Our county, state loses a friend
With the recent death of John Datena, Indiana lost an outstanding citizen and my family lost a wonderful friend.
Even though Datena has not lived in Greene County for quite some time, no doubt there are many who remember John's easygoing manner, his concern for the environment and his passion for saving and protecting the forests.
Not only did he leave a presence of history in Greene County but in the entire state.
The first time I saw John he was standing outside my parents' store talking to my husband. I had never seen this stranger but noticed the two were enjoying an animated conversation as only two Italians can do. They were instant amici.
From that time on, when we came to Indiana we looked forward to our visits with John and Betty. Our kids especially loved the summer swims at the Datena pond with their boys, Mike and Steve.
It was during those years that John was with the Indiana Division of Forestry as district forester overseeing seven counties. While in that position, he trained 47 individuals as district foresters at the Jasonville training office.
However, nothing stays the same. Greene County lost John, but Indiana gained a great conservationist when he was promoted to cooperative forest management supervisor that moved the family to Indianapolis.
John continued to rise in the ranks and was soon promoted to state forester where his accomplishments were many.
To name only a few of the new programs Datena implemented were the Licensed Timber Buyers Law, the division's first pest specialist, the first female professional foresters, and Indiana's Urban Forestry Program.
While State Forester, Datena also helped form the Indiana Conservation Education Working Group, and established the Project Learning Tree and Outdoor Lab Programs.
Hiking enthusiasts are still enjoying Knobstone and Adventure Hiking Trails in State Forests that Datena established.
"John was a good conservationist and practiced it all of his life," noted Harry (Pete) Halstead who was the last forester trained by Datena in Greene County and who replaced John as district forester at the Jasonville office.
"He was well thought of around the state and never tried to grab the spotlight," Halstead added.
After John's retirement, he and Betty continued their involvement with forestry organizations.
They also fulfilled their dream of building a summer home on their farmland near Solsberry where he and Betty spent many tranquil days enjoying nature and entertaining friends.
Instead of being a part of young couples with small children enjoying swimming parties at Datena's pond on Hoosier Road, we friends were enjoying picnics and wagon rides at the farm.
John was never happier than when driving his tractor pulling a wagon full of people while giving tours of his property.
As was his wish, his last tour of the farm will be this spring when his ashes are scattered among the colorful array of flowers as they burst forth in bloom at his beloved farm.
Riposi in pace, amico.
Jo is a staff writer for the Greene County Daily World. She can be reached by email at tojo631@sbcglobal.net .
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