The Council of Forest Industries joins the rest of the interior forest industry in celebrating the life and achievements of Manjolo (Mike) Manojlovic. “Nechako Mike” as he was known, passed away January 27, 2015 on his 85th birthday.
“From humble beginnings, Mr. Manojlovic was determined to leave a legacy for his family,” said James Gorman, President and CEO of the Council of Forest Industries. “He did more than that. He left a legacy of innovation for a whole industry, one that the company he leaves behind continues to build upon to this day.”
Mike emigrated to Canada in 1961 and immediately set about establishing a life for himself in his adopted country. After landing in Vancouver, he soon headed north to seek his future. A friendship with Lloyd Larsen Sr. in Prince George resulted in the founding of PG Studs. That was followed by a move to Vanderhoof where, along with Bob Stewart and Ivan Andersen, Manojlovic and Larsen purchased Nechako Lumber and helped build L&M Lumber, along with Torral Scott.
The two companies have been leaders in small log stud lumber manufacturing ever since. Most recently, they added energy to their portfolio, with the creation of Premium Pellet and, later, Nechako Green Energy. “Nechako Mike” was instrumental in each of the business developments that led the company to where it is today. He retired in 2010.