Craig Dobbin, founder of CHC

[Heliport]

Craig Dobbin O.C. - founder, controlling shareholder and Executive Chairman of CHC Helicopters - died at his home in Newfoundland today, following a brief illness which he is said to have fought with courage, strength and dignity.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v140/Rotorheads/Gallery/CHC_craig_dobbin.jpg


Dobbin founded Sealand Helicopters with just one helicopter in 1976 and subsequently acquired Toronto Helicopters, Okanagan Helicopters and British International Helicopters. In 1987, he merged all four companies into CHC Helicopter Corporation.

He was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1992.

In 1999, CHC took control of Helikopter Services Group ASA of Norway, making CHC the world's largest provider of helicopter transport with aircraft operating in more than 30 countries.

Dobbin delivered his final speech to shareholders a few weeks ago on the 28 September in Vancouver.
He was 71.



(In a press release yesterday, CHC announced he was taking a leave of absence for unspecified health reasons and that his son Mark Dobbin, Deputy Chairman, would be taking over his duties on an interim basis.)

[Rotorchic]

A very sad day, a pioneer of our time...

[MamaPut]

A sad day for all in CHC. What path will the company follow now? Sons rarely succeed in following in their father's footsteps - look at the Bristow family. Let's hope for the sake of all employees the new Chairman will be a wise and firm leader capable of stepping into the very large shoes which Mister Dobbin filled.

RIP. As with so many pioneers of your generation you will be remembered.

[Cyclic Hotline]

R.I.P Craig.

I have always had tremendous respect for Craig Dobbin. He was a tenacious and innovative businessman, repeatedly putting his entire company on the line in order to gain the next level of expansion and growth. There may have been many that pioneered the business, but the incredible company that Craig grew, is unequalled in the entire helicopter industry. He genuinely deserves respect whether as an employer, competitor, or player in the industry.

Mark Dobbin is more than capable of following in the footsteps of his father, he is an accomplished and talented businessman in his own right.