(St. John’s, NL – October 19, 2021) Noia members, along with the Board of Directors and staff, and industry participants, today were saddened to learn of the passing of Lee Shinkle, Newfoundland and Labrador offshore oil and gas industry pioneer and champion.
“Words cannot describe the loss felt within Noia and the Newfoundland and Labrador offshore oil and gas industry today with the passing of industry giant Lee Shinkle. Lee was an early member of Noia, an advocate for the industry, and a Newfoundlander and Labradorian who wanted the best for each and every resident of the province. Lee firmly believed that prosperity through the offshore oil and gas industry was the pathway to achieving self-sustainability and he was an advocate for this his entire adult life. On behalf of Noia I offer my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Lee, especially his wife Martha, their children, and grandchildren.”
• James Parmiter, Noia Chair and Vice President, Strategy & Development, Cahill Group
“Where few could even contemplate an offshore oil and gas industry, Lee Shinkle had a vision and set about leading the way. Lee worked tirelessly toward ensuring our first project, Hibernia, came to fruition, and while he may have been in the background, his knowledge, experience, and leadership were at the forefront of ensuring the project moved forward and set the stage for the industry of today. Lee was a man of conviction, his glass was always half full, and he would continue to strive for a positive outcome. A leader behind the scenes who was a brilliant messenger, quietly getting to the end game.
Lee’s legacy will live on for decades and it is our responsibility to carry forth his vision for the Newfoundland and Labrador offshore oil and gas industry.”
• Fraser Edison, President, Rutter Inc.
“Lee Shinkle was an inspiration to so many Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who sought to be successful in a sometimes-difficult business environment. Lee was always ready to face a challenge, point the way to solutions, and offer straight-shooting advice when asked. He was a true leader, a wonderful person, and an advocate for the Newfoundland and Labrador offshore oil and gas industry and the many other industries growing within the province’s ocean economy. Lee’s contribution to the success of so many individuals, companies, and organizations is immeasurable and stands as a testament to the person he was.”
• Gina Pecore, CEO, Genoa Design International Ltd.
“In the early stages of our offshore Lee Shinkle fought hard for the industry, and helped so many of us open doors, gain knowledge, and get a foothold in a new sector. Lee’s enthusiasm to learn, his drive to succeed, and his camaraderie made those early days not only exciting, but fun. Lee’s passion for our province, our offshore, and our people were unrivaled, and his knowledge and warm personality will be truly missed.”
• Rob Strong, Rob Strong Consulting, former Noia Chair
“The influence of Lee Shinkle upon ensuring a role for local companies and individuals in the Newfoundland and Labrador offshore oil and gas industry cannot be understated. From the early days of our local industry, Lee advocated for the involvement of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians and wanted those closest to the resource to receive the majority of the benefits. He worked tirelessly to not only ensure this occurred, but it became an accepted philosophy and approach within the industry. Lee’s legacy as an advocate for local companies and individuals is almost as strong as his legacy as a friend, husband, father, and grandfather, and he will be truly missed.”
• Mark Shrimpton, Principal, Socio-Economic Services, Stantec
“I have had the privilege of getting to know Lee Shinkle during my time as Noia CEO and there has been no other person who has been able to share with me as much about the offshore oil and gas industry, the background of Noia, and the challenges to establish a thriving offshore as Lee. One of my proudest moments since joining Noia was attending the reception where he was presented with the Noia Outstanding Achievement Award in 2019 to recognize his life-long dedication to Noia and the industry, and to see the respect and admiration of Lee extended by his peers. While today we mourn the loss of a pioneer, we are left with countless wonderful memories and a legacy of perseverance that is unmatched.”
• Charlene Johnson, CEO, Noia
Geoffrey Lee Shinkle (Lee) began his career in marine and aviation insurance and joined the oil and gas industry in the 1980s, including helping to create AMI Offshore Inc. where he led company growth to over 300 employees and offices throughout Atlantic Canada, as well as Houston and Brazil. He was instrumental in implementing a new structure and strategic plan for Petroleum Research Atlantic Canada (PRAC) to fund industry research. He continued his career at Jacques Whitford as the Business Development Leader and Sustainability Champion and when acquired by Stantec, Lee led the creation of a strategic growth plan in Newfoundland and Labrador. In 2011, he was appointed Regional Business Development Leader for Atlantic Canada for Stantec and later added Nunavut. Lee served as Noia President in 1991 and as a director with numerous companies and volunteer organizations. He was named one of the Top 50 CEOs in Atlantic Canada and one of the Top 50 Leaders in the Oil & Gas Industry in Newfoundland and Labrador. In 2019, Lee was recognized for his achievements and contributions to the offshore oil and gas industry as the recipient of the Noia Outstanding Contribution Award.
The Newfoundland and Labrador Oil and Gas Industries Association (Noia) was founded in 1977 to represent the supply and service sector of the offshore oil and gas industry. Today, Noia represents approximately 460 member organizations worldwide which are involved in, or benefit from, the oil and gas industry of Newfoundland and Labrador. Noia members are a diverse representation of businesses that range from offshore supply boats and helicopters, health and safety equipment and training, engineering solutions and fabricators to law firms and human resource agencies.
