Alfred H. Balch DSc ’64 of Golden, Colo., died May 23, 2014. Born in 1928, he graduated from Stanford with a bachelor’s degree in geology in 1950. After a three-year stint in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War, he began his professional career in the oil industry with Phillips Petroleum, and returned to graduate school at Mines to receive his doctorate in geophysical engineering.
From 1970-1974, he was an adjunct professor of geophysics at Mines. After a career as a research geophysicist in oil exploration with the U.S. Geological survey Branch of Oil and Gas Resources, with Mobil Research and Development and with Cities Service, he returned to Mines in 1986 as a research professor and retired in 1998 to pursue his love of the Colorado outdoors, bicycling and skiing. He helped bring a Little League organization to Littleton, Colo., where he also coached several soccer teams. An Eagle Scout himself, he was active with the local Boy Scouts.
Al was awarded a Fulbright Professorship to lecture and teach at Moscow State University. He was a recipient of the Hagedoorn Award of the European Association of Exploration Geophysicists, served as a national officer of the Society of Exploration Geophysicists and authored one of the pioneering textbooks on vertical seismic profiling. At the invitation of the U.S. Geological Survey, he established a seismic stratigraphic research group within the organization during the 1980s. A former member of the President’s Council at Mines, Alfred holds two U.S. patents and several foreign patents.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Manie; children, Susan Clapham, Alfred Balch Jr. and Christopher Balch; and nine grandchildren.
Donald A. Beattie MS ’58 of St. Johns, Fla., died August 22, 2014. Born in 1929, he served as a carrier pilot in the U.S. Navy from 1951-1956. He returned to graduate school at Mines and received a master’s degree in geology. Mobil Oil hired him to supervise a geology field party, mapping the large Mobil concessions in little-known jungle and rainforest regions of Colombia, South America. In 1963, NASA hired him to help plan lunar surface experiments for Apollo and post-Apollo missions. He was with NASA for 10 years, until the close of the Apollo program in 1973. Don then was appointed director of the advanced energy research and technology division for the National Science Foundation.
In 1975, he became deputy assistant administrator for solar, geothermal and advanced energy systems for the Energy Research and Development Administration. Subsequently, he was appointed assistant secretary (acting) for conservation and solar applications for the Department of Energy.
Don returned to NASA from 1978-1983 as division director of the energy systems division, and then became vice president of Houston operations for BDM International. After running a consulting business, he served as president from 1991-1996 for Endosat Inc.
A former member of the President’s Council at Mines, Donald wrote many articles published in scientific journals and three books.
He was predeceased by his siblings Tom Beattie and Margaret Berger. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Ann; sons, Tom and Bruce; and two grandsons.
Ramon Edward Bisque (Ray) of Golden, Colo., died June 9, 2014. Born in Iron River, Mich., in 1931, he earned a bachelor’s degree from St. Norbert College, and a master’s degree in chemistry and dual doctorates in chemistry and geology from Iowa State University. His distinguished 30-year stint at Mines began in 1959, where he headed the chemistry department for six years. In 1990, as Mines professor emeritus, he was awarded honorary membership in the CSM Alumni Association.
A fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, he was a consultant for the Institute for Defense Analysis at the Pentagon from 1960 to 1963, and the Director for the Earth Science Curriculum Project (National Science Foundation) from 1965 to 1967.
On Valentine’s Day 1964, Ray co-founded a mineral exploration company, Earth Sciences, Inc. (ESI), with his doctoral candidates, Duane N. Bloom PhD ’64 and Douglas N. Stevens PhD ’64, and continued as ESI Chairman of the Board for 42 years. In 2004, ESI was transformed into a ‘green company’ by acquiring Advanced Emissions Solutions, Inc. (ADES). As ADES’s chief scientist, Ray received several patents related to treating emissions from coal-fired power plants, and these inventions are used to reduce mercury and other pollutants in fifteen percent of all coal burned in the U.S today. He continued inventing to his final day.
