WorldWide Drilling Resource

24 MAY 2021 WorldWide Drilling Resource® In Memoriam Paul Dean Kunze (1940~2021) The WWDRTeam was sad to learn lung cancer took the life of Paul Dean Kunze on March 20, 2021. Born in Colfax, Washington, he was adopted by Jane and Paul Kunze. In 1981, Paul and his wife Fran moved to Malta, Montana, where they established their home. Until 1991, he was a blasting supervisor for N.A. Degerstrom, for several gold mines. He purchased the Lane pump business in 1991, and started BDS, Inc., which is still in existence. Prior to moving his family to Montana, Paul’s illustrious career led him to the states of Washington, Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Hawaii. He was a geology major at Washington State University and became a lead explosives foreman for Whitman County in Washington State, by the age of 20. He worked on such notable projects as the Grand Coulee Dam; the Pi’ilani Highway on Maui; Rock Island Dam in Wenatchee, Washington; and locally being a part of the project to excavate “Leonardo,” the first discovered mummified dinosaur in the world. He was a long-time member of ISEE (International Society of Explosive Engineers), served on the Board for nine years, and was president in 1998 and 1999. He was also Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the SEE Education Foundation, for 2000-2001. A founding member of the Rocky Mountain Chapter of ISEE, he has served as President since its inception in 1991. Paul was a contributor in many of the ISEE membership publications, including the ISEE Blasters’ Handbook 18th Edition as an author and reviewer. Leaving a significant footprint in the industry - from a small, rural western town blaster to the world stage - Paul was always humble and caring. He enjoyed competitive trapshooting events and competitions, receiving many awards along the way. He was a devoted rock hound and taught himself how to knap arrowheads. Other hobbies included silversmithing and woodworking. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing, hunting, and photography. Paul is survived by Fran; daughters Gloria, Cherie, Nancy, and Alecia; son Mark; and his brother Jim. William “Biff” Watts With great sadness, Enviro Design Products of Florida shared the passing of company founder William “Biff” Watts on March 10, 2021, at the age of 63. A motorcycle accident in early 2016 resulted in his having traumatic memory loss, and ultimately his decline. Founding the company in his garage after inventing his first product, he was passionate about developing great products, and his deep knowledge of sanitation, water wells, drilling, and other environmental engineering challenges made him an expert worth talking to. One of the few things not impacted by his memory loss was his knowledge of company products, so he enjoyed getting updates on the business and looked forward to answering product questions. William was a rodeo champion and a true cowboy who loved the ocean, diving, and being outdoors. He was also a minister and loving father, brother, and son to a family who will deeply miss him. Robert Henry “Rob” Vix (1977~2021) The Minnesota Water Well Association reported the loss of Robert Henry “Rob” Vix on March 29, 2021. Born in 1977 in New Ulm, Rob graduated from Saint John’s Prep with the class of 1995, then went on to Arizona State University, graduating in 2000. He was employed at Traut Companies. Rob is survived by his wife Tamara; sons Lincoln and William; his parents Rodger and LaVonne; siblings Lynn (Zach), Ralph (Kim), Lisa (John), Mary (Adam), and Rodger II (Krystal); and several nieces and nephews. Lest we forget...

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