28 MARCH 2024 WorldWide Drilling Resource® In Memoriam Frank Lynn Canon (2024) Frank Lynn Canon of Magnolia, Texas, passed away on January 5, 2024. Born in Alpena, Michigan, he was raised in Pearland, Texas. After graduating high school in 1965, he attended Sam Houston State University where he earned a degree in theater arts and met his lovely Mary Ann. In 1975, Frank began work for Baroid as an oilfield mud engineer. He showed up for his first day of work in a lime-green polyester suit, which he soon traded for his trademark red jumpsuit. The family relocated to the Rocky Mountains, where they lived in New Mexico, Wyoming, then Colorado. When he began with Baroid, Frank had no idea he was to become a pioneer in the emerging horizontal directional drilling (HDD) industry. In 1991, he returned to his roots in Houston, working in the newly established Baroid Industrial Drilling Products division. By the following year, his role became entirely devoted to trenchless technology execution and education. In a career spanning over 40 years, Frank became a legend in the HDD industry. In addition to practical expertise put to use in the field, he was an outstanding educator and mentor. He travelled extensively, training thousands of people a year in the best practices with drilling fluids working on sites and teaching mud schools on every continent except Antarctica. His teaching style has been described as homespun, humorous, folksy, and memorable. He was deeply humbled by every professional accolade he received. He was named the Texas Water Well Association’s Man of the Year in the early 90s, and in 1999, named the Trenchless Technology Person of the Year. In 2010, he received the North East Trenchless Association’s Founder Award, then inducted into the North American Society for Trenchless Technology (NASTT) Hall of Fame in 2012. He served on the Board of Directors for NASTT and was a reviewer and author of American Society of Civil Engineers publications. Frank’s most recent award was his induction into the HDD Hall of Fame in 2022. Although he retired in 2015, Frank continued in his roles as consultant and mentor. Above all, Frank was a loving husband, father, and uncle. He prioritized family always and enjoyed even more time with them in retirement. He treasured the company of all of his family members, encouraged them in their pursuits and adventures, and reveled in his own ability to beat them in games. Frank is survived by Mary Ann; sons Barrett (Thera) and Jared; nieces Anne (Don) and Rosie (Ron); great-nephews Henry and Avery; and great-nieces Audrey and Norah; two special schnauzers Seamus and Clancy; and many beloved friends. Tommy Eugene Braziel (1945~2023) Ode to a special friend to many . . . To hear of our loss of Tommy, was like a knife in our hearts, losing such a friend and valuable person who always had such a smile and kind word, and yes, that special hug like a family member would give you. Tommy Eugene Braziel, 78, passed away December 25, 2023, in La Luz, New Mexico. For 50 years, he and his wife ran their pump and water well drilling company, Braziel Well Drilling, which later became Statewide Drilling. He enjoyed spending time in the mountains at the family cabin and running any equipment he could get his hands on. During the 12 years of being partners in the Circle Cross Ranch, his grandkids would laugh about the “Papa’s Roads” on the ranch that he cut down the side of mountains. He always loved spending time with his grandkids and great-grandkids. Left to cherish Tommy’s memory are his wife of 50 years, Jean; son John (Karen); daughters Jeanie (Richard) and Tommie Sue (Doug); grandchildren JT (Shelby), Jennifer (Cory), Tate (Rebecca), Layne (Taylor), Felicity (Jacob), Tyler (Esther), Adam (Elaine), and Christopher (Tylynn); 11 great-grandchildren; and a host of family and friends. Tommy will be greatly missed by the WWDR Team and so many WorldWide. Our prayers go out to all of his family and all those who had the pleasure of meeting him. Lest we forget . . . Please take a moment and enjoy these wonderful memories from WWDR during Mountain States events.
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