Lin Ottinger, a pioneering geologist, paleontologist and entrepreneur who significantly shaped Moab’s tourism industry, passed away peacefully Wednesday night at the age of 97.
(The Times-Independent) Lin Ottinger shares his life story during a Moab Museum event in 2019.
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.
Casper said Ottinger was as much an explorer as he was a teacher, always eager to share what he knew with anyone who showed an interest.
“He knew things about all kinds of everything, and he really liked to share that — whether it was with someone he knew real close or if it was just a stranger,” Casper said. “If you had an interest in something that he knew about, he would be happy to tell you about it … everyone has their story with [Lin].”
Even in his later years, Ottinger remained active, continuing to collect and explore.
“Just a few years ago, he was still rock hunting and going to get 500 pounds of rocks — I don’t even know how he got them in his truck,” Casper recalled. “He always wanted to go explore and show people things and teach people things — he really loved that, no matter who it was.”
As the community mourns his passing, plans are underway to honor Ottinger’s memory. The 10th Annual Ottinger Caravan, scheduled for the end of April, will feature special tributes to celebrate his life and legacy. Friends, family and admirers are encouraged to share their memories on the Facebook post from Lin Ottinger Scenic Tours and Annual Caravan about Ottinger’s passing.
Many of the posts there shared memories of meeting Ottinger at the Moab Rock Shop, taking his legendary VW bus tours or learning from his vast knowledge of rocks and fossils.
AJ Salazar described Ottinger as “the coolest VW person in history, a genuine badass,” while Evalyn Henry recalled meeting him at the shop more than 20 years ago, calling him a “unique character” with a “wealth of knowledge.”
Others, like David Talley, reflected on the multi-generational impact of his work, recounting how his family had taken Ottinger’s tours for decades and even worked for him one summer. “Condolences to the family and know that Lin left memories with three generations of our family. A life well lived!” Talley wrote.
“He seemed to fit more adventures into life than anyone else I can think of,” added Richard Kimbrough.
Editor’s note: This story has been updated to add comments from Lin Ottinger’s great grandson, Terran Casper.great-grandson
This story was first published by The Times-Independent.
