Donald ‘Don’ W. Gentry of Bella Vista, Ark., died July 2, 2012. Born in 1943 in St. Louis, Mo., Don had a 25-year career at Mines as former head of the Mining Engineering Department, assistant to the dean of faculty, and dean of engineering and undergraduate studies. He also served on the McBride Tutorial Committee and was an emeritus professor, retiring in 1998. Don graduated from the University of Illinois, University of Nevada and University of Arizona, where he received his PhD in mining and finance.
A published author, Don was president of the Society of Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration and the American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical, and Petroleum Engineers. A member of the National Academy of Engineering, Don served on the board of directors for Gryphon Gold, Santa Fe Gold, Newmont Mining and Newmont Gold. In 2003, he moved from Colorado to Bella Vista. He is survived by his wife, Sheila; son Chad MS ’99; daughter Tara; and four granddaughters.