Artist Rudolph Wendelin helped conceive and draw the U.S. Forest Service mascot and spokesman "Smokey The Bear" for 40 years. Mr. Wendelin took "Smokey" from bear cub to animated protector of U.S. Forests.
Full Name: Rudolph "Rudy" Andreas Michael Wendelin
Date of Birth: February 27, 1910
Place of Birth: Herndon, Kansas but grew up in Ludell, Kansas.
Education: University of Kansas School of Architecture, and art schools in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Washington, D.C.
U.S. Forest Service Career: Wendelin began his career in 1933 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with the U.S. Forest Service as a draftsman and illustrator. He transferred to the Washington D.C. office in 1937. Serving in the Navy during WWII, he rejoined the USFS again as illustrator back in D.C., helping launch the Smokey Bear project and painting Smokey in hundreds of situations that highlighted natural resources conservation and the prevention of forest fires. Mr. Wendelin retired from the Forest Service in 1973.
Date of Death: Rudolph Wendelin, 90, died on August 31, 2000
Circumstance Surrounding Death: Passenger Rudolph Wendelin was in a vehicle driven by his daughter visiting family in Virginia. On a rain-slicked road near Norfolk, the driver lost control of the car striking a truck and a highway divider. Mr. Wendelin sustained severe injuries and died in a health care facility in Falls Church.
Awards: Wendelin has received many awards for his work. He was presented with the Medal of Honor by the Daughters of the American Revolution for his work in popularizing Smokey Bear through his artwork. In addition to awards from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, he also received the Horace Hart Award from the graphic arts industry and both Silver and Gold Smokey Bear Awards from The U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Final Comments: The phrase, "Remember, only YOU can prevent forest fires", became one of the most familiar and imitated conservation phrases of all time under Mr. Wendelin's watch. The gentle Smokey's paws became hands, Smokey wore blue jeans and his hat was modeled after a forest ranger's - don't forget the shovel.
Wendelin's Smokey appeared on government posters, postage stamps, first day covers and television. He also appeared in magazines, "spoke" on the radio and was used in various teaching materials. He even appeared in a movie.
Wendelin was also a creative painter of landscapes and sculptor.
Wendelin's Smokey appeared on government posters, postage stamps, first day covers and television. He also appeared in magazines, "spoke" on the radio and was used in various teaching materials. He even appeared in a movie.
Wendelin was also a creative painter of landscapes and sculptor.
