WorldWide Drilling Resource

In Memoriam Shawn Kelly Huber (1982~2018) On December 7, 2018, Shawn Kelly Huber lost his life as a result of injuries sustained in an accident while working at a North Slope, Alaska, oil field. Born in Vernal, Utah, Shawn was raised on the family farm in Lapoint, learning the value of hard work. He moved to Anchorage, Alaska, with family and attended East High School, where he met and married his sweetheart. In 2002, they moved back to Utah, then moved again to Alaska in 2011. Shawn worked over ten years in the oil field on a drill rig, and was an inspiration and mentor to all who knew him. His hard work and dedication to his family and colleagues never went unnoticed. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, and four wheeling, but his greatest passion was watching his children play hockey. Shawn is survived by his wife Stephanie; children Shawnie, Trenton, and Aubrey; and other family members. Dean Henry Bechtold (1931~2018) Dean Henry Bechtold of La Junta, Colorado, passed away on October 20, 2018. Born in 1931, Dean served in the Army, fight- ing in the Korean War. He went on to start a water well drilling business in southeast Colorado. He had many interests, includ- ing woodworking, fishing, and hunting in his younger days. Dean is survived by his daughters Rose Marie and Renee (Michael), their families, plus numerous extended family and friends. The management and staff of WWDR extend their sincere condolences to Shawn and Dean’s family, friends, and colleagues. Lest we forget... The Un-Comfort Zone II by Robert Evans Wilson, Jr. Never Fear “Hold My Beer” When I was seven years old, I went into the woods behind my house, built a fire, then fried an egg over it in an old pie tin. When the egg was done, I ate it. I didn’t even like eggs, but because I had cooked it on my own, it was delicious. I was so proud of my achievement I ran inside and told my father. The look on Dad’s face was horror, and I immediately expected to be severely scolded, but he didn’t. He followed me into the woods and saw I had properly put the fire out. I still recall his look of relief. He then praised me some more, and finished by saying, “That looks like it was a lot of fun; but next time you want to do this, please include me.” I got the message loud and clear. He was concerned about me “playing with fire,” and wanted to chap- erone me if I did it again. The point of this story is, he didn’t yell at me. He didn’t tell me how hazardous it was, how I could’ve set the woods on fire, or burned myself. In short, he didn’t plant the seeds of fear which could’ve made me risk-averse in the future. It’s not just overprotective parents who admonish us. There are plenty of other people sowing those seeds. We are inun- dated daily with warnings not to experiment, investigate, or stretch too far. There are dozens of old proverbs designed to moti- vate caution, like: j curiosity killed the cat j better safe than sorry j when in doubt, do nothing j be careful what you wish for j don't sail out farther than you can row back j buyer beware j and my all-time favorite from comedian Steven Wright: “Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines.” Even the phrase “Hold My Beer” is used to disparage risk-taking, or make fun of those who do. Risk-taking is important in many ways, from creating successful businesses, to developing and growing emotionally. Fear of risk is frequently fear of change, and can lead to controlling behavior. People and institutions can get set 29 WorldWide Drilling Resource ® FEBRUARY 2019 Wilson cont’d on page 38.