(SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich.) — The Great Lakes Marine Hall of Fame recognized the significant contributions of a Great Lakes maritime member, Blair McKeil, by presenting the Mariner of the Year award during a ceremony on the museum ship Valley Camp.
McKeil Marine was founded in 1956 by Blair’s father Evans, who saw an opportunity for a Great Lakes marine transportation company while working as a dredge laborer on the St. Lawrence Seaway.
Blair took over in 1992 and transformed the owner-operated tug and barge company into one of Canada’s leading marine service providers, delivering turnkey solutions to support customers in a wide range of transportation and project challenges along the Seaway, East Coast and Canadian Arctic.
McKeil served as the vice chairman of the board of directors for McKeil Marine from 2016 until the sale of the company in late 2023. Today, it employs over 300 people and generates significant economic activity for the area.
McKeil is a staunch supporter of youth development, particularly in his hometown of Hamilton, Ontario. In 2021, he was instrumental in refurbishing and bringing the traditional brigantine training ship Pathfinder to Hamilton as an educational tool for teens. In addition, he facilitated the purchase and transport of Theodore Too, a replica of a famous children’s show tugboat, from Halifax to Hamilton, making stops at several ports along the way. Blair has partnered with a national environmental organization, Swim Drink Fish, to position Theodore Too as a Great Lakes ambassador for clean water.
The Mariner of the Year award is given every other year, alternating between U.S. and Canadian nominees. The complete list of previous awardees can be found here.
– Lake Carriers’ Association
