WorldWide Drilling Resource

12 MARCH 2021 WorldWide Drilling Resource® In Memoriam Thomas Alan Thorson (1938~2020) Thomas Alan Thorson, 82, of Casper, Wyoming, passed away December 16, 2020, after facing cancer the last few years. He was president of Black Hills Bentonite LLC, which he led for six decades. It was a family business his father Harry cofounded in 1947. Directed by Harry to study geology at the University of Wyoming, Tom embraced it wholeheartedly. He graduated in 1960, married his first wife Pat, and moved to Moorcroft to officially start his career in the bentonite industry. During this time, he also served in the Wyoming Army National Guard. In 1964, Tom, Pat, and daughter Cynthia moved to Casper as the company grew and shifted to higher capacity operations. The family was graced with two more children, Vicky and Peter. Over the years, Tom tenaciously navigated advancements in the business as market demand evolved. He had a knack for hiring talented people and giving them as much responsibility as possible. In 1991, Tom and Pat parted ways, and he married Kathleen. They travelled the world and worked on many charitable endeavors. A heartfelt project for them both was I-Reach 2, which provides support for adults with developmental disabilities and brain injuries. Tom even funded a new building named for Kathleen’s brother Ralph, who has Down Syndrome. Tom led an extraordinary life. Above all, he was generous, adventuresome, good-natured, and sincerely compassionate to family, friends, and noble causes. He would be the first to tell you how lucky he was during his lifetime and was very willing to share his good fortune with others. Brian Kassel, Jr. Foothills Drilling Equipment, Inc. is mourning the loss of Brian Kassel, Jr. on January 14, 2021, after a brief illness and hospitalization. He was founder and president of the company in Columbus, North Carolina, which was started with the vision of being a highly customer-focused and vital resource in the construction drilling market. His team will profoundly miss his leadership, vision, and friendship. Donald “Don” Brown The Minnesota Water Well Association reported long-time well drilling icon, Donald “Don” Brown, left this life on January 2, 2021. Born in Franklin, Minnesota, Don left the farm at a young age to do well work. Drilling around granite geology, he learned to dowse for water. He was involved in the water well industry from the early 1950s until the late 1990s, employed at several companies, before he opened D & J Brown Pump Repair Company in Sleepy Eye. If anyone needed information on old wells in the area, Don was their go-to man. He could remember details about every well he ever drilled or worked on. After he retired, he would reminisce about well drilling history and old well drilling equipment. Don is survived by his wife Judy, and children Jared and Darcy. The management and staff of WorldWide Drilling Resource® extend their sympathies to the family, friends, and former colleagues of these industry gentlemen. Lest we forget . . . Irrigation by: Rain Bird Academy Training April 5-9 ~ Little Rock, AR April 5-9 ~ Pensacola, FL April 12-16 ~ San Diego, CA April 12-16 ~ Clearwater, FL April 19-23 ~ Hudson, WI April 20-22 ~ Chicago, IL phone: 800-498-1942 www.rainbirdservices.com Education Connection Drilling Fundamentals by: Hydraulic Training Associates Hydraulic Schematic Troubleshooting Training March 29-31 ~ ONLINE via Zoom phone: 866-432-9771 www.htahydraulics.com Groundwater / Water Well by: Texas Ground Water Association Continuing Education Classes April 9 ~ Plainview, TX April 10 ~ Round Rock, TX April 17 ~ Houston, TX phone: 512-472-7437 www.tgwa.org More education opportunities during events can be found by clicking here online at: worldwidedrillingresource.com

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