J. Wayne Yorks, died January 8, 2001, at the age of 67. Here is how "Commissioner" J. Wayne Yorks is remembered at the "state" level, as recorded on the official Pennsylvania web site:

"Commissioner Yorks served as a member of the Fish Commission and the Fish and Boat Commission, representing the Fifth District, from 1980 until 1997. First appointed by Governor Dick Thornburgh in 1980, he was reappointed in 1989. Commissioner Yorks served as president of the Fish and Boat Commission in 1982 - 83 and again in 1992 - 93.

During Commissioner Yorks' 17 years of service to Pennsylvania anglers and boaters, he was a key player in many of the Commission's initiatives. His service spanned enactment of the Fish and Boat Code of 1980, implementation of Operation FUTURE, hundreds of changes in laws and regulations, several changes in license and registration fees and the change in the agency's name from the "Pennsylvania Fish Commission" to the "Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission." Commissioner Yorks served as an active deputy waterways conservation officer from 1972 to 1997.

Recognized throughout his region and across Pennsylvania as a sportsman and conservation leader, Commissioner Yorks overcame extraordinary circumstances to serve his fellow anglers and boaters. Commissioner Yorks lost his voice box to cancer in 1967. He learned to speak using his esophagus, speaking in a raspy but clearly understandable voice. Yorks served as the first president of the New Voice Club at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville and continued to visit patients who had lost their voice boxes to try to cheer them and encourage them by his example.

Commissioner Yorks didn't limit his public service to the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. He served on Benton Borough Council from 1959 to 1978, including several years as vice president. In 1979, he was elected mayor of Benton, serving until 1988. In 1988, he was elected a Columbia County Commissioner and served until 1995. From 1995 to his death, he was the Regional Director of Region II, Williamsport, for the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.

Commissioner Yorks was an active member of the Columbia County Chapter of the American Cancer Society for more than 30 years. He served as president from 1968 to 1970 and again from 1990 to 1992. He was a life member of the Benton Fire Co., serving as president from 1960 to 1964. He served as a delegate to the Central District Volunteer Fire Association in 1963 and 1964. He was a life member of both the Benton fire police and of the state fire police.

An avid angler, Commissioner Yorks held many memberships in sporting and fly fishing clubs, including a life membership in the Pennsylvania Federation of Sportsmen's' Clubs; a member and past president of Trout Unlimited.

Members of the Fish and Boat Commission and staff honored former Commissioner J. Wayne Yorks in ceremonies held at the Commission's Harrisburg headquarters October 1. Commissioner Yorks, who died in January 2001, served as a member of the Fish and Boat Commission for 17 years. The Commission dedicated an oak tree at the Harrisburg office to the memory of Commissioner Yorks. In addition, a framed Commission flag was presented to Mrs. Virginia Yorks. Commissioners and staff remembered Commissioner Yorks for his hard work, tremendous courage in the face of adversity, good humor, and people skills.

Commissioner Yorks was born March 17, 1933. He served with the Army in Germany during the Korean War.

He is survived by wife, Virginia L. (Bender) Yorks. They celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary April 30. He is also survived by a brother, Jay, Benton."