In Memory of… Donald A. Hall

Donald Allen Hall, 92, of Allentown, PA, died October 7th, 2024 at Luther Crest Retirement Community. He was the loving husband of Suellen (Durkin) for 26 years and was preceded in death by his wife of 43 years Patricia R. Hall (Trinka). He was born in Rhinelander, WI on May 1,1932. He was the son of Laughlin D. Hall and Lucille Hall (Carlson).

Don attended Eagle River High School and was a skilled athlete who earned nine varsity letters in basketball, baseball and football. He was inducted into the Eagle River Athletic Hall of Fame in 2009. Don graduated from Michigan Technological University in 1954 with a bachelor’s degree in mining engineering.

He then enlisted in the Marine Corps and started active duty at Quantico, VA, finishing in 1957 at Camp Pendleton, CA as a first lieutenant. He loved listening and singing (“ooh-rah!”) the Marine Corps Hymn even on his last day.

Don transitioned to the mining industry in 1958 and moved with his family to the Lehigh Valley where he began a 20-year career in the explosives industry. He purchased SHS of Allentown which he sold in 1998 and retired. Don was a prominent figure at ISEE conferences and local chapter events.  Don was one of the major promoters and primary founders of the Eastern Pa Chapter ISEE. He was active in his community, both at the Church of the Mediator and as a Rotarian.

In addition to his wife Suellen, Don is survived by his brother Frank Hall; his daughters Wendy Smith, Kim Hopper (Jerry), and Ardyth Hall; his stepsons and stepdaughters James Durkin (Barbara), Colleen Lynch (Earl), Kevin Durkin (Tracy), Kathryn Schutzler (Peter), Sean Durkin (Erin); his 17 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

Services: Memorial, 1 p.m. Saturday, October 12, 2024, in Crest Hall at Luther Crest, 800 Hausman Road, Allentown PA. Arrangements by Bachman, Kulik & Reinsmith Funeral Home, Allentown.

Contributions: The family requests contributions be made to the Church of the Mediator, 1620 W Turner St., Allentown, PA 18102. https://episcopalmediator.org

Edward J. Walter Jr., age 77, son of Dr. Edward J. Walter Sr. and Constance Walter (Elms), passed away peacefully at UH Ahuja Medical Center on July 14th. He is survived by his children, Edward (Diane), Meitra Fakult (Chris), and Michael; and grandchildren, Magda Walter, Henry Walter, Christopher Fakult, Gregory Fakult, Lillian Fakult, and Bennett Fakult. Edward is the loving brother of Constance Hassett (James Richardson), Barbara Black (John O'Connell), Mary Hollows (deceased), Frank (Robin), James (Dolores) Kevin (deceased), Thom (Sheila), and John (Gail-Marie).

Edward's life was characterized by commitment to his family, community, and professional pursuits. He graduated from St. Ignatius High School and John Carroll University. From 1965 to 1967, he served his country with honor in the United States Marine Corps. Edward was deeply involved in his community. He served as a councilman in Reminderville and was an active member of the Aurora Lake Association. Edward had an enduring commitment to his sobriety, marking 45 years of dedicated membership in Alcoholics Anonymous. He was a devoted lifetime sponsor and example within the AA community.

Professionally, Edward led businesses in seismology, acoustics, real estate, and explosives engineering. He contributed significantly to projects such as the World Trade Center and NEORSD tunnel project. He prided himself on his experience and expertise as a blaster. Edward's vision contributed to the founding of the International Society of Explosives Engineers (ISEE).

Edward had a zest for life, embracing drag racing, scuba diving, international travel, and occasionally skydiving. He will be remembered for his commitment to the success and sobriety of those who called him friend, father, and family. His legacy is apparent in his dedication to improving the lives of those he loved and his willingness to extend a hand to anyone in need.

There will be a viewing at Murphy Funeral Home, 95 S. Franklin Street in Chagrin Falls from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday July 18th and a Mass at St. Anselm Church, 12969 Chillicothe Road in Chesterland on Friday July 19th at noon. (Please meet at the church.) Interment All Souls Cemetery. A private reception / bereavement lunch will follow the burial.

In Memory of… Algernon (Pops) Hackett (1952-2024)

On June 6, 2024, Barbados and the global explosives and quarrying community mourned the loss of Algernon Hackett, a visionary leader whose life was defined by his exceptional contributions to both industry and international collaboration. Born in 1952 in Barbados, Pops’ journey from a young enthusiast to a revered figure in the explosive and quarrying sector reflects his unwavering dedication, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to excellence. Retired quarry foreman of Arawak Cement Company; Associate of the Barbados Regiment, C.O.Williams Construction, Rayside Construction, Caribbean Consultants Ltd, and NSG Group.

