The employees, board members and family shareholders of Scotia Investments and its member companies pay tribute to George Bishop, grandson of our founder R.A. Jodrey, whose lifelong commitment to community, innovation, and stewardship continues to inspire our work.

We’ve heard from many who knew and worked with George. Their desire to honour him and reflect on his impact inspires us to share, with their permission:

“From the early days, as I was settling into my legal career, George treated me with a kindness and warmth that I have never forgotten. Over the more than 20 years I have had the privilege of working with members of his family and the leadership of Scotia Investments, I have come to appreciate that those qualities were not simply George’s — they became part of the culture he helped create. His generosity, kindness and genuine respect for others permeate both the family and the business and are an enduring part of his remarkable legacy.”

Lydia S. Bugden, K.C.
Board Chair, Scotia Investments Limited

“I reported directly to George for 25 years. In that time the Canada-US Free Trade Agreement came into being, the recession in the early 90s, GST was introduced, high interest rates, Canadian dollar weaknesses, the introduction of the PC and the Internet and the Global Financial Crisis, to name a few. We bought and sold companies, expanded markets and introduced new technologies. In all those years I would have only received direct written memos from George, all of which I could easily count on both hands. His touch was personal. He was a gentle, soft-spoken and caring human being. We enjoyed driving together not only because we could talk uninterrupted, but we were both unrepentant speeders and collected our fair share of tickets. George would tell me stories of playing around CKF and Minas Basin as a young boy, including pointing out the bullet holes in some of the vents on the roof of CKF.

I recall we sold a division of Cobi Foods to a Quebec company. All processing staff jobs were to remain, but management jobs would be no more. Our CEO was in Ontario. George looked at the list and any persons on that list that were to lose their positions that he went to school with and knew he personally met with them. He was CEO of the holding company. He didn’t have to but that is George.

Tracy (my wife) and I had four children in the years I worked for George. One time, a child decided to arrive in the middle of the night. We had no family in Nova Scotia. I called Barb Moores, our corporate secretary, who was also a close friend, to come look after the other kids while we awaited the arrival of our latest. George called the next day and asked for Barb and was informed that she was taking care of my kids. His response was “That is an excellent use of corporate resources.”

My final anecdote is the closure of the Minas Basin Pulp and Power Company mill in 2012. That remains the worst day of my corporate life. I vividly remember to this day going into the fire hall where everyone was gathered. Minas had run for almost 85 years. It was the “heritage” asset that R.A. Jodrey had left after being wiped out in the “crash” and was a basis for which he built a second fortune. Closing it was a very difficult but necessary decision. It deeply affected George. So much so that he could not read the prepared statement that day. People think that executives coldly make decisions. This company was part of the family DNA. It affected people’s livelihood and in a small town that was losing a major employer. We had husbands and wives working in the same company. We moved people to CKF and other parts of Scotia, we bridged people to get their pensions and ran the mill to as close to the December holidays as practicable.

Working for a family business is different from all others. In this case, George was a shareholder, a board member, CEO, and a family member, all at the same time. That makes for an interesting cross-section and a blurring of lines of authority, accountability, communication, etc. But he was also my boss. I knew I was an employee, but it never felt like that. Those issues of blurred lines were never a problem because I knew George’s moral compass was true. There was never any doubt as to what to do — it was always about doing what was best for the community, the employees and the people we did business with, and in doing so, that would take care of the company.”

Robert Patzelt, LL.M, K.C., ICD.D
Former Chief Legal Counsel

“I have known George for almost 34 years, dating back to when I first joined Crown Fibre Tube as a co-op student in 1992. At that time, George was CEO of several companies within the Scotia Group of Companies. From the very beginning, he led with honesty, integrity, understanding, and trust. These qualities earned my respect, as well as the respect of the many people who had the privilege of working with him.

George believed in his people. That belief gave us the confidence, energy, and passion to keep pushing boundaries and striving to do better. He was a very soft-spoken man, but when he spoke, his words carried tremendous weight. He had a way of saying something simple that would stay with you long after the conversation ended.