As a regularly published scientific author, Ray also self-published several books, including ‘Iron: A River, a Town, a County, a Mine, a Family,’ ‘Lions of the Lyons’ and his autobiography, ‘Unseen Cairns.’ He was predeceased by his sister, Dorothy. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Marie; children Camille and Edward Ford ’79, Stephen Bisque ’83, Laura and R. Scott Tracy ’84, Thomas, Daniel ’89 and Matthew ’90; and 15 grandchildren including Jenae Ford, current CSM Foundation employee, Sarah Bisque ’10, Lorae Tracy ’12, and current Mines students Evan Ford ’15 and Stephen Tracy ’17.
Alex Chisholm�’57 of Hibbing, Minn., died May 22, 2013. Born in 1930, he earned his professional degree in mining engineering from Mines. That same year, he married Mary Ellen, and he and his newlywed moved to Pittsburgh, where he worked for Dravo Corp., managing a tunnel project that set up the city’s first sewer system. In 1961, he joined his father-in-law in Hibbing as the third full-time employee for L&M Radiator. Eleven years later, he moved his family to Australia to establish a manufacturing plant. Eventually, the company established plants in Mexico, Canada, South Africa and Chile.
In 1975, he was named Minnesota Small Businessman of the Year. From 1975-1981, presidents Ford and Carter appointed him to the U.S. Presidential Advisory Committee for Trade Negotiations. In 2000, the Hibbing Chamber of Commerce awarded him its Lifetime Achievement Award. At Mines, Alex was a member of the President’s Council for several years.
He is survived by his dearest friend, Frances J. Gardeski; his sister, Mary Louise Meredith; his children, Dan Chisholm and Laura Ekholm; eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild; and Fran’s family, including children, Ed, Julie, Mark and Janie, and their six children.
James E. Curzon�’53 of Tulsa, Okla., died March 18, 2014. Born in 1930, he married his high school sweetheart, Vera Roush, in 1952, and earned his professional degree in petroleum engineering from Mines, where he was a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity. After serving with the U.S. Army in Missouri and Korea, Jim began his career as a petroleum engineer with Phillips Petroleum. In Texas, New Mexico, Kansas and Oklahoma, he worked in reservoir production, unitization, development and enhanced-oil recovery, before he advanced to major product management in the North Sea area. His 32-year career concluded in Norway, where he served as the director of waterflood and subsidence projects.
Jim was a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers. A dedicated scoutmaster, he saw his two sons and four grandsons achieve the rank of Eagle Scout.
He was predeceased by his parents, Eugene C. ’23 and Allene Curzon. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Vera; brother, Eugene Curzon; sons, Thomas and John Curzon; and four grandsons.
Antonio Ermirio de Moraes�’49 of Sao Paulo, Brazil, died August 24, 2014. Born in Sao Paulo in 1928, he was one of the most admired entrepreneurs in Brazil. After receiving his professional degree in metallurgical engineering from Mines, Antonio joined the family-owned Grupo Votorantim. The operation, founded by his grandfather in 1918 with the purchase of a textile factory, was administered by his father, Jose Ermirio de Moraes ’21. For decades, Antonio was the CEO and chairman of Grupo Votorantim, which is now the nation’s biggest cement maker and has interests in aluminum, pulp and paper, energy, agriculture and finance. The company does business in more than 20 countries and is Latin America’s fifth-largest diversified industrial conglomerate. In 2005, the IMD Business School and Lombard Odier Darier Hentsch Bank recognized Grupo Votorantim as the world’s best family company.
Antonio sponsored the creation and was the president of the Sao Paulo-based Beneficencia Portuguesa Hospital, where he reportedly visited the ER without warning to ensure its prompt attendance to patients. He helped turn the hospital, which provides 60 percent of its services to citizens below the poverty line, into one of the largest and most advanced hospital complexes in Latin America.
