ODDS ‘N’ SODS — Sticks and stones

I have read of the passing of Dr. Harry Warren, my professor of mineralogy and mentor in both geochemistry and grass hockey.

Dr. Warren was the equal of Jack Magel, the pilot who logged many trips flying equipment deep into the interior of northern British Columbia, as both were proud and exceptional Canadians.

Dr. Warren’s specialty at the University of British Columbia was mineralogy, and in both lecture room and lab, he was a dedicated, informative and detailed teacher. He knew well the trials and tribulations that his students would face, and every energy was used to focus our minds on the distinctions and uniqueness of the mineral world.

“Never confuse graphite with molybdenum,” he admonished. “I will try to trick you in the lab and on the exam.” He was so detailed and thorough as he presented the character of each mineral in hardness, color, streak, cleavage, specific gravity and crystal structure that few, if any, of his students failed to exhibit an interest. The world of minerals became new to us.

One fine spring day, Dr. Warren arrived in class wearing a black gown and a merry smile, and advised us that, “Today we will spend some time on field work — on the grass-hockey pitch.” True to his word, he led us to the wonderful grass-covered field adjacent to the mineralogy lab building and, issuing sticks to us all, proceeded to lecture and demonstrate the techniques of grass hockey. Needless to say, we became devotees of both mineralogy and grass hockey.

In later years, I remained a devoted student and follower of Dr. Warren as he acted as consultant on a geochemical sampling program on our silver project in the Yukon. He was busily researching and establishing the new science of soil sampling as a means of identifying the presence of heavy metals. He directed us with the same patience, curiosity and inspiration.

Never once did he falter in his view and vision of his goals.

We were privileged in having the attentions of Warren and Magel, pioneers both, as well as their love of this vast and varied country. Further, we were inspired and guided expertly down that pathway where patience, pride and tolerance blend in harmony and satisfaction for the novice. Dr. Warren leveled the playing field for his students so that the mix of enterprise, dedication and firm resolution opened the frontiers of both our country and our faith.

— The preceding is the second of two columns in which the author recounts his experiences with colleagues who have recently died. He is a retired mining engineer residing in Vancouver, B.C.