Dr. Daniel Howard Henning, 77
Dr. Daniel Howard Henning, 77, of Missoula passed away Monday, April 20, 2009, in his home of natural causes.
He was born Aug. 1, 1931, in Cleveland to Daniel and Mae Henning. Daniel was the youngest of three children. His older sisters were Mildred and Gertrude. Gertrude spent time taking him on hikes and introduced him to the outdoors, which inspired him to dedicate his life's work to conservation.
He enlisted in the Coast Guard during the Korean War for two years and was discharged honorably. He had a love of education and earned a bachelor's degree from Bowling Green, master's degree from the University of Michigan, and his doctorate from Syracuse University. During summers, he worked as a park ranger at Yellowstone, Rocky Mountain National Park and Glacier National Park. While working as a park ranger in Glacier, he met his wife, Dorothy. They were married from 1968 to 1987, and they had a daughter, Tundra, and son, Forest.
Daniel was a professor of political science and environmental affairs at Montana State University in Billings for more than 20 years. Daniel was recognized as a distinguished scholar, published multiple papers and books, and was eventually awarded professor emeritus status at the end of his teaching career. His energy, his enthusiasm, his colorful stories and mission to save the environment inspired countless students and colleagues.
Daniel enjoyed fishing, hiking, backpacking, traveling and spending time with his family. After he retired, Daniel began his annual trips to Southeast Asia in an effort to preserve the delicate tropical rain forest ecosystem, which he continued for 20 years. Daniel often spent his time at Buddhist monasteries, communing with nature, and delivering his impassioned message to preserve the planet's wildlife and remaining natural areas. In addition to being awarded senior Fulbright research scholarships to Southeast Asia, he presented a number of papers and lectures at international conferences throughout the world. Daniel also attempted to deliver his message of conservation by authoring several books, including "Managing the Environmental Crisis," "Buddhism and Deep Ecology," and "Tree Talk and Tales," as well as contributing chapters to such books as "Heaven and Earth and I."
Daniel was preceded in death by his parents; and his sister, Mildred.
Daniel is survived by his sister, Gertrude Milliken, in Desert Hot Springs, Calif.; his daughter, Tundra, and Bruce McDougal, in Boise, Idaho; his son, Forest Henning, in Missoula; and his two grandchildren, Chloe and Logan McDougal, in Boise, Idaho.
Daniel's undying passion for the environment, his love of writing, fearless advocacy for what he believed in, and the memorable tales of his adventures will be a cherished legacy for all who knew him. Daniel will be remembered and missed deeply by his family and friends.
A celebration of his life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 25, at the sheltered picnic area in Greenough Park of Missoula.
The family would like to express special thanks to the staff at the Grizzly Peak, Parkside Community Family Care, and Home Instead.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Daniel's name to the Alliance for the Wild Rockies, Friends of the Wild Swan, or the World Buddhist University are encouraged.
"We love you."
Arrangements are under the care of Garden City Funeral Home.