CALGARY, Jan. 21, 2016
/CNW/ - It is with great sadness that AKITA Drilling Ltd. announces
the passing on January 21, 2016 of
its Founder, Ronald D. Southern. As
the Founder of the company and its controlling shareholder, Mr.
Southern was closely identified with AKITA by industry
participants, the investment community and the company's
shareholders. Mr. Southern was 85 years old. He
is survived by his wife Margaret
Southern and his daughters Nancy
Southern and Linda
Southern-Heathcott.
Mr. Southern controlled AKITA through his ownership of
substantially all of the voting shares in Sentgraf Enterprises
Ltd., a private company owned by the Southern family. Sentgraf owns
substantially all of the Class B Voting Shares of AKITA. AKITA
has been advised that under Mr. Southern's will, control of
Sentgraf will remain with the Southern family. Linda Southern-Heathcott will continue as
AKITA's Chair, a position she has held since 2006.
As Founder, Mr. Southern played a pivotal role in every major
development in the evolution of the Company. He was
instrumental in leading AKITA's predecessor company from its
origins in the 1970s, through its spin-off from ATCO Group and
through the formation of AKITA as a public company in 1993 to the
present day. Under Mr. Southern's guidance the Company
expanded its presence into the Arctic, developed strong joint
venture relationships with First Nations, Inuit and Metis groups
across western and northern Canada, and was at the forefront of pad rig
development and expansion in western Canada. Each of these
achievements was executed with a long term focus and with fiscal
prudence. Mr. Southern's wisdom, passion, resolve and vision
will be greatly missed by AKITA; the lessons he instilled and his
lifelong commitment to excellence will continue to guide the
Company.
EXCELLENCE
"Going far beyond the call of duty.
Doing more than others expect.
This is what excellence is all about.
It comes from striving for and maintaining the
highest standards,
looking after the smallest detail and going the extra mile.
Excellence means caring.
It means making a special effort to do more."
- R.D.
Southern
SOURCE AKITA Drilling Ltd.