Mike Cowell died Aug. 18 in Limerick, Ireland, surrounded by his family; he was 68. Cowell is survived by his wife, Joan, daughters Linda and Debbie, son Alan, son-in-law Gary, and granddaughters Hayley and Alex.

Cowell spent 40 years working in the mining industry. During that time, he gained a deserved reputation as a man of complete honesty, integrity and diligence in all he did. Mike’s career in the mining and drilling industry started in 1968, when he joined the Shannon Diamond and Carbide Co. in Shannon, Ireland (most people now know this company as Boart Longyear). During his career there, he primarily worked in sales, traveling to the four corners of the world in some of the most remote and desolate places. As Cowell would say, “You’d never know if it would be 50 above or 50 below, but you pack for each.” With his winning ways, he first would gain the trust of his customers, and then work tirelessly to ensure that they were at all times happy with the products and service they were receiving.

Cowell joined Mincon Rockdrills in 1988, where he continued to work until his death. During his time with Mincon, he traveled extensively, mainly in North America, but also in Europe, Australia, Africa and Asia. In a career with Mincon of more than 20 years, the easiest way to describe what he did would be that he did everything. Ask anyone he dealt with, and they will tell you of his great wit and ability to tell a story, and his complete commitment to his customers, his product and to the mining and drilling industry.

Cowell made many friends over the years, and will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.

Slan leat a chara (goodbye, good friend).