Congratulations to the 2011 recipient of GPAC's Outstanding Achievement Award, Russ Kear of Chevron Canada.

In the course of his substantial career, Russ has demonstrated exceptional leadership in the areas of vision, best practices, leadership excellence and attitude. Russ was a strong supporter of CGPA in the past, and continues to have his heart in the current organization.

During his three decades of experience in the gas processing industry, Russ has positively affected the careers of dozens of engineers and managed one of the best Facility Engineering Groups in Western Canada.

Russ is described as a "modest, humble man who never sought attention... his authority and rank has been developed on his natural leadership skills and technical competencies, best validated by speaking to the number of current industry leaders that he mentored. He strives to live the principles of engineering - integrity, professionalism, morality. Do the right thing at the right time. He is admired and respected by all who have worked for and with him."

Mr. Coady was born and raised in Cardston, Alberta and attended the Colorado School of Mines, earning a Professional degree in Chemical Engineering, with a Petroleum Refining Option. Mr. Coady started his engineering career in Calgary, Alberta as a process engineer with Shell Canada specializing in natural gas processing plant design. Employment then followed with Petrofina Canada also in Calgary where Mr. Coady undertook assignments in Project Management and became a Plant Manager at a major Gas Processing Plant. Having this type of experience allowed Mr. Coady to found Delta Projects in 1966. At the time of its founding, Delta was the first Calgary headquartered company to provide engineering, procurement and construction services to the hydrocarbon processing industry in Western Canada.

Through Mr. Coady's leadership as President of Delta, the company's controlling ownership was secured by employees and the company thrived by developing its engineering and project management expertise. In a series of acquisitions from 1986 to 1989 Delta Projects expanded into contract maintenance, tool rentals and direct hire construction as well as construction management. The company's name was changed to Delta Catalytic Corporation. Mr. Coady was Chairman & CEO of this company for ten years and the company grew in revenues to over $700 million annually with operations throughout Canada, US, UK, and the Middle East.

In 1995 the company was acquired by McDermott International Inc. and Mr. Coady retired in 1997 having participated directly in the development of the Canadian natural gas processing and petrochemical industries during his 43 years in engineering and construction.

Mr. Coady is a Professional Engineer and was recognized by APEGGA in 1988 with the Centennial Award, the Association's highest honor. He was also honored by the Colorado School of Mines in 1993 with their Distinguished Achievement Medal.

Mr. Kowalchuk was involved in starting the GPAC organization in 1959 and is currently sitting on our GPAC board representing GPAC Alumni members. He was born and raised on a farm about 10 miles northwest and across the Athabasca River from the town of Athabasca. Art worked on the family farm until 1946 and graduated from the University of Alberta in 1950 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mining Engineering.

Art joined Canadian Gulf Oil in 1950 in Stettler, Alberta transferring to Calgary, Edmonton and back to the Stettler/Nevis complex over the succeeding 10 years. At Gulf or British America or Gulf Canada, Art’s responsibilities included design, construction, start-up and operations of sweet and sour gas processing plants at: Pincher Creek, Waterton, Nevis, Stettler, Fenn Big Valley, Rimbey, Westrose, Morrin, Ghost Pine, Braeburn, Berland River and Strachen

Art joined the Canadian Gas Processor supplier association in 1959-60 as Treasurer serving for a number of years and then took over as Secretary for many years. He also presented papers on gas processing at various technical sessions.

Art retired from Gulf Canada Resources in 1986 after 37 years of service and his wife passed away in 1999 after 50 years of marriage.

Art is also a life member of APEGGA, AACEI, NACE, GPAC and Turner Valley Oilfield Technical Society.