Below is a well written email post, it is published without permission.

Dear NIRS Consortium members, friends, and associates: It is with the deepest regret that I must tell you that Dr. John S. Shenk passed away this afternoon, Thursday, September 15 following surgery to remove a tumor on his kidney. For more than three decades, John has been an incredible driving force in the creation and advancement of NIRS technology. His unmatched passion to help everyone, everywhere benefit from NIRS brought success to scores of people and improved animal and crop production throughout the world. John accomplished this with the help, love, and unwavering support of his wife Gloria, his children, and his grandchildren. To so many of us, John's love of our Lord was exemplified in the friendships he formed with everyone he met. Several times over the last quarter century he stated that his mission in life was to simply share with others the understanding of NIRS that God had so generously shared with him. And share he did! With each sample we scan, may we bring honor to Dr. John Shenk's life's work by remembering not only what he did, but who he did it for. Information on viewing, memorial services, and related information will follow soon. Sincerely, Tim Hoerner President, The NIRS Consortium