This autobiography includes early life in South and Central America, followed by four years at an English boarding school, evacuation to Canada in World War II to Upper Canada College and graduation as a mining geologist from the University if Toronto in 1950. A 50-year career in mine production and mineral exploration included adventuresome experiences in early stages of helicopter-based reconnaissance exploration and production projects in all provinces in Canada, except P.E.I., in addition to examinations of projects in the U.S., Mexico, Central America, and South Africa. Successes included participation in many Canadian mineral discoveries including notably Galore Creek in B.C. in 1959-1965, currently expected to be a major copper-gold-silver producer by 2010. In addition, an exploration project following exposure to major African mineral deposits led to an inital exploration program in 1970 in northern Labrador as a potential source of major nickel-copper deposits, which in 1994 resulted in the discovery of the major Voisey's Bay nickel-copper deposit.
Early helicopter-based fatalities in 1980 led directly to his recommendation for the formation of a Safety Committee by the B.C. and Yukon Chamber of Mines which he chaired until 2002 and which has contributed to a significant reduction in accidents and fatalities in western Canada by the exploration sector.
Notable travel experiences are described from selected visits, partly with his wife Irene, to over 60 countries, including South Africa, China, Nepal and South America, in addition to industry-related survival adventures and searches. Always highly interested in athletics, a late interest in duathlons and triathlons after the age 60 led to over 70 competitive participations, including eight world championships as a member of Canadian age group teams, with second and third place finishes, respectively, in 2003 in Queenstown, New Zealand and 2004 in Madeira, Portugal.
Finally, great satisfaction has been obtained from participation in over 100 blood donations through the Canadian Red Cross.
Author: David A. Barr