During his career, Antonio had direct political involvement with campaigns to promote democracy, the improvement of the national health system and the generation of job opportunities. In 2012, he was decorated with the Bandeirantes Medal, the highest honor awarded by the state of Sao Paulo to its citizens. He frequently published articles in national newspapers and magazines and is a member of the Academia Paulista de Letras. In 2013, his life was portrayed by sociologist Jose Pastore in a biography titled ‘Ermirio Antonio de Moraes: Memoirs of a Private Diary.’ De Moraes also wrote three plays: ‘Brazil SA,’ ‘SOS Brazil’ and ‘Wake Up, Brazil!’
A member of the Mines Century Society and the President’s Council, Antonio was also a life member of the alumni association. In 1974, Mines presented him with its Distinguished Achievement Medal. Later, he received an honorary doctorate of engineering degree from Mines.
Antonio was predeceased by a brother, Jose E. de Moraes ’48, and two sons, Carlos ’79 and Mario Ermirio de Moraes ’86. He is survived by his wife, Maria Regina Costa, with whom he had nine children, including sons Antonio ’81 and Luis ’82; and 17 grandchildren.
Gilbert Fabre�’47 of Boise, Idaho, died November 9, 2013. Born in 1915, Gil saved money for college – and to fulfill his sense of adventure�-�by working as a prospector, surveyor, crew chief and radio operator in the Alaskan wilderness. One winter, he lived in a log cabin near the Arctic Circle.
Gil volunteered for the Army Air Forces after Pearl Harbor and married Helen Schoppe in 1943. Following World War II, he earned a geological engineering degree from Mines and moved to Texas, where he worked as a petroleum geologist for Magnolia Petroleum Co. He retired from Mobil Oil in 1984.
Gil’s hobbies were camping, backpacking, designing and making his own tents and backpacks, wood carving, cooking, hunting, fishing and canoeing. His life of adventure continued well into his 90s, most often with his children and grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his wife, Helen. He is survived by his children, Carl Fabre, Vivian Hervey, Joyce Fabre and James Fabre; four grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter.
Roland B. Fischer�’42 of Lafayette, Colo., died December 3, 2013. Born in 1920, he received his metallurgical engineering degree from Mines, where he was a member of Tau Beta Pi honor society. After graduation, he served four years in the U.S. Army during World War II and then became a research engineer at the Battelle Memorial Institute in Ohio. In 1963, he joined Dow Chemical Company’s Rocky Flats division near Golden, Colo. Fourteen years later he became a senior research metallurgist for Rockwell International, where he retired in 1983 as a senior research specialist.
He authored numerous articles and holds several patents on metals and making atomic bombs safer for the handlers. Roland was a member of the American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical and Petroleum Engineers and the American Metals Society. He was a member of the Colorado School of Mines Alumni Association’s History Committee and served often on its Reunion Planning Committee. In 1996, CSMAA recognized him with an honorary membership. He was a jewelry craftsman, ice skater, skier, fisherman and outdoorsman.
Roland was predeceased by his wife of 66 years, Betty Herman. He is survived by his children, Randall Fisher and Carol Fischer; two granddaughters; and three great-grandchildren.
Phil H. Garrison�’39 of Golden, Colo., died February 18, 2009. A native of Golden, Phil was born in 1917 and received his geological engineering degree from Mines, where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. After graduation, he went to work for Amoco Production Company, where he spent his entire career. When he retired in 1977, he was an exploration manager for Amoco in Denver. Phil continued his work into retirement, spending five more years with Champlin Oil.
He was a member of the Mines Heritage Society and a member of the President’s Council for many years, and served on CSMAA’s board of directors from 1966-1969.
He was predeceased by his son, Phil Garrison; his wife, Alene, died in 2012. He is survived by their children, Patricia Drake, Michael Garrison ’66 and Chandra, Sharon Roehrs; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Vincent J. Hamilton MS ’90 of Geneva, Switzerland, died March 10, 2014. Born in 1963, he received his bachelor’s degree from Northern Arizona University in 1986, and then his master’s degree in geology from Mines.
