Donald Kennedy Mustard, B.Sc., P.Eng., died peacefully at home late on the evening of Wednesday, February 28, 2024.
Don was born in Portsoy, Scotland, UK, on September 26, 1924, and grew up in depression era Aberdeen, Scotland. With the outbreak of World War II he volunteered for military service, was selected for officer training, and attended Royal Military College Sandhurst. He was assigned for combat in the far east theatre, serving as a tank commander with the Royal Armoured Corps and Royal Deccan Horse in the Burma campaign, 1943-1945, and was wounded near the end of the conflict.
After demobilization in 1947 he returned to Aberdeen and resumed his schooling, graduating from University of Aberdeen with a Bachelor of Science in Geology. He was hired straight out of university by Anglo American Corporation and sent to southern Africa where he worked as a mine geologist and an exploration geologist. After he and a colleague were instrumental in discovery of the Bushveld Vanadium complex, he was promoted to assistant resident geologist in East Africa. In that capacity he visited numerous prospects throughout the region and it was during one such visit he met the Bicchieri family and the love of his life, Iolanda (Mimi) Bicchieri. He and Iolanda were married in 1958.
In 1965 Don and Iolanda moved their family to Canada, settling in West Vancouver, BC. Don continued his successful exploration career as a senior geologist with Amax Exploration (1965-1968), regional manager with Cerro Mining Company of Canada Ltd. (1968-1971), and General Manager Exploration with BP Minerals Ltd., the minerals division of BP Canada (1972-1986).
Don never stopped exploring. After retiring from BP, he served as board member and executive for several mineral exploration companies, notably Asamera Minerals Inc., GGL Diamonds Ltd., and Lysander Minerals Corp. With Lysander, he assembled and explored the Lorraine-Jajay block of mineral claims, a potential mine complex in north-central BC now operated by Northwest Copper Corp. He remained active in mineral exploration well into his 90’s, most recently joining with a group of fellow mining “wise men” to assemble the Pinchi Project, several prospective deposits north and west of Lorraine.
Don was active in his community, industry, and science, serving on innumerable volunteer boards and committees. For nearly 50 years he was an executive, President (3 years, 1979-1981), and Past- President of the BC and Yukon Chamber of Mines, now the Association for Mineral Exploration. He served 6 years as an executive member of the Canadian Geoscience Council, now the Canadian Federation of Earth Sciences, including two as President (1990-1991), and was a founding member and long-time supporter of the ongoing initiative to create the Canada Prize for Earth and Environmental Science, envisioned as an international-class award to recognize and encourage scientific advancements in earth and environmental science.
He received the AME Gold Pan Award for exceptional service (1995) and the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada Distinguished Service Award (2008). He was a Life Member of AME, PDAC, and Engineers and Geoscientists BC.
Don was predeceased by his wife Iolanda Mustard. He is survived by his children Andrew, Elena (Kevin Matte), Donald (Mary), and Michael (Nicola); grandchildren Jennifer, Katherine, Isabel (Matthew Badin), Timothy (Dyan), Thomas, James, and William; great grandchildren John, William, and Oliver; extended family in Scotland, Australia, and USA; and many friends and colleagues. Don valued family, community, and relationships with friends and colleagues. He always considered the bigger picture and looked to the greater benefit of all. He would enthral listeners with stories about his many adventures and experiences, and brightened any room with his presence. He will be missed.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 AM, Friday, March 8, 2024, at Christ the Redeemer Church, 599 Keith Road, West Vancouver, BC, followed by a reception in the church hall (Mallon Room). Family and friends are welcome. In lieu of flowers, donation may be made in Don’s memory to the charity of your choice.