Peter John Landolt

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our loving husband, father, grandfather, mentor and friend Dr. Peter J. Landolt. As a life-long runner, Pete died suddenly during his normal run near his home in Vancouver, WA on Sunday, December 22, 2019. Peter was born on June 13, 1952, in Cincinnati, Ohio to John and Geraldine Landolt. He is survived by his devoted wife Joni Landolt, his two daughters Kristen and Michelle Landolt from his first marriage to Joyce Landolt, two step children, Shawn (Candis) McDougall and Sarah (Jon) McSmith, grandchildren, Kaylynn, Kylee, Kamden, Payton, Kaleb and Colton, siblings, Sue Mayesky, Bob (Pam) Landolt, Joyce (Bill), Kolasinski, Pat (Steve) Nichols, Anne (Duane) Wilson, John (partner Linda) Landolt, and Kathy Landolt and many nieces, nephews, close friends and colleagues who were all dear to his heart. He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother-in-law, Gary Mayesky. Dr. Landolt obtained his B.S. in Biology from Northern Michigan University in Marquette, MI in 1974. He obtained his MS of Entomology in 1976 from Washington State University and completed his Ph.D. in 1978 from Washington State University. From there he began his career with the Federal Government. Dr. Landolt was a Research Entomologist for the USDA-ARS for 40 years, joining as a post-doc in 1978 in Fresno, CA and recently retired in January 2018 in Wapato, WA as Research Leader. Dr. Landolt was an Adjunct Professor at Washington State University in Pullman, Washington and selflessly shared his lifelong research knowledge with graduate students. Entomology was Peter's life-long love beginning as a small boy in Ohio. As a scientist he researched insect behavior and chemical ecology, including sex attraction, host finding, host selection, and food finding. Dr. Landolt was an internationally respected Chemical Ecologist and developed numerous chemical attractants and trapping systems for pests of agriculturally important crops and human and animal health. Peter's work has provided new methods to reduce yellow jacket and paper wasp numbers in orchards without the use of pesticides. In addition, many people may find the yellow jacket traps in their own backyards were developed from his research. Peter left an enormous impact in the field of Entomology and humankind is better for it. Pete enjoyed spending time with his beloved wife Joni and their French bulldogs, Jack and Birdie. Living life with Pete was a magical existence. He was a thoughtful, charismatic man with a quirky sense of humor that loved his family and would do anything for them. He was the best human on the planet. Pete always looked forward to his annual insect research trip to Guatemala. He loved the adventures and camaraderie that he shared with his best friends Rich and José. Guatemala was the equivalent to Disneyland to Pete. One of his favorite ways to spend an afternoon was eating lunch with his beloved daughter Kristen. They would discuss insects, new research discoveries and try to solve all the world's problems. They would talk for hours and share endless special moments together. Lastly, the apple of his eye was Kamden John Landolt, his bright and energetic grandson. Pete loved being with him and would move heaven and earth for him. They enjoyed going on long walks together, gardening and sneaking cookies out of the cookie jar. They were the best of friends. Comforting memories are needed to help Pete's grieving family during this difficult time. Please share special or funny memories by posting a story to Pete's Tribute Wall at www.evergreenmemorialgardens.com. On behalf of the family we appreciate your love and support and want to say thank you for all your heartfelt condolences. A graveside memorial will be held on Saturday January 4th, 2020 at 2:00 pm, in the Garden of Faith at Evergreen Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 1101 NE 112th Avenue, Vancouver, WA 98684. There will be a celebration of life on location in the hall from 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm. Family and friends are invited to attend a "Party in the Bughouse" following the service at 9719 NE 101st Street, Vancouver, WA from 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in the memory of Peter J. Landolt to: The Peter J. Landolt Collection Fund, Department of Entomology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-6382.

Peter John Landolt

June 13, 1952 - December 22, 2019