WorldWide Drilling Rescource

In Memoriam Kenneth Richard “Ken” Gross (1951~2019) The California Groundwater Association sadly reported the loss of member Kenneth Richard “Ken” Gross on June 27, 2019, who passed away after a brief illness. Ken was born in Lodi, California, in 1951. He grad- uated from Galt High School in 1969, then spent six years in the National Guard. He worked for his father drilling water wells until he started his own business in 1972. Ken ran his com- pany, Ken Gross Water Well & Pumps, with his wife Diane until his passing. Through his business, he met many people he was happy to call friends. Ken enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He was captain of his fishing boat in Bodega Bay, enjoying camping, crabbing, and fishing. He was especially looking forward to teaching his grandson how to fish. Hunting and trips to Las Vegas, Reno, and Lake Tahoe were also favorite things to do. Ken is survived by Diane; daughter Tami (Jarrod); grandson Hudson; son-in-law Klayton; his mother and father Bonnie and Otto; brother Keith (Gail); and a large extended family. He was preceded in death by his daughter Kendra and his brother Jeff. A. Richard “Rick” Purchase (1944~2019) A. Richard “Rick” Purchase of Calais, Vermont, passed away August 14, 2019, surrounded by his family at the hospital following a sudden, acute illness. Born in Washington, D.C., in 1944, Rick was the eldest of two sons and grew up in Montpelier, Vermont. A steadfast Vermonter, Rick graduated high school in 1962, then attended the University of Vermont where he earned a bachelor of science degree in political science. Soon after, he married Nancy, and they moved to Calais, to raise their family. They had five children: Kristen (Michael), Kimberly (Robert), Bill, Lt. Col. Kathryn (Lt. Col. Marc), and Neal (Anne); eight grandchildren Kyle (Shannin), Jack, Elle, Annabelle, Samuel, Henry, Theodore, and Elliot. Many will remember Rick as an exceptional home builder, general contractor, and owner of Capital Builders, and later the owner of Johnson Artesian Well Drilling and consultant with Spafford & Sons Water Wells. He was an active volunteer and community leader, and a member of the Vermont Ground Water Association. Rick will be remembered for his honesty, kindness, and love of family. He enjoyed gardening, caring for his well-manicured lawn, and classic cars, particularly Ford Mustangs. Through his years of hard, dedicated work for his employees, customers, as well as active community involvement, Rick leaves behind a large circle of lifelong friends and colleagues. The management and staff of WWDR extend their condolences to Ken’s and Rick’s family, friends, and colleagues. Lest we forget... 26 OCTOBER 2019 WorldWide Drilling Resource ®