Revised on January 10^th, 2026

Eulogies to Deceased Denver Mining Club Members

The following are Eulogies to honor deceased members of the Denver Mining Club. Additional entries, changes and/or deletions will be made upon request. Updates will be made as additional information is acquired. This summary is presented in honor of distinguished members of the Denver Mining Club as a public service to the mining community and is not an endorsement.

Writing a few words about your thoughts and memories of a departed friend is never simple; nor can you find all the words you need to express your true emotions. Can you think clearly about thirty years of friendship and recall the "politically–correct" things to say about a person's life? As with any true friend, you suggest, you praise, you even criticize, and argue, but there exists a bond of understanding and support.

Yes, he knew he irritated a few when he would elaborate or discuss any subject, but he honestly was well–versed on many subjects, as well as excelling in the technical. A genius of sorts, but then a "gentle giant" with a big heart to those who knew him.

He appreciated debate; he wanted people to listen, and he called several people several times a day. My number on his automatic dialer was #9. I can still hear his answering machine message.

I have to say: "Thanks, Howard!" for pushing me into computers by selling me your old one! But now, how am I going to ask you how to operate the darn thing? Many of us can say "Thank you!" for so many nice things you've done.

Howard C. Bachman was born in Denver on November 16^th, 1934, attended South High School, and then New Mexico State University at Las Cruces.

Howard's Achievements were many and varied, including:
• An expert pilot, who owned his own plane
• Active in the Civil Air Patrol
• A competent Kayaker
• A "Caver" honored by the NSS Caving Society of Spelunkers
• Honored for a mine rescue, etc., and
• Active in the Lakewood Police Auxilliary

Howard's Memberships displayed his diverse interests & expertise:
• Stereo and Photography Group
• Microscope Club
• The "Old Goats"
• The "Masons"
• The "Shriners", and
• The Model T Club (He drove his Model T in parades.)

Howard's real fascination and love was minerals and crystals. He was a member of the:
• Colorado Mineral Society
• Colorado Springs Mineral Club
• Denver Mining Club
• Dinosaur Ridge
• Flatirons Mineral Club
• Friends of Mineralogy
• Littleton Mineral Club
• Rams, and
• Western Interior Paleontological Society.

Howard was an expert electronics and instrument repair technician at Rocky Flats, from which he retired. He was especially proud of his membership in the really elite Society of Criticality Engineers, composed of those professionals whose job was to prevent uncontrolled nuclear reactions from occurring.

He had many memorable days with Bill Chirnside working the claim in Utah, digging anywhere for minerals and crystals, but especially in his beloved Leadville area. Our trips together to Tucson were very eventful!!

SO many stories to tell about his life, his expertise at oil painting and repairing anything anyone would bring to him. Yes, he had any tool you needed in his garage! His things in the garage, etc., were not "junk": they all had a purpose and meaning.

In his leisure moments, Howard would listen to quality music and spend many a drop–in hour at Red and Green Minerals talking with Denzil.

If I could, I would have his Scottish Heritage Bagpipers embrace him with the sounds of "Amazing Grace" and carry his amazing soul to the heavens.

Donald F. Kidd, formerly of Anchorage, was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma October 23, 1933 to Chester and Katherine Kidd. He was the youngest of three children, preceded in death by his brother Harold and both parents. He passed from this life on September 21, 2004.

Don's work as a geophysicist took the family all around the country. In addition to Alaska, the family called communities in Colorado, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, California, Mississippi and Louisiana home at one time or another. Don also traveled working throughout the world. Among others, he worked in Tanzania, South Africa, Egypt, Madagascar, Syria and China. His travels abroad left him with many new friends and appreciation of other cultures. He was working on developing marketable strategies for the use of zeolites in gas transportation, and environmental remedies in agricultural uses. His family notes that "Dad was not afraid to take risks. He lived life to the fullest. He is much loved and will be greatly missed."

Don was diagnosed with "Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis" in 1998, falling ill with the disease in July 2004. He had been extremely blessed with good health up until that time. He spent the early part of July in Alaska in a family effort to build his youngest daughter a cabin.

In addition to many in–laws, nieces, nephews and their families throughout the country, Don is survived by sister Barbara Sharp, sister–in–law Dorothy Kidd, both of Tulsa, Oklahoma as well as his wife of near 50 years, Laura Blanche, and their 7 children and families, Karen Owens, Montana, Cheryl Bird, Texas, Michelle Church, Diane Bixby and Kirsten Kidd, all of Alaska, Donald Kidd II, Colorado, David Kidd, Florida and 14 grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held in his home town of Centennial, Colorado on September 24, 2004.  The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 1440 West Washington Blvd., Chicago, Illinois, 60607.