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.

Robert Bartley Hopler Jr., of North Richland Hills, Texas, passed peacefully surrounded by the love of his family on Tuesday, February 20, 2024.

Bob was born on March 3, 1932, and grew up in Madison, New Jersey. After high school he attended college on an ROTC scholarship at the Missouri School of Mines, in Rolla, his keen interest in math and science having led him to the study of engineering. There he met Helen (Gaddy), the love of his life. Over the years they made their home in a number of states and traveled widely. They were married 66 years, until Helen passed in 2021.

Between earning BS and MS degrees in Mining Engineering, he proudly served in the U.S. Army Chemical Corps. Bob enjoyed his days as an instructor in the handling of military explosives, toxic gases, and flame throwing. Upon leaving active duty, he served as a Company Commander in the Army Reserves, leaving with the rank of Captain.

He had 35 years of experience in explosives industry, including 24 years in R&D, technical service, and project and product management with Hercules Incorporated prior to the acquisition of Hercules’ Explosives Division by Dyno in 1985. In the 1960’s he was instrumental in the introduction of bulk slurry to mines in Minnesota, Michigan, Wyoming, California, and Panama. He was project manager for the R&D and introduction of the Hercudet nonelectric detonator system in the U.S., Canada, and Japan from 1974 to 1984.With Dyno he had product management responsibilities prior to his assignment as Manager of Corporate Technical Service.

Prior to Hercules, his work experience included summer work as a miner in an underground zinc mine in New Jersey, and work as a miner at a gold dredge in Alaska. After obtaining his bachelor’s degree, he worked as a mining engineer and shift supervisor with the St. Joe Lead Company in underground lead mines in Missouri.

He is a Legion of Honor (50 year) member of SME of AIME; is an Emeritus member of the Society of the Sigma Xi; he belonged to IABTI and was a member and Board Secretary for ISEE. He has served as chairman of the Technical Committee of IME; was a member and subcommittee chairman of the National Academy of Sciences committee on tagging explosives; and served on a Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory committee on “Reducing the Ambiguity and Visibility of Signals from Mining Activities,” in support of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. Mr. Hopler testified on the properties of ANFO to the McVeigh grand jury in the Oklahoma City bombing case. He served on the NFPA Technical Committee on Explosives. He served on the Safety & Health Committee of the National Coal Association/National Mining Association, and participated in meetings of the UTRC (Underground Technology Research Council). He was Executive Director of DEDA (the Dyno Explosives Distributor’s Association) from 2001 to 2010.

In addition to authoring some 90 technical papers or presentations on explosives, he contributed “Explosives 100 Years Ago” in the Journal of Explosives Engineering since the magazine’s initial issue in May 1983.A compilation of the articles was published by ISEE in 2001 as “Explosives 100 Years Ago, More or Less - The Book.” He was technical editor of the 17th Edition of the ISEE Blasters’ Handbook. He contributed the initial chapter entitled “The History, Development, and Characteristics of Explosives and Propellants” in both the first and second editions of the book “Forensic Investigation of Explosions.” He was the compiler and editor of histories of the IME. In 1999 he appeared on television in the History Channel presentation entitled “Dynamite.”

He has taught classes and made presentations on explosives at the FBI Academy, the FAA Technical Center, and various ATF and IABTI meetings.

He held 6 US patents and 19 associated foreign patents on various aspects of explosives and mining technology.

Bob retired in 1996 from his position as Manager of Corporate Technical Service for Dyno Nobel Inc. in Salt Lake City, Utah. After retirement he started the companies The Old Powderman – Books and Powderman Consulting, Inc.

Lifelong hobbies included woodworking, photography, astronomy, book and stamp collecting. He also had a DIY mentality that knew no bounds- no home or car repair was beyond him. He used an electronics kit to build a color tv, then built it into the family room wall, a marvel in the early 1970s. He took photographs of the 1970 solar eclipse, using a telescope he built himself.

Bob is survived by daughter, Jennifer Ann Haas of Farmington, Minnesota; daughter, Karen Elizabeth Boyer and husband Ken of North Richland Hills, TX; grandchildren, Alex Haas, Madison Haas, Samantha (Boyer) Alderson and husband Kit and great-grandson Emmett; step-grandson Dylan Boyer and wife Tracy.

He is preceded in death by his wife Helen; his parents Robert B. Hopler Sr. and Margaret Hopler; his sister Marilyn Brown and husband Frank, nephew Cliff; and step-grandson Matthew Boyer.

His memorial service will be held at 11:30am on Saturday, March 23 at Center Point Church, North Richland Hills, Texas.