George Hill, a former Estevan lawyer and, briefly, a Queen’s Bench judge, had a significant impact on the community in ways both big and small. The former CEO and president of SaskPower and the Souris Basin Development Authority passed away on Feb. 22 in Aldergrove, B.C., at the age of 82.
Originally from Star City, Hill was a lawyer in Estevan from 1958 to 1984. He married Eileen Clarke in 1957, and together they had three children, Nadine Elson, Sandra Graham and David Hill. His daughter, Nadine Elson, said, “We would have cream or eggs delivered when a farmer had problems with legal bills.”
In one situation he lent a friend enough money to make payroll, keeping that friend’s business afloat until they could afford to repay him.
In the 1970s, Hill and several other investors pooled their money and resurrected Estevan mobile home builder Homco, transforming it into Shelter Industries, which is now known as SRI Homes.
“Dad ended up owning a local business because he co-signed a loan for a childhood friend,” Elson said. He invested in numerous businesses and often loaned people money when they needed it.
Hill’s legal practice spanned the southeast corner of the province. He was an active member of the Estevan community through his involvement in many things including St. Giles Anglican Church, Order of the Eastern Star, and the Shrine club. He was an honourary life member of the Masonic Lodge. He was involved in a number of business enterprises in Estevan and area and was a key supporter of the new hospital.
Estevan lawyer Barry Bridges was a partner in Hill’s law firm. He described Hill as “larger than life.”
“He was very well liked in the community, a good lawyer and was very active in politics,” Bridges said.
“He was a hard worker. He had a lot of very loyal clients.”
Politics was an important aspect of Hill’s life, and he was elected president of the Progressive Conservative Party of Saskatchewan in 1977. He also held the post of chancellor of the Anglican Diocese of Qu’Appelle, was a board member of the Law Society of Saskatchewan (1978- 1985) and was chairman of the board of SaskPower (1982-1985).
In 1985, Hill was named a Justice of the Court of Queen’s Bench. However, he did not remain in that position long, resigning when realizing the job wasn’t what he had envisioned. Bridges noted it was very uncommon for a judge to resign.
Shortly thereafter Hill became president of the Souris Basin Development Authority and under his direction, the Rafferty and Alameda Dams near Estevan were constructed. These dams were considered very controversial at the time.
George Hood worked as a vice president of the Authority under Hill. He wrote a book about the dam projects and their role in the establishment of Canadian environmental policy through the courts. The book was called Against the Flow. Hood noted they went through 21 lawsuits and three environmental assessments to build those dams.
Hood said Hill had land in the valley, and was familiar with its flooding issues. Despite this, the NDP opposition at the time claimed that Rafferty would never fill.
“It wasn’t an easy process,” Hood said. “We became quite close. He taught me a ton of stuff. He was very smart. I’m saddened by his death.”
Hood said Hill was “an extremely skilled executive, but also a Star City farm boy.”
Bridges was on the SaskPower board when Hill was headhunted as the head of the corporation. In 1987, Hill became the president and CEO of SaskPower during which time the Shand Power Station was constructed. It was a position he held concurrently with his position on the Souris Basin Development Authority. The plant’s construction was during a tumultuous time in labour relations, and labour strife was common. A prominent conservative, Hill’s time with SaskPower and the authority ended with the change of government in 1991 when the New Democratic Party took power.
Hill took a position with SRI Homes in Kelowna, B.C. When retired, Eileen and George enjoyed travelling and entertaining, hosting many events and dinners. Kelowna was home until Eileen passed away in 2012. He moved to Aldergrove in 2013.