Vince was a geologist for Shell USA in Houston from 1989-1991 and then for Eurocan until 1994, when he became president of Canadian Industrial Minerals. He and his wife, Mona, migrated to London to work for Sands Petroleum, and then in 1995, moved to Mona’s homeland of Geneva. In 1999, he became president and director of Mart Resources Inc. Vince cofounded Tethys Oil in 2001 and was the company’s chairman from its inception until 2013. Under his guidance, Tethys quickly became one of the largest onshore oil and gas concession holders in Oman.
He left the company to found, support and fund the medical research foundation Victory NET, whose purpose is to find new treatments for neuroendocrine tumors. An accomplished sport fisherman, Vince enjoyed traveling, cycling and partaking in winter sport activities with his family. He is survived by his wife, Mona; and children, Emma, Hugo and Oscar.
Stephen P. Kanizay DSc ’56 of Lakewood, Colo., died April 16, 2013. Born in 1924, he received his doctorate in geological engineering from Mines.
He served as a combat engineer during World War II, in which he earned two Bronze Stars. Stephen retired from the U.S. Geological Survey.
He is survived by his wife, Freda; three sons; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Thomas J. Knight�’82 of Edmond, Okla., died August 24, 2014. Born in 1958, he earned his bachelor’s degree in mining engineering from Mines, where he was involved with Mines Little Theater.
Beginning in 1982, he worked several years for Kerr McGee Corp. in Oklahoma and Illinois, in positions ranging from an associate engineer/mine engineer, mine engineer-developmental, assistant to the superintendent for the Kerr McGee Corp. and production foreman. He then worked for Abbottsfield/BP Alaska, before becoming a consultant for Hughes Brothers. He also served as secretary of the Oklahoma Mining Commission.
Tom is survived by his mother, Lenora Knight; wife, Kimberly; children, Ryan Knight and Stephanie Knight; and siblings, Denis Knight and Jaylene Park.
Steven R. Lindblom MS ’97 of Arvada, Colo., died July 4, 2013. Born in 1964, he graduated from the University of Wyoming and earned a master’s degree in geological engineering from Mines. Steve was employed by S.S. Papadapolous and Associates as a hydrogeologist, followed by the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission. He was a member of the National Ground Water Association.
An outdoorsman, Steve loved hiking, hunting, camping and fishing. He is survived by his parents, Bob and Nancy Lindblom; his wife of 18 years, Leah Twine; brother, Scott Lindblom; and children, Keagan and Erik.
Anton G. Pegis of Golden, Colo., died May 15, 2014. Born in 1920, he served two years in the U.S. Army during World War II. Tony received a bachelor’s degree in 1949 from Western State College in
Gunnison, Colo. He taught English at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colo., and then moved to Denver, where he earned his master’s degree and doctorate in English from the University of Denver. During a 28-year career at Mines, he taught English and philosophy and served for 10 years as its vice president. Fluent in Greek since childhood, Tony was adept at teaching English as a second language, receiving honors from his students as outstanding teacher. When he retired in 1982, he was named professor emeritus of English. The Mines Class of 1960 established a scholarship fund in his name, and Mines ROTC made him an honorary colonel in the 115th Engineer Regiment. Tony continued working as a technical writing consultant for federal agencies and private industries, and he taught technical writing and editing seminars until he fully retired in 2005.
Predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Harriet Stevens, Tony is survived by his sister, Polly Pease; daughters, Stefani De Bell and Penelope Pegis; a granddaughter; and a step-granddaughter.
Edwin W. Peiker�’54 of Boulder, Colo., died June 3, 2013. Born in 1931, he graduated from Mines with his professional degree in geological engineering, where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. After a brief stint with Utah Construction as a geologist, Ed joined the U.S. Army in 1955, returned stateside in 1957 as an exploration chief for Republic Steel and then became an assistant professor in the engineering department at the University of Colorado in 1958, where he earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil engineering.
