JUNE 2005 ISSUE
OBITUARIES
LIFE MEMBER DONALD WYNN AXFORD, P.GEOL.
A pioneering figure in the discovery and development of Canada ’s East Coast energy industry, an APEGGA life member and a Canadian Petroleum Hall of Fame member, Donald Wynn Axford, P.Geol., has died at 84 years of age. Mr. Axford, born in Winnipeg and a graduate of the University of Manitoba in geology and physics, died March 3 after an oil industry career spanning 57 years.
Mr. Axford was known by some as a “wild-eyed explorationist,” “the father of Canada ’s East Coast energy industry,” “the billion-barrel man” or simply “the chief.”
Mr. Axford joined the navy in 1943 and was a radar operator on convoy duty in the North Atlantic , protecting Allied shipping lanes between Canada and Ireland .
His early work experiences included surveying around Lake Superior and canoeing the Mackenzie Delta. After marrying Ruthie Hartig, he and his wife lived in Calgary , Texas and New York during Mr. Axford’s 28 years with Mobil Oil.
In his mid-50s, Mr. Axford joined Petro-Canada for a brief stint, but then started his own company with a son, Jon, and enjoyed another 28 years pursuing his passion for exploration.
He received a Canadian Society of Petroleum Geologists Gold Medal, and in 2001 was inducted into the hall of fame. He was a director of several energy corporations over his career, as well as other organizations, including the Bethany Care Centre and the Lutheran Life Insurance Society of Canada.
Mr. Axford particularly enjoyed the time he spent with his family. He liked playing with his six grandchildren and going on long walks. Shuswap Lake in B.C. was a favourite retreat.
In a nod to his lineage, Mr. Axford loved everything Icelandic. Music was yet another passion, from Wagner and Mozart to ABBA and Johnny Cash.
A Calgary Herald obituary says, “Don was a man of steadfast faith and a strong mentor and role model to many. People will remember his endless energy, enthusiasm, curiosity for everything and everyone, and the twinkle in his eye.
“Even in deteriorating health, Don remained always curious of industry events and dreamed of his next big venture.”
Mr. Axford is survived by his wife, Ruth, and their children and their families, Janet, Jon, Bob and Eric; a brother, Harold, and his wife, as well as a brother-in-law and another sister-in-law; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.