Dean Howard Urie

Dean Howard Urie, 86, of Cadillac and formerly Lansing, Michigan passed away peacefully in the early morning of Friday, February 20, 2015 at the Curry House in Cadillac, MI. Mr. Urie was born February 12, 1929 in Craftsbury, Vermont, one of four children of Walter Roland Urie and Marie Baker Urie. A scientist at heart, he was a graduate of Craftsbury Academy in Vermont and went on to receive a Bachelors of Science in Forestry with Distinction from the University of Michigan, School of Natural Resources, a Masters of Science in Agricultural Soils from Oregon State College and a Doctor of Philosophy in Forestry from Michigan State University where he also served as an adjunct professor. After being honorably discharged from the U.S. Army with the rank of Sergeant for serving during the Korean War, receiving the National Defense Service Award, Mr. Urie was employed by the University of Vermont Forestry Department followed by the United States Department of Agriculture in the Forest Service in Michigan. He brought his amiable professionalism and expertise to forestry research and wastewater management projects in Michigan as well as in Pakistan and Poland. Mr. Urie was involved in many activities in the communities where he lived. He served on the Cadillac Board of Education, received the Scout Master of the Year Award for the Southern District Scenic Trails Council of the Boys Scouts of America, and the Yellow Merit Star Award from the National Ski Patrol System. In retirement, he was a docent for 25 years at the Potter Park Zoo in Lansing, MI, where, in addition to docent training, he shared his passion for conservation, especially regarding wolves, and he was frequently asked to assume the roll of Santa Claus. Mr. Urie is survived by his sister Irene Vollbrecht of Fremont, CA and her daughters, Sarah Silber, Anne Moody and families; sister-in-law Joan Urie and her children Gene, Glenn, Gary, Grant, Geoffrey, Tina Mastrianni and families. He is predeceased by his sister Velma Urie of Craftsbury, VT and brother Walter Urie of South Hero, VT. He is also survived by his adopted family, Bob and Marcia Larsen of Lansing, their daughters Kim Koppi, Kelly Michael and families. Dean leaves behind a legacy of lasting friendships made with his neighbors Ed and Ruth Bosworth of Cadillac, colleagues at the Forest Service and at the zoo. All will miss his wit, intellect, humor and common sense. A celebration of Dean's life will be held later this spring in Cadillac, MI and also in Vermont where his remains will be interred at the family plot in the East Craftsbury, VT cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Dean requested donations be made in his name to the Potter Park Zoological Society, 1301 South Pennsylvania Avenue, Lansing, MI 48912. An online guestbook is available at www.petersonfh.com.

Dean Howard Urie

February 12, 1929 - February 20, 2015