Zug Standing Bear

Professor Zug G. Standing Bear Zug G. Standing Bear, PhD, passed away at his home in Divide, Colorado on March 18, 2025. He was a renowned criminologist, forensic scientist, and Professor in criminal justice and was deeply admired and respected by his colleagues, students, family and friends.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Virginia (Red Hawk) Lynch who shared his life for 37 years, daughters Maria Conley, Robin Camp, and Annemarie Smith-Whitson, twin sisters Susan Cyr and Cynthia Smith, grandchildren Hunter Conley, Raymond Smith, Zac Sieberg, Destynee Cheshire, Claire Smith, William Flowers and Jake Whitson. Survivors also include 8 great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and several cousins. Among other survivors are Virginia’s daughters, Kristi Hulme, Keri Kembel, Angela Lynch Childers, their children Maegan Klipfel, Kaleb Hulme, Cole Kembel, Will Kembel, Chloe Niederhofer, Samuel Childers, Joy Childers and 11 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, sister Dianne Starkey, brother Kevin Smith, and daughter Kelley Smith.

Standing Bear was born in Boston, Massachusetts in 1941, son of Frank and Marie (Welch) Smith. He spent his early years in the woodlands of eastern United States and Canada. He received his college education at the University of Nebraska, and received post-graduate degrees from the George Washington University, University of Southern California, and Jacksonville State University. His PhD in Criminology was awarded by Florida State University. Standing Bear’s faculty positions included Beth El College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Valdosta State University, Colorado State University and Northern Arizona University. In addition to classroom and field instruction in criminology and sociology, he taught online classes and served as mentor for many students. He was affiliated with Thomas Edison State College at the time of his death. Standing Bear was a highly regarded consultant for issues related to criminal justice, law enforcement investigation, police affairs and personal security. As a Warrant Officer in the United States Army, he served as a Criminal Intelligence Officer and War Crimes Investigator at several stateside posts and overseas locations. He was honorably discharged from the Army in 1981 after two decades of service. His achievements were recognized by military awards including, among others, the Meritorious Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Bronze Star.

Zug Standing Bear was a member of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences and was awarded Fellow Status in 1986. He was highly regarded by the membership for his role in the Student Academy and sparking interest of young men and women in the various careers in the forensic sciences. He was well known for his presentations and writings about ethics associated with law enforcement, criminal justice and the police sciences. A perusal of “rate the professor” websites of the colleges and universities where he taught confirms that he was revered by his students. They praised his thought-provoking lectures and remarked how he motivated their careers by sharing his life experiences. Many students mentioned his sense of humor that he sprinkled into the serious subjects of criminal justice and law enforcement, and boasted that they actually competed for a seat in his classroom!

Standing Bear was indeed multidimensional. He was a connoisseur of fine wines and classical music and amassed enviable collections representing these passions. Family members and friends will remember him also as a masterful storyteller. He readily shared anecdotes about his life experiences and those of the people he met over the years. Characters would actually come alive through his well-chosen words. It was not uncommon for others to request a repeat rendition of one of his colorful, often amusing stories. An avid supporter of wildlife preservation and environmental protection, he was the founder and director of the Flash and Thelma National Hedgehog Rescue, the only non-profit organization in North America dedicated to the care of these endangered and vulnerable animals. Zug Standing Bear was truly a Renaissance man who has left an amazing legacy for his family, community and his country.

His spiritual philosophy embraced all personal ideologies and professional concepts when he encapsulated the phenomena of peace as "the acceptance of the entire universe within the realm of wisdom and kindness." This reflects many discrete tenets contained in the Peace Creed of the American Indians. It emphasizes a common awareness for the need of world peace, beginning with the “Second Peace" which refers to the peace between two individuals. The “Third Peace" is designated as peace between two nations. The Creed emphasizes that there can never be peace between two nations until true peace exists within the souls of men. Quoting from the Hopi Declaration of Peace, " The truest and greatest power is the strength of Peace...because Peace is the will of the Great Spirit."

Zug's celebration of life will be held at Little Chapel of the Hills, Divide, CO on Sunday, June 8, 2025 at 2 pm.

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