Geoff Zeiss, one of Canada's geospatial technology trailblazers, passed away peacefully at home after a protracted battle with cancer. Geoff led an amazing and accomplished life. He was devoted husband and life partner of Ellen. He is survived by Ellen, his brothers, Christopher of Edmonton and Andrew of Sissach, Switzerland, and nephews Sebastion, Jaronas, and David of Switzerland.
Geoff received his undergraduate degree at Cornell in 1967. He completed his PhD in theoretical chemistry at McGill in 1976. Post docs followed at the University of Western Ontario and UBC. By 1981 he had transitioned from research to a new career as an information systems analyst in the Vancouver offices of the DPA group, a planning and management consulting firm. In 1986 he embarked on what would become his future career passion in geospatial analysis first in Ottawa with TYDAC Technologies, then Vision Solutions, and finally to Autodesk. After leaving Autodesk, Geoff continued to offer his knowledge and experience to the world via lectures, papers, organizing conferences, and advisory roles for industry associations and national and international conferences and organizations concerned with public infrastructure and spatial software. Geoff created a thought leadership blog, Between the Poles, where he addressed infrastructure issues and updates which continues today under the care of GoGeomatics Canada.
Geoff exuded an innate talent for translating the potential of emerging and increasingly complex spatial technologies into real systems for managing practical engineering solutions for some of the world's largest telecom and hydro utilities. Throughout the years Geoff was recognized for his dedication and efforts with many international awards for his participation and contributions to numerous conferences.
Geoff was interested in the world at large and the people he met. He was a voracious reader and observant photographer. His sense of humour was funny and insightful. His wine tasting events at home and at work were legendary, as was his infectious and hilarious laughter as events progressed.
Ellen and Geoff loved cycling, hiking, and cross country skiing in the Gatineau Hills. They travelled frequently to Europe where they pursued their interest in art, architecture, opera, music, and live theatre. Geoff's life and journey was a model of commitment to Ellen, to friends and colleagues, and to society.
A memorial service will be held at Beechwood Cemetery, 280 Beechwood Avenue on September 21, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers please give a donation to the Geoff Zeiss Urban Infrastructure Mapping Fund at Carleton University at https://futurefunder.carleton.ca/giving-fund/geoff-zeiss-urban-infrastructure-mapping-fund/
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I met Geoff at McGill in 1970 when he was working on his PhD and I was an undergraduate researcher. We both ended up much later working in the geosciences and renewed our friendship. Very smart fellow.