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Gorham -- Frank D. Gorham, Jr., decorated World War II Ski Trooper, noted Petroleum Geologist, rancher, long time civic leader, humanitarian, and philanthropist, died Sunday, September 23, 2001 at the age of 80. Born in St. Louis, MO on June 4, 1921 to Frank D. Gorham, MD and Lillian Hawley Gorham, Mr. Gorham graduated from the University of Missouri in 1943 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Geology. Upon completion of Officer Candidate School and gunnery training at Fort Sill, OK, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Army and dispatched to the 605th Field Pack Artillery unit in the Tenth Mountain Division. After basic training at Camp Hale, CO, he was engaged in the Italian Campaign of World War II as a forward observer with the Field Artillery. First Lieutenant Gorham was promoted to Captain and awarded the Silver Star for bravery after the battle of Riva Ridge. He began his career in Petroleum Geology with the Creole Petroleum Co. in Quiri Quiri, Venezuela. After several years with Creole, he relocated to Denver, CO and was employed by Pure Oil Co. until he was offered a position with PNM's wholly owned subsidiary, Pubco Development Corp. in Albuquerque. As Chief Geologist, Mr. Gorham was charged with discovering natural gas reserves in the San Juan Basin to provide fuel for the utility's gas fired electric utility plants. Under Mr. Gorham's leadership, substantial growth in oil and natural gas production resulted in Pubco spin off from PNM and the creation of Pubco Petroleum Corp. with offices in New Mexico, Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska, Louisiana, North Dakota and Alberta, Canada. Mr. Gorham rose through the administrative ranks to become President and Chief Operating Officer. In 1973 after the sale of Pubco to Mesa Petroleum of Amarillo, Mr. Gorham embarked on a highly successful solo career in oil and natural gas exploration, which he pursued until his recent death. He was an Adjunct Professor of Petroleum Geology at UNM. He was a member of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG), serving as President of the Rocky Mountain Section in 1958 and 1959, and was a founding member of the New Mexico Independent Producers Association. Mr. Gorham served on the boards of several area banks, including the Albuquerque National Bank, the Bank of New Mexico and the First National Bank. In addition to his varied business interests, Mr. Gorham was highly involved with youth development. He served the Boy Scouts of America as President of the Kit Carson Council (now the Great Southwest Council) and received scouting's highest lay honor: the Silver Beaver Award for his leadership and devotion. He was a founding member of the Albuquerque Community Foundation and instrumental in designing its mission. Mr. Gorham was a member of the Albuquerque Academy Board of Trustees during the school's formative years and helped develop its long-range plan that resulted in the school's current expansive campus. Mr. Gorham loved flying and in addition to becoming an active private pilot, he became a highly accomplished glider pilot, achieving the highest national status by earning the coveted Four Diamonds for Altitude, Distance and Designated Distance. One of his fondest accomplishments was flying non-stop from Albuquerque to Garden City, Kansas. This endeavor led the way for his nomination and eventual membership to the Explorer's Club of New York City. Mr. Gorham was a noted philanthropist and contributed significantly to many educational and humanitarian causes. He established the Leon Karelitz Chair for the Study of Oil and Gas Law at the University of New Mexico. He contributed generously to the UNM Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, the University of Missouri Department of Geology, the Boy Scouts of America, the Salvation Army, and the St. Mary's School in Albuquerque. Mr. Gorham is survived by his wife, Marie Kelly Gorham, a native of Santa Fe and a member of a long-time prominent New Mexico family. Mr. Gorham is also survived by his five sons, Frank D. Gorham, III and his wife State Representative Ramsay Gorham, Daniel Kelly Gorham, Timothy Walker Gorham and his wife, Susan, Robert Hawley Gorham and his wife, Barbara, and Dr. Mark Linton Gorham and his wife, Ingrid. He is survived by eight grandchildren, Hunter Gorham, West Point Cadet Walker Devore Gorham, Will Potts-Gorham, David Miller Gorham, Laura Kelly Gorham, Anthony Hawley Gorham, Olivia Marie Gorham, and Anika Elise Gorham. Cremation has taken place and a memorial mass will be held Friday, 10:30 a.m., at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 619 Copper NW, with Father Richard McGowan, S.J., Celebrant officiating. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Salvation Army, 4301 Bryn Mawr NE, 87107 or the charity of your choice. French Mortuary, 1111 University Blvd. NE.
        Published on: Fri September 28, 2001