Relationships

(This is an article I wrote back in the spring, although it is long past spring I really felt a push to post this. The people and events in this article mean a great deal to my family and meant a great deal to my father. I know the relationships he began will continue to watch out for my family and I.)

This time of year brings much-anticipated signs of spring finally arriving. A few days of warmer temperatures have made it our way and the smell of sagebrush in the air. For many ranchers spring is the social season of the year. Between neighbor’s brandings and cattlemen field days this is a great time to reconnect with folks you haven’t seen in awhile or get to know the new faces in your area. Our connections to one another are the most important piece of survival in agriculture and in our daily lives. Today’s world has given us more luxury and quicker ways to get our everyday tasks done. However, has it really made us more connected to one another? Are you still driving across the valley to have a cup of coffee with your neighbor like you did 10 years ago or does it seem you just wave in passing these days?

Agriculture is about more than just farming and ranching. It is about relationships; relationships with the land, yourself, and with other people. Many people believe grass is the most valuable resource a rancher can have. I am hard pressed to disagree except when it comes to our relationships with those around us. What kind of person do you aspire to be, or more importantly what kind of rancher do you aspire to be? Many people can produce cattle that will gain and perform well. Can all of those same cattlemen be counted on physically, mentally, and emotionally when life throws a curveball their way or their neighbor’s way? This spring, put some of the same time and care into the relationships with people around you that you put into growing your grass. You never know what may happen to you or your loved ones. But I guarantee if you have built strong relationships with those around you, you won’t have to worry if you aren’t able to get your irrigation changed, your hay up, or calves branded. The folks you can truly call friends will be found on your range or in your barnyards with a full crew in place. They know that when life deals them a rough card, the favor will surely be repaid.

There is no greater example of these relationships in the cattle industry than this year’s Kittitas County Cattlemen of the Year. This year’s award goes to the very deserving Scott Gress family. I hope that many of you had the opportunity to drive out to Thorp on May 21^st to pay congratulations, enjoy a good evening of building relationships, and more importantly had the opportunity to meet this family if you haven’t yet. There are some people in this world who have what is important inside and out. Scott and Sandy Gress are those people. As cattlemen in Washington we are truly blessed to have them as producers in our state. Scott and Sandy will be the first people to drive 50 miles to help you gather cows off the range, give a friend a call when they know they know it’s needed, or offer some wisdom to the younger generation. They would never expect a thing in return and will work twice as hard to get their own work done in order to help out a friend. The Gress family is a true testament to the many kinds of relationships the cattle industry requires. Strong relationships and connections is a foundation in their daily lives, from their stockmanship skills to their friendships. The Gress’ have touched lives wherever life has taken them. There are many things that can be learned from this family and I hope that all of you are fortunate enough to get an opportunity to do so.

In this world no one will remember your cattle in twenty years but they will remember the quality of your relationships. We have all been given the opportunity to build these relationships, take the time now before life doesn’t give you a second chance.

John Douglas Feusner

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4:7

John Douglas Feusner, 59 of Selah, passed away Friday September 18, 2009 at his home surrounded by his beloved wife and children. John was born in 1950 to Dr. Henry and Mary Edith Feusner in Longview, WA. John was raised in Longview until he attended college at Washington State University. He married Frances Schneider early 1973 and graduated from WSU that spring with his B.S. in Animal Science. At WSU John was active in the Beef Center, College Rodeo Team and Block & Bridle Club. He made many dear friendships that would continue throughout his life. Upon graduation John and Frances settled in Selah to operate Schneider-Feusner cattle ranch. Their first child, John W was born the following winter. John worked hard and steadfast as a cattleman in the early years of their move to Selah. His hard work ethic and honor to his family was something later he would be well known for. In 1975 Schneider-Feusner Ranch was named Yakima County Cattlemen of the Year. This achievement was very meaningful to him and his wife. He remained active in the Washington Cattlemen's Association long after this honor. In 1977 John and Fran welcomed their second child, Jacob. At that time the family was actively involved in Central Lutheran church and John served on the church council. Later, they attended Memorial Bible Church and he counted many there as dear friends. In 1984 they welcomed their third child, daughter Jenna. John's family was truly complete with the addition of his three grandchildren: Henry, Anna, and Mary Feusner. He was very proud of each of their character and kind hearts. Everything from soccer games, ranch visits, to card games with the kids was a blessing.

In addition to running a cattle and hay ranch and raising his family, John was active in a variety of organizations. Some of his involvements include Washington Cattlemen's Association, Wenas Volunteer Fire Department, Wenas Irrigation Board, Yakima County Weed Board, Kellogg Foundation, Solar Dollars, and numerous others. John was an avid lifelong learner in all pursuits. Many years ago he studied Holistic Resource Management and strived daily to be a good steward of the land thru ranching. However, the greatest of John's accomplishments was his ability to evolve & improve the relationships with those closest to him. He used the many trials God had placed in his life to live every day better than the previous day. In the last decade of John's life it was his relationships with Christ, his wife and children that would be his finest legacy. His spirit contained a presence of the Lord's work that could not be denied and his life inspired many. Throughout his family's trials he was never without laughter, a good sense of humor, and most importantly hope and a positive attitude.

John overcame all odds during his strong and inspiring cancer fight of nearly six years. Choosing never to know his prognosis, he put every day in the Lord's hands with his positivity and strength never wavering. We would like to thank Dr. Jones and her staff at North Star Cancer Care. John and Fran grew to know them very well and thankful they shared similar optimistic attitudes. North Star was a blessing to our family; John received incredible care locally and they shared his desire to live life as if he wasn't a cancer patient.

John is survived by his beloved wife and partner of 36 years Frances Feusner, 3 children John W. (Sarah) Feusner, Jacob Feusner, Jenna Feusner, and his three adored grandchildren; Henry, Anna, and Mary Feusner, all of Yakima Valley. He is also survived by his mother, Mary Edith Feusner Walla Walla, WA, sister Jo Ellen (Roger) Dillon Walla Walla, WA, brother Dr. James Feusner (Patricia) Oakland, CA, and sister Jennifer Leach of Longview, WA. John is preceded in death by his father Dr. Henry Feusner, sister Judith Hogan, and nephew Justin Hogan.

Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Friday, September 25th at Keith & Keith Ninth Avenue Chapel. A Celebration of John's Life will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 26, 2009 at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Yakima, WA. A private family burial will be at Wenas Cemetery. Friends are encouraged to attend a reception immediately following the service to celebrate John's life at Running Springs Ranch, Naches, WA. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Keith and Keith Funeral Home.

"An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up" Proverbs 12:25
"Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." Mark 11:24
"Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven." James 5: 14-15

I do not want this blog to turn into something that is meant to make anyone uncomfortable. My personal faith is what makes up who I am and the only reason I am able to put one foot in front of the other each day without crumbling. I am not strong enough on my own to get through things that happen in my personal life. I added those verses today since I have not posted anything in quite awhile. I have been very busy tending to some things at home with my family. Prayers are always welcome anytime:) and the YWCA events have taken a back burner for the time being. Everyone always seems to be telling me how much energy I have and I move at 100 mph! I have been diligently working at that pace to have some seeds started with hopes I would have some people interested in helping me with the Young Cattlemen ideas. I am fortunate to have some others on board who are excited and willing to help, my prayers were answered there. I will try to add items as I get time, but they may be a little further apart in this next little spell. :)