In memoriam: John Lawley

John Russell Lawley, 68, a member of SSSA, ASA, and CSSA, passed away Apr. 1, 2026, in Logan, UT. He devoted more than 25 years to Utah State University where he taught soils laboratories, supported research, and coached highly successful collegiate soils teams. He was widely recognized for his many years of dedicated service managing sample processing for SSSA’s North American Proficiency Testing (NAPT) program, where his precision, reliability, and deep practical knowledge were invaluable to the Society and the soil testing community. Known affectionately as a “dirt nerd,” he was passionate about teaching, mentoring, and field-based learning. He was a man of great faith—devoted to service, family, and community. He is remembered as a generous colleague and educator, and a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend whose influence will be lasting.