Teck builder Norman Keevil dies at age 78

Best known for building Teck Corp. into one of Canada’s leading mining companies, Keevil died at his Vancouver home from complications arising from cancer. He was 78 years old.

As an eminent mine finder, pioneer, scientist and business leader, Keevil’s claim to Canadian mining immortality is assured.

Throughout his long and illustrious career he has received numerous awards and citations and published 45 scientific papers in fields ranging from physics, chemistry, geology and geophysics. He was admitted to the Order of Canada in 1986 and will be inducted to the Canadian Mining Hall of Fame in early 1990.

Born on a Saskatchewan farm in 1910, Keevil obtained a Master’s degree in chemistry in 1932 before earning his doctorate at Harvard University in 1937. After several years of post-graduate research work, he returned to Canada to teach geophysics at the University of Toronto.

It was in the emerging field of geophysics that he first came to international prominence in both academic and industry circles. He was the first to apply the aeromagnetic techniques developed for submarine detection during the war years to mineral exploration. This has subsequently developed into one of the most widespread and basic tools in exploration and mapping, not only in Canada but around the world.

Following his retirement from teaching in 1946, Keevil went on to become one of the first and foremost consultants in mining geophysics. His geophysical engineering and survey company is credited with developing the DIGHEM airborne electromagnetic survey system, one of the most significant in use today.

In 1954 his life took another course when he discovered a high grade copper deposit in northern Ontario. The resulting Temagami mine formed the cornerstone of the Teck Corp.

Under his vigorous and entrepreneurial style of leadership, the Teck group of companies developed a number of significant mines in Canada that enabled Teck to emerge as one of the country’s leading mining companies. During this time, Keevil was also involved in a number of technology development ventures.

Always physically active, he captained the Teck hockey team which annually challenges the Prospectors and Developers Association team at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto. In defiance of his illness, he scored his last goal at this year’s hockey game in March.

As a strong proponent of the mining industry and the free enterprise system, Keevil was a respected spokesman on issues of interest to all Canadians. His brilliance, vitality, enthusiasm and firm faith in opportunity will be sorely missed.

Although respected for his impressive chronicle of achievements, he will also be remembered with affection for the keen interest he took in the careers and lives of friends, associates and employees.

Keevil is survived by his 10 children and their mothers, Verna and Lorna, and by 17 grandchildren and five great grandchildren. His eldest son, Norman B. Keevil Jr., is president and chief executive officer of Teck Corp.

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