriching, hands-on research experience. This fund would be a terrific legacy for John, and help allow the program to continue. Donations may be sent to the UW Foundation - John Robert Cary Wildlife Ecology Field Camp Fund, UW Bank Lockbox 78807, Milwaukee, WI 53278. Or, contribute via the UW Foundation gift page: https://supportuw.org/give/. Type in the fund name and check the "In Memory" box, or search by his name.

Please share your memories of John.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Rd
Madison, WI 53705
(608) 238-3434