By Andrew Christiansen | The Times Independent

Lin Ottinger, a pioneering geologist, paleontologist and entrepreneur who significantly shaped Moab’s tourism industry, passed away peacefully on Feb. 12, at the age of 97.

In 1960, he founded the Moab Rock Shop, a unique combination of store and museum that continues to be a cornerstone for rock enthusiasts and tourists alike. The shop features an extensive collection of minerals, fossils, gemstones, meteorites and other geological treasures from around the world.

Notably, Ottinger discovered four dinosaur species, including the Iguanodon ottingeri, named in his honor. His lifelong passion for rocks, minerals and fossils earned him the nickname “Dinosaur Man,” according to his great grandson Terran Casper.

Beyond his geological pursuits, Ottinger was a pioneer in Moab’s tourism sector. He initiated bus tours of the Canyonlands, sharing his extensive knowledge of the area’s geology and history with countless visitors. His fleet of Volkswagen buses became iconic symbols of Moab’s adventurous spirit, guiding tourists to sites such as Gemini Bridges and other remote landscapes long before Moab became a major outdoor recreation destination.

In 1971, Ottinger made a notable discovery of two human skeletons in the Keystone Azurite Mine near Moab. This find, often referred to as “Moab Man” or “Malachite Man,” sparked significant interest and debate within the scientific community.

Read more on Moabtimes.com

This article is published through the Utah News Collaborative, a partnership of news organizations in Utah that aims to inform readers across the state.