Memorial tree planting honors late supervisor

Carson City honored the memory of late Supervisor Jon Plank on Tuesday by dedicating trees planted at the Carson City Community Center in his name.

A red sunset maple tree, almost 18 feet in height, was placed in a raised planter at the northeast corner of the center at 851 E. William St.

A sunburst honey locust tree, donated to the city by the Benzing family, was also planted, along with four Robinson crabapple trees donated by David Morgan of Nevada Video Productions and the city's parks and recreation fund.

"He always wanted to see what was best for Carson City," said Cheryl Dahlinger, Plank's stepdaughter, to the crowd of family, friends and city officials. "He is probably pleased with what he sees. There are so many changes that he would be so very, very proud of."

The city chose the community center site because of Plank's dedication to recreation, said Jean Bondiett, chairwoman of the Carson City Shade Tree Council, which funded the maple tree along with the Greenhouse Garden Center. Plank was a Parks and Recreation commissioner for six years.

"We worked together to create a task force for the new arboretum for the community center," Bondiett said. "He was excited about the concept so this seemed like the natural place to honor him."

Plank's work for the city never ended, said his wife, Rita Plank.

"He loved every part of Carson City, but he would gripe about how terrible the parks looked." she said. "Then he would start in on the bicycle trails and the worn-out community center. He would have thought this is a great start."

Parks and Recreation director Stephen Kastens said he appreciated the support Plank gave his department.

"He was willing to do whatever it took to lobby for us," Kastens said. "He knew what was best for everyone, and we just followed his lead."

David Ruf, owner of Greenhouse Garden Center, said Plank was a model citizen.

"He prompted me to become more involved in my community," Ruf said. "I am striving to be more like him."

Plank died suddenly on Dec. 27 from pneumonia in the middle of his second term in office. A Carson City resident since 1975, the Planks have six grown children and 18 grandchildren, all but three of whom live in Nevada.

Plank was also a member of the Carson City Senior Citizens Advisory Council, was chairman of the Regional Transportation Commission, and represented the city on the Tahoe Regional Planning Commission.

A golf tournament will be held in his name on July 20 at Eagle Valley Golf Course. All proceeds will go to the East Course tree fund.

For information, contact the Eagle Valley Golf Pro Shop at 887-2380 or John Peshek, president of the Carson Sertoma Club, at 882-2603.