Obituary

CIPP, tunneling pioneer Robert “Bob” Affholder passes

A pioneer in trenchless rehabilitation and boring/tunneling, Robert "Bob" Affholder passed away Friday, July 26.

Pipeline industry veteran Mark Roberts passes away at 75

Louisiana Pipeliners Association founder Mark Roberts was active in the pipeline industry for 25 years with near perfect attendance. Under his leadership, the Association raised and awarded over $2 million in scholarships to hundreds of students since its founding.

Frank Canon, renowned figure in HDD industry, dies at 77

Frank Lynn Canon, 77, a pioneer in the horizontal directional drilling (HDD) industry, died on Jan. 5 in Magnolia, Texas. Born in Alpena, Mich., Canon’s journey from a lime-green polyester suit on his first day as an oilfield mud engineer to becoming a legendary educator in drilling fluids has left an indelible mark on the HDD community.

James Q. Crowe, fiber optic, telecommunications pioneer dies at 74

Crowe Company announced that James Q. Crowe, a technology and telecommunications visionary who spearheaded the fiber optic telecommunications revolution, died July 2nd in Paradise Valley, Arizona, after a battle with pulmonary arterial hypertension.

NASSCO, Rehab Icon Irv Gemora Dies at 86

Underground infrastructure industry icon Irvin “Irv” Gemora, 86, of Towson, Md., passed away on Dec. 4, 2022.

Vermeer Chair Emeritus, former CEO Bob Vermeer dies at 78

(UC) — Bob Vermeer, former Vermeer CEO and current chair emeritus, has died at the age of 78 after battling cancer, Vermeer Corporation said in a statement.

Tulsa Rig Iron VP, co-owner Troy Young dies in boating accident

It is with a very heavy heart that we inform you that Tulsa Rig Iron Vice President and co-owner Troy Young passed away in a tragic boating accident over the Memorial Day weekend.

Tim Killoren, former PCCA chairman, dies at 69

Timothy Donald Killoren, former PCCA Chairman and longtime board member, passed away on June 6 at the age of 69. He served as president of Poygan Land Company and president of the Power and Communication Contractors Association from 2015-2016.

Industry icon Frank Forest passes away at 80

Sharewell Founder Frank (Buddy) Calvin Forest, 80, passed away peacefully with his wife, Dawn, at his side on May 12, 2022. He was born on Dec. 28, 1941, in Liberty, Texas, and was the youngest son of Calvin Bert and Tina Forest.

Passing of Dr. Reynold King Watkins

Dr.Reynold King Watkins died at age 101 on Aug. 30 and a service to celebrate his life will be held on Sept. 4 in Utah.

Respected HDD Industry Pioneer Dies at 72

Respected HDD industry pioneer with more than 35 years of experience, Ron Halderman has died at 72.

Industry Icon Bob Westphal Passes Away

Robert Westphal, a 55-year veteran of the construction industry, has passed away due to complications from the coronavirus.