Hans Robert Zuuring

MISSOULA ~ Dr. Hans Robert Zuuring passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday December 1, 2024 at the age of 82, surrounded by his loving wife and sons. Hans was Born on August 21, 1942 in The Hague, Netherlands to John and Giovanna (Haarlem) Zuuring, and immigrated to Canada in 1953. Hans earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Forest Management from the University of Toronto in 1966, where he met and married Barbara Desotti, Hans worked for the Canadian Forestry Service in Ottawa before pursuing a PhD. at Iowa State University. Upon completion of his degree, he had taken about all of the statistics courses offered (30 of them). In 1974, Hans accepted a position as a Research associate at the University of Montana and moved to Missoula.

 Hans was a respected professor who inspired countless students with his dedication and expertise. In 1985, Hans took up the challenge to start a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) laboratory and became Director of Quantitative Services within the School of Forestry.

He and Barbara enjoyed traveling, with notable trips to Pakistan, Taiwan, Italy, Greece, Israel as well as the Netherlands and Canada. They enjoyed an Alaskan cruise on their 50th anniversary and spent many winter vacations in the Hawaiian Islands! 

As a dedicated volunteer, he served as a Maryknoll Affiliate, teaching in American Samoa and helping with cleanup in New Orleans post- Katrina. In 2014, he was named Volunteer of the Year for his extensive community service, at the Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity, Garden City Harvest, Family Promise, Poverello Center, the Missoula Symphony, Mendelssohn Club, Blessed Trinity Catholic Community and the countless other friends he helped when needed. 

Hans loved music, singing with the Mendelssohn Club and his church choir. He rode his bike to work every day. He pursued a model train hobby, creating layouts, building structures, traveling to train shows, and an unforgettable ride on the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic railroad. He was a proud Opa to Oliver, Conor, Vanessa and Owen.

Hans left behind a legacy of dedication, love, and service! He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years Barbara, his sons Robert (Angelita), Douglas (Nicole), brother Ernest (Mona), sister Michelle and his four grandchildren, as well as his sister-in-law Eleanor Kehoe, brothers-in-law John Desotti (Lesley) and Peter Desotti, cousin Els Zuuring and numerous other relatives and friends.

Memorial donations in Hans’ name may be made to one of the following charities: 

The “Zuuring-MAGIP Graduate GIS Scholarship” at the University of Montana Foundation website. Under “Designation choices” select “other” and enter “Zuuring-MAGIP Graduate GIS Scholarship”, The Missoula Aging Services, Missoula Food Bank, or to a charity of your choosing.

A Vigil will be on Thursday, December 19th at 7 p.m., with a Funeral Mass on Friday December 20, 2024 at 11 a.m. at Blessed Trinity Catholic Community 1475 Eaton St. Missoula, followed by a luncheon in the parish social center.

Arrangements are under the care of Sunset Memorial Funeral Home and Crematory in Missoula.

To post condolences or memories, please visit the website www.sunsetfuneralhomecemetary.com