Hubart Zaremba

Hubart B. “Herb” Zaremba, 90, died Thursday, January 9, 2014 in Durango, Colorado. Known by friends and family as Herb, his parents were immigrants from Poland. They raised him and his siblings through the Great Depression without any government aid. They instilled in him a great respect for the freedom and opportunities of living in America and also to have devotion to a Christian God. During World War II, Herb enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, achieving the rank of 1st Lieutenant as a pilot in the European Theater of operations. He won several combat decorations. After the war, Herb graduated with a Bachelor's of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Northwestern University in Illinois. He completed a successful career in the energy industry, retiring from Amoco/BP in 1989, after 42 years of worldwide assignments. He holds many U.S. and international patents on sub-sea drilling equipment and systems. Herb and his family moved to Durango in 1989 to enjoy the scenic environment and to pursue his love of outdoor activities--skiing in the winter, gardening in the summer, golf, fishing and cycling. He was an avid football fan, following the ups and downs of this alma mater, Northwestern, the Chicago Bears and the Denver Broncos. Politically, Herb was a staunch conservative Republican, expressing his opinions with frequent letters to the Editor of the Durango Herald and well known by the readers. Many of Herb's letters hit the nail on the head, much like his personality. Herb lived a long and healthy life. He passed away peacefully at his home in Durango. Cremation will occur, memorial services held on Jan. 17th, 15:30 at Greenmount Cemetery and his ashes will be interred next to his beloved wife of 63 years, Beverley S. Zaremba who passed away in August 2011. He is survived by Anthony "Tony" B. Zaremba (son) of Texas; Dr. Claudette A. Zaremba (daughter); Alicia M. Zaremba (granddaughter); Zade Zaremba (great grandson); Adam Zaremba (grandson) all of Durango; Helen Tozer (niece) of Illinois; Joseph, Dee, Sandy Tozer, family of California as well as several grand nephews and grandnieces. Memorial contributions can be made to the Mayo Foundation, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905.