A former director of the state forestry division who also served on two Maine city councils is being remembered for his many years of public service.
The Maine Forest Products Council said John Cashwell III was a board member as well as having served as a top state employee, directing the Maine Forest Service.
“It is with great sadness that we share news of the passing of John Cashwell,” the council said, announcing his death on Facebook.
“John was an influential member of our organization and longtime friend to the industry,” the council said. “He will be missed by many.”
Cashwell, who was also a former Bangor City Council chair, died Sunday night in his home, according to his family.
He was 78.
Cashwell served on the Bangor council from 2003 until 2006, becoming chairman in the last year of his term.
He also served as a city councilor and mayor in Calais in the 1980s.
Cashwell held a bachelor of science degree in forestry from the University of Montana and a master of science degree in public administration from the University of Maine.
He directed the Maine Forest Service from 1987 to 1992.
“He was a problem solver, a resource guy, the most intelligent guy I’ve ever known,” said his widow, Julie Cashwell.