From 1966-1983, Ed held various positions at Climax Molybdenum. Subsequently, he became an independent consultant and a principal for Denver Mining Finance. From 1987-1988, he served as vice president for Royal Gold, and as president and COO until 1992. On his many travels to China, he would take photographs with Polaroid film of the children and people he met and give them the photos as gifts. Polaroid made a commercial about his generosity. At Mines, Ed was a member of the President’s Council for more than a decade.
He is survived by his wife, Sue; their children, Willie, Greg and Helen; and four grandchildren.
William H. Penney�’51 of Woodbury, Minn., died August 15, 2014. Born in 1929, Bill earned his professional degree in petroleum refining engineering from Mines. He received his PhD in chemical engineering from the University of Minnesota in 1957.
A 31-year employee with 3M in St. Paul, Bill was involved in the development of the fiber material used in surgical face masks, surgical tape and oil spill-recovery products, as well as materials for playing surfaces. Heading up a team of chemists in the commercial chemical division, he participated in the development of Fluorel and ScotchGuard. Bill was also a member of the Advanced Research Project Agency, a federal government group that isolated new chemical compounds for nuclear testing at the Los Alamos Proving Grounds in New Mexico. After his retirement from 3M, Bill, an avid firearms collector and enthusiast, opened Bill’s Gun Shop and Range, the largest shooting range in Minnesota,�and Tactics Law Enforcement Supply.
He was predeceased by his wife of 59 years, Mabel Yarkie. He is survived by his children, Sue Penney, Kate Bromann, Tom Penney and Ellen Farrell; and six grandchildren.
Ralph Emerson Pray DSc ’66, of Claremont, Calif., died May 30, 2014. Born in 1926, he received his bachelor’s degree in metallurgical engineering from the University of Alaska in 1961 and his doctorate in metallurgical engineering from Mines. In 1968, he founded his own consulting business and was the owner and operator of the Mineral Research Laboratory in California. Most of his career was spent investigating old mines and assaying mineral samples from the Mojave Desert and other parts of southern California. Ralph received numerous honors and awards for his work and served as historical consultant for the History Channel’s ‘Gold Mines’ in 2000. He published more than 100 essays and short stories, and wrote an historical fiction children’s book, ‘Jingu, The Hidden Princess.’ He coached his children’s basketball and baseball teams, spoke at civic organization events and volunteered with the Monrovia Police Department.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Beverley; children, Max, Ross, Leslie and Marlene; and three grandchildren.
Samuel C. Sandusky�’48 of Findlay, Ohio, died February 24, 2013. Born in 1923, he earned his professional degree in petroleum engineering from Mines, after serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Sam was president of the Mines chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity and was a member of Sigma Gamma Epsilon honor society. He lettered in baseball, rifle and boxing.
His career began at Ohio Oil Company (now Marathon), where he worked in multiple states and in various positions, including supervisor of engineering and contracts in the natural gas division, natural gas division manager and chief petroleum engineer. He retired in 1985. A master fly fisherman, Sam enjoyed rose gardening and playing golf. He was a member of the Heritage Society, President’s Council and Reunion Giving Program (1997-1998) at Mines.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Dorothy; siblings, Craig Sandusky, Mary Lois Aspinwall and Margaret Wallace; and children, Sue Ann Sandusky and Timothy Sandusky.
Geoffrey Slade�’06 of Fruita, Colo., died January 11, 2014. Born in Denver in 1984, he participated in cross country at Fruita Monument High, where he graduated with honors. At Mines, he earned his bachelor’s degree in engineering with an electrical specialty. He was a member of the choir and Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, and was involved in the Humanitarian Engineering program.
Geoff began his career with Kiewit Western Co., where he was employed as a field engineer. During that time he worked as a mechanical, civil, structural, office and quality control engineer. Subsequently, he was hired by Xcel Energy, where he drew upon his electrical engineering background.
Geoff enjoyed mountain biking, rock climbing and ballroom dance. He is survived by his parents, Norman and Evelyn Slade; and brothers, Bryan and Scott.
