ROTHBURY, MICHIGAN — Walter "Wally" Wojack, 89, of Rothbury, MI passed away on Saturday, April 8, 2017 in Aultman Hospital in Canton, Ohio. Many remember him as the owner of Double JJ Ranch―home of the annual Electric Forest music festival.

He purchased the 2,300 acre horse ranch that inevitably became JJ Ranch in Rothbury, Michigan and was closely involved with it for over 65 years. In 1955 Wally and a small group of people led an effort to repopulate an area of the ranch that was devastated by harvesting. They planted 6” tall white pine seedlings that are now over 70 feet tall, and is now the site of an iconic Electric Forest Festival that is enjoyed by over 50,000 attendees each year.

Wally was considered the local historian, storyteller, and mentor for many of the ranch hands and employees, and his passion for nature and people helped build lasting memories for all their guests. He lived and actively worked at the ranch he loved until his passing. Many festival-goers remember him on his four-wheeler and waving friendly goodbyes to those heading out after the four-day festival.



It goes without saying that this man created one of the most influential venues of our generation, and his life's work will live on and impact many generations to come. His spirit will live on. Long live the forest.