Pops’ impact extended far beyond Barbados. His tenure on the Board of Directors of the International Society of Explosive Engineers (ISEE) underscored his global influence and commitment to advancing industry standards worldwide. As a board member, he brought a unique perspective shaped by Caribbean challenges and opportunities, advocating for sustainable practices and safety protocols that resonated across continents.

Beyond his professional achievements, Pops was a steadfast advocate for education and professional development. He championed initiatives aimed at cultivating local talent within the explosive and quarrying industry, ensuring a legacy of skilled professionals equipped to navigate future challenges. His mentorship and support extended to aspiring engineers and technicians, whom he encouraged to pursue excellence and innovation in their careers.

Pops was deeply committed to his community, engaging in charitable initiatives, community development projects, and cultural endeavors. He notably supported the Barbados Youth Business Trust (BYBT), empowering young entrepreneurs with resources and guidance to establish sustainable businesses, thereby preserving cultural heritage and fostering societal enrichment.

Throughout his life, Pops exemplified the values of integrity, innovation, and compassion. His legacy is not merely measured in professional achievements but in the lives he touched and the communities he uplifted. His vision for a sustainable future guided by excellence and ethical stewardship continues to inspire those who follow in his footsteps.

Pops’ passing leaves a void in the hearts of his family, colleagues, and friends worldwide. Yet, his spirit lives on through the lasting impact of his work and the principles he upheld with unwavering dedication. May his legacy inspire future generations to strive for excellence and global solidarity in pursuit of a sustainable and prosperous world.

Rest peacefully, Pops, knowing that your contributions have left an indelible mark on the explosives and quarrying industry and the communities you so passionately served.

Kevin Robert Morgan, 64, of Spearfish, died Friday, April 26, 2024 in Gettysburg, SD after a battle with brain cancer.

Kevin was born April 3, 1960 in Rapid City to Robert and Leola Morgan. Kevin graduated from Stevens High School in 1978. In 1983, he married Angela Fenhaus. They had two daughters, Amie and Katherine. Kevin worked as a logger before becoming a driller and blaster for Summit Industries, Yenter Construction and later Buckley Powder. He was a member of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, the NRA and numerous other organizations. As an avid outdoorsman, Kevin enjoyed hunting, fishing, hiking, and camping. On weekends, he could often be found playing a round of golf before tending to his garden. Kevin had a gift of gab and a knack for story-telling. He never missed an opportunity to share his knowledge of family history, tracing family lineage back generations, and remembering names and dates that most could not. Above all else, he was a loving father and proud Papa.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughters Amie (Casey) Lehman of Gettysburg SD, Katherine (Bill) Peterson of Spearfish SD, grandchildren Gabriel, Grace, Liam, Corbin, and Bode, sister Sharon Simon of Mobridge SD, brother Steve (Pat) of Rapid City SD, and many nieces and nephews.

Kevin is preceded in death by his parents Robert (2000) and Leola (2009).

January 25, 1952 - February 8, 2024

John Tennent Melick, beloved husband, brother, father, and grandfather, passed away on February 8, 2024, after a five year battle with cancer. Born January 25, 1952 in Plainfield, NJ, his family moved to Pennsylvania, where he graduated from Nazareth High School in 1970. John went on to Penn State University where he met his future wife of 48 years, Pamela Leitzel, and the two were married on May 24, 1975. John graduated from Penn State with a degree in Mining Engineering and went on to enjoy a successful career as a licensed professional engineer in the mining industry with Island Creek Coal, Coplay Cement Company, Brooks Equipment Company, and lastly Maurer & Scott, Inc., of Coopersburg, PA, where he worked from 1990 until his retirement in 2021.

John was a longtime member of the Society of Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration (SME) and the International Society of Explosives Engineers and held blaster’s licenses in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, and Maryland. With Maurer & Scott, his roles included Senior Technical Representative, General Manager, and Vice President of Operations. During his career in the explosives industry, he established lifelong relationships with countless coworkers and customers, many of whom he considered to be his closest friends.

Upon retirement, John and Pam moved to Oro Valley, Arizona, where John continued to enjoy his pastimes and visits from the many good friends he made during his time in Pennsylvania.

In addition to his wife Pam, John is survived by his son Philip and daughter-in-law Kelly, of Oro Valley, AZ, son William and daughter-in-law Cathleen, of Rochester, NY, grandsons Shane, Cole, and Bennett, brothers James of Collegeville, PA, Andrew of Sao Miguel, Azores, sister Sara, of Missouri City, TX, and numerous nieces and nephews. John was predeceased by his parents, William Dixon Melick and Elizabeth Hogeman Melick.