James C. Ternahan Jr.�’51 of Grand Junction, Colo., died April 13, 2014. Born in 1924, he graduated in 1943 from the Curtiss-Wright Technical Institute, a professional trade school where Jim was trained in aeronautical engineering. For the next three years he served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II.
From the time he received his professional degree from Mines in metallurgical engineering until 1960, Jim was an engineer and mine and construction superintendent for mining enterprises in Colorado, Utah, Wyoming and Montana. In the succeeding 18 years, he was with Varian Associates, one of the original high-tech firms in Silicon Valley, first as a process/production engineer, then as comptroller and senior financial analyst for a Varian division. Until his retirement in 1999, he was engaged in real estate, insurance and property management. He was a member of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration.
He was predeceased by his wife of 65 years, Laura, and his son, Paul. He is survived by his children, Patricia Ternahan, Kathleen Howlett, Michael Ternahan and Kristine Ducote; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Lester G. Truby�’48 of Bayfield, Colo., died April 15, 2014. Born in 1923, Lester served as a first lieutenant during World War II, before earning his professional degree in petroleum engineering from Mines. He was a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity and Sigma Gamma Epsilon honor society.
After graduating, he worked for Humble Oil (now Exxon) on offshore drilling operations and reservoir engineering. In 1955, he joined Pacific Northwest Pipeline, which was bought by El Paso Natural Gas in 1960, where he became manager of production and drilling. El Paso Exploration hired him as vice president production and then promoted him in 1982 to senior vice president. The company was acquired by Burlington Resources, from where he retired in 1985.
Whenever he visited drilling rigs, one of his sons always would accompany him. As a result, all three of them became petroleum engineers. Lester was active in the alumni association section in El Paso and supported Mines as a member of the Heritage Society and President’s Council for more than a decade.
He enjoyed fishing, particularly on the Pine River. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Kathleen Koeteeuw; sons, Charles Truby ’75, Cynthia ’83 and Russell Truby ’79 and Scott Truby; four grandchildren, including current student Alexandria Truby.
Jerry J. Warner�’58 of Oxford, Miss., died August 11, 2014. Born in 1935, he earned his professional degree in geological engineering from Mines, where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity and earned letters in football and track.
After graduation, Jerry married Nancy Priedeman and served as a first lieutenant in the Army Corps of Engineers. He then began his career in Illinois with a natural gas production and distribution company. Jerry worked in all phases of the natural gas industry, including exploration, gas processing and distribution.
An avid fisherman, he also enjoyed woodworking, golf and traveling. He spent 40 years in leadership roles with the Presbyterian Church organizations in Illinois and Mississippi. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Nancy; brother, Don Warner ’56, MS ’61; children, Lee Warner, Michael Warner and Janice Warner Brown; and five grandchildren.
ALSO REMEMBERED
R.T. Brown Jr. ‘54.�����������������October 25, 2007
Craig S. Buth ‘80�����������������. December 8, 2012
Lawrence J. Chockie�’49, MS ’50����������.. August 5, 2011
James S. Falconer�’69��������������. February 23, 2008
Rustam H. Irani�’52������������������. August 8, 2010
Brian LaBadie�’66�������������������. March 5, 2005
Sebastian Moll Jr.�’39�������������������unknown
James R. Mount Jr.�’54������������.. September 19, 2009
Minoo P. Netarwala�’42������������������unknown
Timothy M. Ryder�’57���������������.October 24, 2010
Delbert F. Smith�’38��������������� December 18, 2002
Gregory B. Stander�’83�������������� January 25, 2010
Robert B. Steck�’57������������������ August 6, 2013
Ralph C. Stitzer�’51�������������������May 13, 2014
Milton N. Towbin�’32������������������. May 2, 2003
Frank W. Vaughn�’51��������������November 28, 2005
James E. Werner�’36��������������������.unknown
Memorial gifts to the Colorado School of Mines Foundation are a meaningful way to honor the legacy of friends and colleagues while communicating your support to survivors. For more information, contact Melissa Carrera (303.273.3112 or [email protected]) or visit giving.mines.edu/givingguide.