With the passing of Elwyn, the industry lost one of its premier explorationists who was still active in exploration at the age of 75.  Geologist Frank Greenbaum indicated that Elwyn was very excited about some exploration that the company was conducting in Barton and Pawnee counties just prior to his death.  Elwyn was born in 1928 on his family's farm near Harmony, Minnesota.  Elwyn had two siblings: Marjorie, who now lives near Austin, Minnesota and Gerald, who is retired and lives in Oregon. Elwyn attended a one-room country grade school and in 1945 graduated from Harmony High School. 

     Although his early years were spent in proximity to a number of interesting caves: Niagara, Mystery, etc., he had not yet developed an interest in geology during this time.  After spending one year at Winona State, Elwyn joined the Navy.  His Navy career included training at an electronics school at the Treasure Island Naval Station off the coast of San Francisco and later six months of duty on the destroyer, USS Miles C. Fox.  After his discharge from the Navy in April of 1947, Elwyn returned to academic studies at Colorado College.  He received his BA in Psychology in 1950 and an MA in Psychology in 1951.  This was followed by a Research Assistantship in  Experimental Psychology at the University of Wisconsin. 

     In 1954, Elwyn married Jacqueline Holl of Wichita at a small chapel at Colorado College.  Elwyn moved to Wichita following his marriage where he joined his father-in-law, the late F.G. Holl, in his oil and gas business.  During this time, Elwyn was exposed to geology and developed an interest in the profession.  He and Jacqueline started a family; daughters Elise and Margery were born.  During that time he also went to school part-time at Wichita University and graduated with a degree in Geology in 1958.  For the next two years he was involved in exploration for F. G. Holl.  In the fall of 1960, Elwyn moved to New Concord, Ohio where he taught at Muskingum College and the University of Ohio, Zanesville.  In 1962 he enrolled at the University of Wisconsin, where he obtained his PhD in Counselor Education in 1964.  Elwyn then joined the faculty at the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks where he conducted educational research and also taught psychology.  Moving to the University of Iowa in 1967, Elwyn spent the next seven years as an Associate Professor in Rehabilitation Counseling. Elwyn rejoined F.G. Holl in 1974, where he was involved in not only geology but also leasing and other forms of land work. He enjoyed going out to the field and negotiating leases with landowners, usually wearing old clothes and driving an old car, to eschew any hint of affluence. 

     The early 80's were busy years for drilling; in 1981 the company had 4 rigs going at times which resulted in 83 wells.  After the death of Mr. Holl in 1985, Elwyn formed F. G. Holl Company with his wife, Jacqueline and daughter, Margery.  Many people that know Elwyn remember him as being humble and unassuming, soft spoken, reserved and quick-witted, with an off-beat sense of humor.  One employee recalls the process of applying for a job with Elwyn many years ago.  Elwyn gave him a blank sheet of red construction paper and told him that was the job application and to fill it out.  He said he filled it out as neatly as he could, which resulted in a job offer from Elwyn several months later. 

     He is remembered by current and former employees as being a grateful man to work for.  One of the key phrases many remember him for is, "Thank you for all your good work."  This multi-faceted individual professionally took an interest in all phases of the industry, thus was a member of the Kansas Geological Society ( KGS), Wichita Association of Petroleum Landmen (WAPL), Petroleum Accountants Society of Kansas (PASOK ) and served on the board of KIOGA.  He was very active in his church, Grace Presbyterian, serving in several capacities, including that of deacon and Sunday school teacher.  Elwyn continued to cultivate his mind throughout the course of his life and had a myriad of outside interests, including health and fitness, history, art, classical music and opera.  He was interested in political and social justice issues and wildlife preservation.  Several years ago he had a dream one night that he owned a buffalo ranch.  Following his dream, he took up bison ranching on a lease in the sand hills of Rice County, which became his passion and avocation.  If you have enjoyed a buffalo burger at the Petroleum Club lately, chances are it came from Elwyn's herd. 

     Elwyn was obviously a geologist who thoroughly enjoyed his profession although he had followed a different path than most.  He will be missed by those in the industry and in the profession.  Elwyn's daughter, Margery Nagel, worked with her father managing the company for the past 17 years. With the help of key family members and valued employees, she plans to continue the operations of  F.G. Holl Company with the "same business integrity that I learned from my father and grandfather."

     A memorial has been established with the Kansas Geological Foundation, 212 N. Market, Suite 100, Wichita, KS 67202.