July 10th 1947 – June 10th 2025
Francis Mangels passed away on June 10, 2025 with the love of his life by his side. He was born July 10, 1947 in Montana. He was a longtime member of Friends of the Earth, and was an ardent conservationist and passionate defender of our shared earth his whole life. He fought corporate and special interests, mostly in the logging and ranching industries for his entire 35-year tenure as a range and wildlife biologist for the U.S. Forest Service.
In 1970, Francis earned a Bachelor of Science degree, cum laude, from the acclaimed University of Montana International School of Forestry. In 1976, he earned a Master of Science degree in zoology and entomology (aquatic insects) from Montana State University. During his years in higher education, he also studied geology and was proficient in issues of biology, fisheries, mining and cattle grazing.
After college, Francis worked in domestic agriculture with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. He lived in various locations in the American West, including Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and central Montana, before settling in Mount Shasta, California.
During his time as a range and wildlife biologist with the Forest Service, he battled issues concerning improper cattle grazing. He also helped to preserve the local spotted owl population after it was placed on the endangered list in 1990.
After retiring from the Forest Service in 2008, Francis transitioned to volunteer work, traveling to state and national parks around Mount Shasta, where he used his considerable knowledge of biology and zoology to identify endangered plant and animal species and provided evidence of potentially endangered species to the Forest Service, helping to protect these important habitats from grazing and development.
He supported multiple groups that speak truth to power, including Friends of the Earth. “As a Lutheran/Episcopal church member, he believed one of the finest charities was to save the planet from pollution and fossil fuels.”
Just a couple of years ago Francis continued to check on spotted owl groves, lakes with populations of tadpole shrimp, and other places where sensitive and endangered plants and animals made their homes. He also worked with the Sierra Club Grazing Team to help control cattle in a manner that protects native plant species. He made charitable gifts to support FOE’s work and became a member of the Shared Earth Society by including a gift to FOE in his will so that the work can continue for future generations.
The love of his life, Barbara (Bobbi) Coulter entered his life on February 14, 2002. They were soul-mates sharing so much over 22 years. They shared a wonderful life, both having similar loves and talents. Those included music, organic gardening, and creating a mini-farm in their suburban back yard. Also, three wonderful little rescue dogs.
Francis was a professional level musician who played 40 instruments including 6 and 12 string guitar, banjos, autoharp, dulcimers, and more. He had a good singing voice and could do any style of music except hard rock and jazz. Together with the love of his life he did free community music for all. What brought them their greatest happiness was performing for the residents of Shasta View Nursing Home in Weed, California for over 20 years.
Francis will be greatly missed and forever loved and cherished.
sourced- Mt Shasta Chapel
