WorldWide Drilling Resource®

14 APRIL 2020 WorldWide Drilling Resource ® In Memoriam Charles Edward “Chuck” Blackwell (1932~2020) Charles Edward “Chuck” Blackwell passed away on January 26, 2020. Born in Boyd, Texas, he began his career in the explosives industry at a young age delivering product for a distributor in Texas. He married Edna in 1950, and was working for Atlas Powder Explosives at the time. He worked in Virginia, then moved to the export division, Atlas International, in Port Bienville, Mississippi, where he headed sales and logistics for export into various regions. Chuck travelled to over 60 countries during the course of his career, and was instrumental in the development of explosive initiation systems in South America, the Caribbean, and Central America. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Lubbock, Texas, and the International Society of Explosives Engineers. He enjoyed trout fishing and made a second career of building specialty fishing boats. Chuck is survived by Edna; sons Patrick (Cathy), Tommy (Leisa), Charles (Margie), and Larry; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Calvin Thomas “Cal” Piearcy (1930~2020) The California Groundwater Association sadly reported the passing of Calvin Thomas “Cal” Piearcy on January 31, 2020. Born in Clarita, Oklahoma, he arrived in California at the age of 17 with $17 in his pocket. Cal worked at various agricultural jobs and called out square dances in the early days. He married Evelyn in 1951, starting their journey that lasted nearly 68 years. In 1958, Cal started working in the pump department at Farmers Mercantile Co., in Salinas. He enjoyed the work and mastered the skills necessary to be seen as one of the best in his field. Encouraged by friends and customers, he established Industrial Pump Shop in 1977, with a couple partners. Ownership changed over the years, until it was Cal, his son Kevin, and grandson John who ran the operation. He was also a cattleman and vineyard owner, member of the First Baptist Church in Greenfield, and Salinas Elks Lodge #614. Cal was preceded in death by Evelyn. He is survived by his daughter Karen (Ray); son Kevin (Renee); grandchildren Jennifer, Amanda, Justin, Christopher, Cassie, Amber, and John; great-grandchildren Dylan and Josie; great-great grandchild Adrian, along with other extended family. Robert “Bob” Coak (1946~2020) With great sorrow, Control Chemical (1989) Corporation shared the passing of founder Robert “Bob” Coak on February 7, 2020. Bob’s life began in Kenora, Ontario, Canada. After high school, he enrolled in the public health inspector program at Ryerson University in Toronto. He competed in many sports, including rowing, rugby, curling, and baseball. After graduation in 1967, he started working for Public Health. He married Laura in 1970. Following relocation throughout Ontario, they briefly lived in British Columbia, finally settling in Calgary, in 1983. Leaving his career with Public Health, Bob structured and restructured various businesses over the years, then Control Chemical was born. His commitment to the success of this business took him to many countries around the world, forging new business relationships, friends, and the respect of the mining and drilling community with Matex products. In his personal life, Bob enjoyed golf with Laura, even attending The Master’s Golf Tournament in Augusta, Georgia. He also had fond memories of poker tournaments, football tailgate parties, and trips with Laura around the world. Bob is survived by Laura, daughter Tara (Ron); grandchildren Taylor and Ryan “Captain”; and many friends. Leon Everett Futch (1940~2020) Leon Everett Futch, 79, of Auburndale, Florida, passed away February 15, 2020. A native of Lakeland, he was owner of Futch Well & Pump for 56 years. He was dedicated to his business of water well drilling and service for commercial, residential, and agricultural purposes. Leon is survived by his wife of 22 years, Rosemary, and a loving family. Peter J. “Pete” Leser (1962~2020) Peter J. “Pete” Leser, 57, of Kingston, New York, passed away suddenly on February 20, 2020. He graduated Saugerties High School, then served in the U.S. Army in Grenada. A site manager at Austin Powder Co. in Catskill, he was employed there for over 20 years. Pete was a member of the International Society of Explosives Engineers, Saugerties American Legion Post #72, Saugerties Elks Lodge, the Rip Van Winkle Rod and Gun Club, and loved family gatherings. Pete is survived by his wife Patty; daughter Lacey; son Peter; mother Patricia; brother Edward; sister Kate; and several in-laws, nieces, and nephews. The management and staff of WWDR extend their condolences to these industry gentlemen’s family and friends. Lest we forget...