Donald Cardinal

Donald F. Cardinal, 83, passed away peacefully in his home in Casper, Wyoming, on June 27, 2016. Don was born October 28, 1932 in Deadwood, South Dakota, the son of Cecil and Margaret Cardinal. He went to high school in Lovell, WY, where he met the woman he instantly knew he would spend his life with, Alma, and married on June 21, 1953 in their hometown. Don was Sergeant First Class in the U.S. Army and served as a tank commander. He graduated from the University of Wyoming with a Bachelor of Science in Geology with Honors, then went on to receive his Master's degree in Geology from UW. Don and Alma had four children-Linda, Carla, Ralph and Caryn, and after a brief time in Oklahoma City, the Cardinal family settled down in Casper, where Don would call home for the rest of his life. Outside of his beautiful wife and loving family, the love of Don's life was geology, not just as his career, but as his hobby, his passion and the source of his greatest accomplishments. Starting with Mobil Oil Corporation as a Junior Geologist in 1958, Don spent time in Dallas, Oklahoma City and Turkey. He worked with numerous oil companies before becoming a consulting geologist in Casper in 1983, developing young exploration geologists and imparting his knowledge of the industry. He pursued his life's passion far beyond his daily work, by affiliating with the American Association of Professional Geologists, American Institute of Professional Geologists, Wyoming Chapter, Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists, State of Wyoming Professional Geologists and serving as President of the Wyoming Geological Association. His geological awards include the Frank A. Morgan Award which he won twice, Distinguished Service Award in 1992, WGA Honorary Member, 2000 Exemplary Member Award and in 2015, Don was recognized for his 50-plus years of service to the profession of petroleum geology by receiving the Robert J. Weimer Lifetime Contribution Award. During the ceremony, Don was honored for discovering or participating in numerous discoveries in Wyoming, South Dakota and Colorado. He also contributed to a number of geological publications, including publishing the nomenclature chart of the state of Wyoming. It is rare to meet someone who still finds joy in their work after 50 years, yet Don kept his office open until the very end of his life, going in to work every day-not because he had to, but because it was what he loved; it was who he was. Don also enjoyed backpacking, fishing, reading and being an active member of Mount Hope Lutheran Church. He engaged his children in meaningful conversation, challenging them to think bigger about the world and be the best version of themselves. He took pleasure in teaching his beloved grandchildren how to play cribbage, and watching those grandchildren have children of their own. He cherished sitting on his back porch and spending time with the friends he loved dearly. He enjoyed dancing with his wife, who after 63 years, he still looked at with such love and admiration. He enjoyed telling stories about his time in the Army and his time overseas. And every Thanksgiving, Christmas and Family Reunion, he gave a toast to tell his family that there was nothing he enjoyed more than seeing them together. He lived life to the fullest and he will be dearly missed by those who had the privilege of sharing it with him. Don is survived by his wife of 63 years, Alma; his daughters, Linda Carter, Carla (Joe) Gennaro, and Caryn Young; his son, Ralph (Kellie) Cardinal; his grandchildren, Jennifer, Meghan, Roxie (Eric), Katie (Matt), Brittany (Cameron), Lauren, Nick, Jon and Sean; his great-grandchildren, Brendan, Aiden, Cashten, Ryleigh, Adeline, Tucker and Isaiah; and his sisters, Irene (Bob) Dehuff and Cleo Stevens; and his special Uncle Floyd, who is like a brother to him. He was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Margaret Cardinal, and many favorite uncles. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, June 30th at 1:00 p.m. at Mount Hope Lutheran Church, 2300 Hickory in Casper, Wyoming and a Committal will follow at Wyoming Veterans Cemetery located at 80 Veterans Road in Evansville, Wyoming. A dessert reception will follow at Mount Hope Lutheran Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Central Wyoming Hospice Center, 319 S Wilson St, Casper, Wyoming 82601 or your favorite charity.

Service

Thursday, June 30, 2016 1:00pm

Mt. Hope Cemetery

Lander, WY