14 JULY 2023 WorldWide Drilling Resource® In Memoriam Manuel Gomez Rios (1960~2023) Manuel Gomez Rios, 63, ended his earthly journey on April 14, 2023. Born in Santo Tomas, Mexico, he emigrated to the U.S. as a young man. He persevered to learn English and carve a place for himself with determination and a strong work ethic. He initially worked for Landford Drilling, then went to Continental Drilling and Service in Shreveport, Louisiana, in 1984. Manuel excelled at the company over his 39-year career, eventually holding the lead drill operator position for over 26 years. The days sped by with Manuel’s sense of humor and camaraderie; and his knowledge and skill were respected by fellow workers, customers, and engineers alike. He always saw the best in people, trying to find the good in life and see the positive in any situation. His greatest passions were family and work, but he also enjoyed collecting vintage firearms, hot rod cars, travel, and looking for deals - every pawnshop in North Louisiana knew him by name. Spending time on the beach with his wife was a favorite place. He led an amazing life, becoming a father, grandfather, U.S. citizen, farm owner, mastering his craft of drilling, and so much more. Manuel left behind his wife Tammy; sons Derrick (Katie), Damon, Christopher, Derrick (Brittni), Brandon (Nicole); sisters Nina, Martha, Olivia, and Juanita; brother Humberto; grandchildren Taylor, Christian, Jayde, Abigail, Connor, Anora, Bella, Camilla, Jonah, Maddox, Macie, Noah, Beckett, Presley, Harper, Brennan, Braylon, and Aiden; and numerous nieces and nephews. He will be missed by all who knew him. He was preceded in death by his parents Manuel and Elaina Rios, and company owners Oscar and Christine LaBorde whom he thought of as his second parents. Douglas Warne “Doug” Robertson (1936~2023) Douglas Warne “Doug” Robertson, 87, passed away April 14, 2023, in Dallas, Texas, from complications of dementia. Born in Vivian, Louisiana, his family moved to Shreveport where he graduated from high school, lettering in baseball and basketball, and supporting football as a cheerleader. He attended Louisiana Tech University and the University of Oklahoma, studying petroleum engineering. After a stint in the U.S. Air Force, Doug went to work as a petroleum engineer for Standard Oil Company of Texas, then Delta Drilling Company in Mississippi, then back to Texas at Tesoro Petroleum. During this time, he earned his masters degree. In 1983, he formed Robertson Onshore Drilling, starting with one workover rig which grew to 17 rigs with three offices in five states. A former member of Royal Oaks Country Club, Cherokee Club, Kappa Alpha Order, he was also a longtime member of the Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Board. He was a scout leader, T-ball coach, fine furniture builder, guitar player, chalice bearer, lay reader, teaser, jokester, big golfer, devoted father, and faithful husband. Doug is survived by his wife Verna; sons Trent and Drew (Raeann); daughters Keon and Chase (Antoine); and grandchildren Phillip, Sophie, Taylor, Celeste, and Felix. Daniel “Dan” Schmidt (1935~2023) Daniel “Dan” Schmidt, 88, of Waldheim, Saskatchewan, Canada, passed away unexpectedly on April 24, 2023. Born in Shell Lake, he was the second youngest of 11 children. In 1964, Dan married his beautiful bride Hilda. They had five children: Ira (Kari), Iris (Brad), Carla, Helinda, and Patricia; and eventually 12 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. He looked after his family by working on the oil rigs. Later, he worked for multiple drilling companies learning various jobs such as drilling soil samples, putting in piles, and water well drilling. In the early 1980s, Dan went out on his own. Working alongside Hilda, with the help of their son Ira, they drilled water wells in the community and area for many decades. In 2014, at the age of 79, he retired. Dan loved old country western music and excelled at playing the guitar and singing. He was known to have an incredible memory, remembering songs, artists, and lyrics. As an outdoorsman, he liked nature and trees, and found simple beauty in rocks. He also enjoyed watching hockey games and was very passionate about studying his family history. He journaled every day in a notebook - noting the weather and what he did that day. Lest we forget . . . Let us honor your loved one(s) who are no longer with us. This Editorial is prepared and published at NO COST. michele@worldwidedrillingresource.com
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