Rory Neil Vose, age 67, died May 10, 2008 at his home in Winona, MN after bravely battling kidney cancer for more than a year.

Rory was born January 6, 1941 in Culver City, CA to Roy and Norma (Schumacher) Vose. He graduated from Winona Senior High in 1959 and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Winona State University. He obtained his Masters degree from University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD, where he also did his PhD studies. On August 31, 1963 he married Janis Datta in Winona.

Rory was an environmental biology professor at Saint Mary's University, Winona for 31 years, where he influenced the lives of thousands of students. He was a founder of the Resource Studies Center (now GeoSpacial Services) at SMU, helped develop the GIS Masters program at SMU, served on the Minnesota Governor's Council on Geographic Information, and received SMU's first paid sabbatical and first honorarium in recognition of exceptional work. Rory was named "Outdoorsman of the Year" in 1972, and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was an avid photographer, with several photos published in National Geographic magazine.

Believing in protecting our world, Rory wrote the original language for a stewardship bill that is now being considered by the U.S. Congress, served as President of the Will Dilg Chapter of the Isaac Walton League, chaired the Winona Citizens' Environmental Quality Committee, was listed in "Who's Who in Ecology," and did groundbreaking studies radio-tracking tundra swans, Canada geese, turkeys, and deer.

Showing his love of the river, Rory was a key researcher and received awards and commendations from the Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and a U.S. Presidential Design Achievement Award for various Mississippi River projects. He served as President of the Mississippi River Research Consortium, served as a consultant to the National Geographic Society's Great Rivers of the World program, wrote for American Rivers newsletter, and was a "Mississippi Mud Puppy."

Seeing the world, Rory enjoyed traveling, including a trip to Nepal and Tibet, visiting Everest Base Camp; South Korea; Venezuela; Puerto Rico; Australia; and several trips to Canada, Alaska, Florida, Colorado, and around the U.S. He especially loved his numerous canoe trips to the BWCA and Quetico to enjoy the beauty of the north country, watch the campfire, and listen to loons.

Believing in giving back to the world, Rory quietly donated generously to various charities every year.  Rory is survived by his wife Janis, Winona; three daughters: Dr. Laura Vose, St Cloud, MN; Heather (Marshall) Ulrich, Idaho Springs, CO; and Tahra Vose (Paul Stringer), Alexandria, VA; brothers-in-law Robert (Elaine) Datta and Harold (Betty) Datta, and sister-in-law Maxine (Jack) Speltz, all of Winona, and their families; as well as members of deceased sister-in-law Vi (Lyle) Turner's family. He was proceeded in death by his parents.

Services to remember Rory will be 4:00 pm, Thursday (May 15) at First Congregational Church, Winona with Pastor Tom Schoen officiating. Honorary pallbearers will be Barry Drazkowski, Ray Faber, Cal Fremling, Dick Kowels, Dave McConnville, John Nosek, Orest Ochrymowycz, and Wayne Purtzer.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 pm, Wednesday (May 14) at Fawcett-Junker Funeral Home, Winona.  Services entrusted to Fawcett-Junker Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Winona. Words of sympathy or remembrance may be left at www.fawcett-junkerfuneralhome.com.