The Huddersfield-born founder of two mining companies has died at the age of 61.

Brian Gavin was a professional geologist and had 30 years of experience in all phases of mineral exploration.

He lived in the USA and project managed mining explorations in the country as well as in Mexico, Nigeria, Argentina and Romania.

Brian was the co-founder, president and CEO of Franconia Minerals Corporation.

He led the firm from its inception as a private company to a full listing on the Toronto Stock Exchange.

Brian was also the co-founder and vice president of Minera Andes in Argentina from 1994 to 2009.

He was born in Huddersfield and attended Dalton Junior School and then later Huddersfield New College.

Brian attended Kings College in London and gained a BSc honours degree in Geology.

He then went on to gain a master’s degree in geology and geophysics from the University of Missouri in the USA.

Outside his working career, Brian absorbed himself in the outdoor American life style and was an accomplished fly fisher.

In later life his passion was cycling and travelled to Europe and California frequently for cycling trips.

On the local road race and cyclo-cross circuit, he was a member of EMDE sports club in Washington state and won several races for his age category.

The recent grand depart of the Tour De France in Yorkshire enticed Brian to return to his home town in July.

He entered in the Huddersfield Criterium cycle race before joining the crowds at Home Moss on race day.

Brian was also a devout Buddhist practitioner and teacher in the Jhana practice.

This is an ancient type of concentration meditation that predates written history as a method to purify the mind.

Shortly before his death, Brian was awarded full teacher status as a Jhana meditation teacher.

He had scheduled teaching engagements throughout the United States.

He suffered a heart attack on October 26 during a cycling event.

Brian later died peacefully with family and friends at his side on October 29 - just two days after his 61st birthday.

He leaves his brother, two adult children, his three ex-wives, and many friends.

A memorial service was held on November 16, at Spokane Valley in Washington.