OBITUARIES — Robert Hallbauer

Robert E. Hallbauer, the former president and chief executive officer of Cominco, died in Vancouver, B.C., on March 10 after a lengthy illness.

Recognized as one of the finest mining men Canada has produced, Mr. Hallbauer was born in Nakusp, B.C., in 1930 and worked for more than 40 years in the industry. He graduated with a B.A.Sc. in mining engineering from the University of British Columbia in 1954.

From 1954 to 1968, he was employed by Placer Development in various engineering and supervisory capacities, including mine manager at Craigmont Mines. He joined Teck in 1968 as vice-president of mining and became senior vice-president the following year. In 1986, he was appointed president of Cominco.

Mr. Hallbauer oversaw the development of seven mines during his years with Teck, and three during his tenure at Cominco. He was a dedicated miner and earned the highest level of respect for his integrity and exceptional abilities.

Among his many honors were the Inco Medal, presented in 1992 by the Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy in recognition of his significant contributions to the mining industry; the Edgar A. Scholz Medal, presented in 1984; and The Northern Miner’s Man of the Year award (co-winner), presented in 1982. He was also a vice-chairman of the Business Council of British Columbia, past president of the province’s Mining Association, and chairman of the Coal Association of Canada.

Mr. Hallbauer’s passing is mourned by his surviving family and by his many friends and associates in the mining industry.