John Langdon Iurka, 78, of Sound Beach, Long Island, New York, passed away October 1, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer. Despite his wish to return home for a cherished old-fashioned cocktail and a quiet moment petting his beloved dogs, that farewell was not to be. He is now at peace and has found comfort and rest.

John Iurka, in hi-vis vest, on a re-accreditation audit job site in 2017 with staff of Harrison-McPhee Inc., an accredited, nine-year TCIA member company based in Millis, Massachusetts. All TCIA file photos, courtesy of Harrison-McPhee.

Iurka served the last 17 years as a TCIA-approved Accreditation auditor/consultant. But his start in the industry came much earlier. His credentials include 34 years in the tree care industry.

He started and then sold his own successful tree care company based on Long Island. His former company is still in operation today. He then worked a full career with the Bartlett Tree Expert Company, where he served as a sales representative in Southampton, N.Y., and later as branch manager in Huntington, N.Y. He also was a volunteer leader serving industry business groups such as the Professional Certified Applicators of Long Island and Green Point, N.Y.

After “retirement,” Iurka, along with Randall McDonald, became one of the first two TCIA Accreditation auditors, in 2007.

John Iurka

Accreditation auditor
“I first met John in 2019, when I joined the TCIA Accreditation auditor team,” says Kristoffer Rasmussen, a fellow TCIA Accreditation auditor. “Part of my training involved shadowing him – a truly invaluable experience. John dedicated his life to advancing and supporting the tree care industry, combining a wealth of knowledge with a genuine passion for trees and professionalism. Having retired from Bartlett Tree Experts, he didn’t slow down; instead, he continued to give back, organizing events for the green industry, consulting with tree-service companies to improve their processes and sharing his profound knowledge with anyone eager to learn.

“John was a generous mentor,” adds Rasmussen “He readily shared his expertise, tips and insights with me as a new auditor, helping me get up to speed quickly and confidently. He was always there to answer my questions, patient and thorough, creating a solid foundation for my journey in the Accreditation field. His presence will indeed be deeply missed. However, John’s legacy lives on in the people he mentored, the companies he helped refine and the countless lives he touched. His contributions have strengthened our industry and enriched those fortunate enough to work with him, ensuring his impact endures for generations to come.”

The following comments were posted on the TCIA Accreditation Facebook page.
“This is very sad to learn of. John was a great guy and always a pleasure to work with through the Accreditation process. He will be missed, and our thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family.” – Kramer Tree Specialists Inc.

“John was a great guy. I enjoyed our periodic chats about industry issues and in-person re-Accreditation visits. He will be missed.” – Jack Harder, Harder Services Inc.

“We always enjoyed John on his multiple visits during each Accreditation renewal. He was always professional, and everyone enjoyed his company.” – Michael Roche, former owner of Vermont Arborists, now a SavATree company

“Same with us. Good conversations on all subjects, along with some ribbing on politics. Represented TCIA with professionalism.” – Andy Felix, Tree Tech

Key contributions
“John was instrumental in helping TCIA set up an auditing program for the TCIA Accreditation program,” says Bob Rouse, TCIA senior vice president – business support, and ANSI A300 secretary. “Prior to John becoming an auditor, I had to do all the audits while also running the Accreditation program. This was not sustainable; the program could not grow and prosper. Over the course of many years, John became much more than just an auditor. He helped guide and grow the program, transferring what he learned while auditing companies to myself and the Accreditation council.

“John also became a trusted friend for me and the industry,” says Rouse. “As a good friend does, if he saw something wrong or in need of improvement, he would let you know. Always being willing to have the hard conversations – along with the good – is the mark of a true friend. I, and TCIA, will miss John’s input, guidance and friendship.”

Iurka goes over PHC requirements with a Harrison-McPhee crew member.

Sailing, reading and cooking
An avid sailor, Iurka spent many years sailing out of Mt. Sinai Harbor, often taking in breathtaking sunsets over the Long Island Sound, according to his family. Though he was a skilled captain, his habit of stubbing his toes on deck became a bit of a signature mishap, earning light-hearted laughs from those who knew him well. His love for the sea extended beyond sailing to a hobby of building model ships.

Iurka is show again here during a light moment with Harrison-McPhee staff. “Good conversations on all subjects, along with some ribbing on politics,” is how Andy Felix of Tree Tech recalls John Iurka.

Iurka was a voracious reader with interests in a wide variety of topics. He was known to finish lengthy novels or historical nonfiction in just a few days, often recommending great reads to those he loved. Additionally, he was a fabulous cook who loved to treat his friends and family to all the new recipes he had discovered or created.

In his early life, Iurka served in the United States Air Force, where he was part of a special unit interpreting Morse code. It was during his time stationed in Germany that he first met Ruth, who would later become his wife. Though their love story did not begin in Germany, it blossomed years later when Ruth immigrated to the U.S. and sought him out. Together, they built a life full of love, laughter and adventure.

Family
John Iurka leaves behind his loving spouse, Ruth; his sons, Marc (Nicole) and Rick (CarrieAnn); his sister, Judy, and sister-in-law, Ursula Kolb; his grandchildren, Charles, Cadence, Emmaleigh, Ashleigh, Travis and Owen Iurka; his nephews, Joel Usher, Jeff Usher, Verner Kolb and Jürgen Kolb; his niece, Michele Aronica; his great niece, Jessica Kolb; his cherished dogs, Tasha and Holly; and his treasured African grey parrot, Mozart.

A celebration of his life will be planned in the future. His full obituary can be found at dignitymemorial.com.

Scholarship
The Iurka family has set up a scholarship fund in John’s name at Northport High School on Long Island, where he graduated high school. The scholarship/money will go to a candidate who wishes to get involved in the arboriculture field and needs assistance, perhaps toward college or other training. Checks can be sent to: John Langdon Iurka Arborist Scholarship, c/o Rick Iurka, 2 Lewis Ave., East Northport, NY, 11731.

Don Staruk is TCI Magazine editor.