History of the Golden West Chapter

In late 1987, Dale Nies and Wes Bender sat on a pair of barstools in Cirino’s in Nevada City and, in a sudden burst of intelligence, discussed the possibility of forming a local chapter of what was then the Society of Explosives Engineers (now the International Society of Explosives Engineers). After mailing invitations to SEE members throughout Northern California and inviting blasters who might be interested, an organizational meeting was held in Sacramento, assisted by old friend and SEE Director Darrell Brown. A chapter name was selected, constitution and by-laws adopted and officers and board members elected for the fledgling chapter.

Founding Members

Some of the earlier records of the Chapter have been misplaced and an attempt is being made to compile a list of the Founding Members. The following list represents known Founders. If you know of someone who might have been in attendance at the organizational meeting and should be included, please contact the Chapter.

Founders:

Dale Nies

Gordon Coleman

Neil Skellenger

Ben DiDuca

Wes Bender

Geof Gordon

Mike Burneson

Eric Bennett

Chapter Presidents:

Wes Bender 1988

Dale Nies 1989

Ben DiDuca 1990

Richard Love 1991

Gordon Coleman 1992

Dale Nies 1993

Mike Burneson 1994

Randy Messer 1995

Bill Warfield 1996

Russ Evanski 1997

Bill Reid 1998

Steve Bare 1999

Al Colflesh 2000

Jim Light 2001

Tim Hurley 2002

Duane Niesen 2003

Tom Shirley 2004

Brian Fortelka 2005

Todd Harris 2006

Bill Warfield 2007

Bill Warfield 2008

Participation

Many Chapter Members have contributed through the years, but by far the longest running and hardest working has been Gordon Coleman. Gordon served as an officer in one capacity or another during sixteen years of the Chapter’s existence. In 2005, Gordon finally turned over the Secretary’s duties to Carey Haughy and is enjoying a hard-earned rest. Thanks, Gordon.

For their contribution of time and effort, Dale Nies, Gordon Coleman and Wes Bender have been awarded Lifetime membership in the Golden West Chapter.

Chapter Newsletter, The Primer

Prior to 1990, communication to the membership was through mailed flyers and memos. In 1990, Dick Love initiated the regular publication of a chapter newsletter and named it The Primer. Dick edited The Primer until early in 1995. John Givogri filled in as editor for a few issues, assisted by Gordon Coleman. In 1996, Randy Messer and Gordon Coleman handled the editorial duties. In 1997, when it appeared that the publication might fold, Wes Bender assumed the role of editor. In addition to the regular articles provided by the Chapter Presidents, various members have contributed articles through the years. Contributors included Lake Herman Mike (live at the rock), Dick Love, Gordon Coleman, Bill Warfield, Bruce Redpath, Linda Nies and Wes Bender. In 2006, The Primer completed its seventeenth year as a printed publication. The Primer has been awarded the ISEE’s Chapter Newsletter Award in 1993, 2002, 2006, 2007 and 2008. Commencing in 2007, The Primer has appeared quarterly in electronic format on this website.

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