MARINE WAVE


Alan Hutton, a long-time colleague of George’s through his career, has expressed many fond memories of working with George but like many, he truly respected him for the quality of his work. “George was a perfectionist. He looked for and embraced new technology and new ideas, but was always able to add the wisdom of experience. He was always questioning, and seeking to improve the designs and ships he was involved with. I think people starting out in the industry could learn a lot from this approach.”


As the tugs continued to be built and became the new standard for harbour tugs used around Eastern Canada, George began assisting Atlantic Towing with their endeavour of becoming a major player Atlantic Canada’s offshore oil & gas industry with the construction of Offshore Supply vessels. George was a lead consultant stayed involved with new construction development with the Offshore Supply vessels including the Atlantic Kingfisher


, Atlantic Osprey , and then


in 2011 with the Atlantic Condor and finally with the Damen designed new builds to be commissioned in 2017 for the Hebron platform.


Don Shepherd, Atlantic Towing’s Director of Technology and Advancement, met George in the late ‘90s when George was with Kent Line and the pair have worked on projects together ever since.


“George had a very clear idea of what Kent Line needed and was great at explaining why certain features were necessary,” recalls Don.


Don and George began working more closely together when Don joined Atlantic Towing in 2006. The pair collaborated on new ship construction, technical projects and helping the various marine companies with any technical questions.


“You always had the chance to learn something new when you worked with George,” recalls Don.


“George had a unique range of experience throughout his career,” he adds. “While he stuck to his guns on important issues, he was always willing to listen to the ideas of others and adapt if a better idea came along. He had a great capacity for detail, but was also capable of seeing the big picture.”


“Anyone beginning their career in this industry could learn a lot from George’s legacy,” he adds. He has a relentless drive to learn, not just the ‘what’, but also the ‘why’. He was always firm in his high standards of quality and integrity - his long and satisfying career stems from his flexibility and openness to new things.”


George has always been physically active and loves cross-country skiing. A keen sailor, George built his first boat in his teens.


An avid photographer and reader, George can develop black and white photographs and loves to acquire new knowledge in many different areas.


“He is a huge source of pride to our family,” says Rachel Hill, George’s daughter.


“His professional life with the Irving group has given him the opportunity to travel internationally and to develop and apply his expertise. In doing so, he has been able to cultivate relationships and friendships worldwide that he maintains to this day.”


“I don’t think Dad has ever thought of his employment as work as he has always enjoyed what he does,” adds Alison Hill, George’s other daughter.


“We were all a bit surprised when dad announced he was going to retire at 80,” says Rachel. “He’s so fit that we forgot how old he is!” laughs Rachel.


“I think Mom felt the same way,” adds Alison. “We just all thought Dad would work forever.”


His retirement plans include spending time with Joyce and enjoying their many pursuits: traveling, gardening, and spending time with family, including their four grandchildren, who range in age from 12-24. The couple just returned from England, where they were visiting family and staying at their favorite hotel in Tynemouth.


While his family and colleagues are quick to offer their respect and best wishes to George, the space he has left at Atlantic Towing is felt by countless colleagues. His efforts and contributions are not lost on the company, or by those he mentored throughout his successful career.


A SNAPSHOT OF GEORGE’S CAREER


• 1973 moved to Canada – Production Manager Saint John Shipbuilding & Drydock Co.


• 1979 General Manager Saint John Marine Consultants


• 1981 Vice President and General Manager Kent Line and Kent Line International and Vice President of Atlantic Towing Ltd.


• 1991 Vice President Operations re- coordinating Irving commercial ship building programme (i.e. Offshore, Container Ships, Z Drive Tugs etc.)


• 2005 formed Hill Marine Consulting Services Inc. and worked as a consultant until March, 2016


George and his wife, Joyce, have been happily married for 54 years.


George is pictured here with his daughter, Alison, in Wylam, a small village outside Newcastle, England. The Hills lived in Wylam prior to moving to Canada.


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