Audubon and cranes lost a good friend August 6, 2019 when Hubert Peter Zernickow passed away at age 97. After many years of good health, he fell requiring a hip replacement and then suffered a series of setbacks before being transferred        to Henry Ford Allegiance Hospice Center, Jackson. Hugh served as president of Michigan Audubon from 1976 to 1978, and previously as vice president and chairman of the Finance Committee. During his tenure as president his calming demeanor helped M.A.S. overcome a controversial proposal to extract hydrocarbon at Baker Sanctuary.  He also served as president of Jackson Audubon Society, was a compiler of the Waterloo Christmas Bird Count and served from its formation on the Haehnle Committee. Hugh was a strong advocate of the Haehnle Sanctuary, volunteering at workbees, making weekly cranes counts during the fall and providing sound advice and financial support. Photography was among his other many interests, especially using Leica equipment. 

His wife, Norene, preceded him in death. He is survived by grandson John Hoye and wife Laura, and a great grandson, Chris. Honoring his wishes, there was no funeral or memorial service. Remembrances may be given to the Hugh and Norene Zernickow Memorial for the Haehnle Sanctuary. They can be sent with the notation Haehnle Sanctuary to either the Jackson Audubon Society, P.O. Box 6453, Jackson, MI 49204 or to Michigan Audubon, 2310 Science Parkway, Suite 200, Okemos, MI 48864.