Bob Westphal and Ron Halderman Inducted to the HDD Hall of Fame
Industry partners and friends gathered to celebrate the lives of Ron Halderman and Bob Westphal with the induction of both to the HDD Hall of Fame on July 14 at the UCT Conference.
“We are honored to be able to induct them into the hall of fame and sad that both passed away in 2020 but their legacy will live on and all the many achievements in our hearts and in our minds,” said Grady Bell.
Robert H. Westphal dedicated 55 years to the industry with the majority of his time spent working for Michels. Westphal filled many roles throughout his career including laborer, operator, foreman, superintendent, general superintendent, vice president, senior vice president and, at the time of his death, senior construction advisor. He helped guide Michels’ development and execution of strategic business initiatives domestically and internationally.
Westphal served as an active member of the Pipe Line Contractors Association and served on the Board Of Directors for 13 years.
Ron Halderman spent 36 years designing and building HDD delivery methods. He was involved with many “firsts” in the industry including the first mile-long drill, first drill under an airport runway and first mile-long drill in rock. He served as Director of Special Projects for Mears Group and was a pillar of integrity and accomplishments.
“He was worried that he wouldn’t have a legacy in the industry, but he does,” said Lynn Halderman, Ron’s wife.
Related News
From Archive
- TxDOT advances massive drainage tunnel beneath I-35 in Austin
- Glenfarne Alaska LNG targets late-2026 construction start for 807-mile pipeline project
- U.S. water reuse boom to fuel $47 billion in infrastructure spending through 2035
- $2.3 billion approved to construct 236-mile Texas-to-Gulf gas pipeline
- Major water pipe break in Puerto Rico hits over 165,000 customers
- Pennsylvania American Water launches interactive map to identify, replace lead water service lines
- Trump's tariffs drive $33 million cost increase for Cincinnati sewer project
- Utah city launches historic $70 million tunnel project using box jacking under active rail line
- Tulsa residents warned after sewer lines damaged by boring work
- Fatal trench collapse halts sewer construction in Massachusetts; two workers hospitalized

Comments