George always made time for people. He would stop to talk, ask how you were doing, and genuinely want to know how things were going. During my time at Minas Basin Pulp and Power, he made a point of checking in with employees and getting to know the people around him. His conversations could cover anything from the community and local issues to what was happening in the world.

His commitment to his community was just as strong. George was always willing to help and support those around him in whatever way he could. He was known for his kindness and generosity, and he never seemed to expect anything in return.

George gave me my first opportunity at Crown Fibre Tube and later asked me to join the Minas Basin Pulp and Power team as a process engineer during the expansion of the paper mill. He was a tremendous supporter of the mill and remained committed to it right to the very end.

Looking back, I realize just how significant George’s influence was on my life and career. The opportunities he gave me opened doors that shaped my professional journey and introduced me to so many wonderful people and experiences. I will always be grateful for the trust he placed in me, the opportunities he provided, and the example he set through his leadership.”

Terry Gerhardt
President, Crown Fibre Tube

“George was a terrific mentor to me and a brilliant business mind. However, he was always a friend, supporting in a humble and positive manner.

George was always there to listen and assist in making tough decisions in a way that was fair and respectful to all.

When George first approached me regarding the opportunity at Scotia Recycling, we both knew there was potential for exponential growth for the company. He was there every step of the way. Encouraging the team to push for the next milestone and supporting us financially and emotionally around the Boardroom table with every step we took.

George enjoyed visiting new locations as we expanded the Scotia Recycling world. Adding his input to building design or debating a particular new location, he always supported our decisions taking the business in new directions.

I was also fortunate to share with George a similar love for boats and fun cars. We had many great discussions about boating which usually ended in deciding we needed additional horsepower.

George will be remembered for the kindness he showed us, the lessons he taught us and the great memories we shared.”

Dwight Whynot
Former President, Scotia Recycling

“It’s always difficult to sum up a person’s life and legacy in a few short words, but I’m pleased to offer my perspective. I had the great privilege to have worked for George Bishop for the majority of my career. I was deeply saddened to hear of George’s passing.

Frequently, I would be asked — “What was it like to work for George?” My answer was always the same — “I was very fortunate to have worked for such a decent and respectful person. Someone whose honesty and integrity were beyond reproach. And someone whose optimism and kindness were ever present.”

I learned much by simply observing George and experiencing his approach to life and leadership. He remained calm in the storm, thoughtful and measured in his responses, and always listened with genuine interest.

More importantly, leading by example, he taught me that behind every decision are real people, and how we conduct ourselves is an opportunity to make a positive difference in their lives. Something that I have tried to respect to this day.

There are many memories and reflections to share that speak to George’s personality and style. Under the theme of “building opportunity”, I’ll cite just one in particular, but one that has always stuck out for me. I worked for Maritime Paper Products at the time, and we were in the midst of a substantial expansion. These were difficult times, the market was soft and the risks were not insignificant. George and I were standing outside one cold misty day in late Fall, watching massive cranes begin to tilt up the walls on what would be a new wing, one to accommodate new machinery and production capabilities. I was rushing through my talking points, fretting over the budget, worrying about delays, trying to cover off on all eventualities, trying to anticipate George’s questions/concerns, etc. etc. Finally, I paused, waiting for George to respond. He looked over with a slight smile and calmly said “It’s fun building things Gary”. I am not sure that I fully appreciated his message in the moment, however, over time I have grown to understand and cherish that memory with great fondness.

Building opportunity seemed ingrained in George’s values, in his sense of community, and in his genuine desire to make things better for the greater good. Not a bad reputation to have and one to emulate.

In the private business world, an organization is, in many ways, a reflection of the character and reputation of its owners and leaders. In leading the Scotia Investments Limited Group of Companies, George continued to build on a legacy of being a fair and compassionate employer, a responsible environmental steward, a committed community minded leader, and a passionate advocate for the region. Perhaps more importantly, beyond the business world, he leaves a deeply personal legacy. That of being a devoted family man, a fair and gracious person, and someone who genuinely saw the good in everyone he met. His legacy is not only reflected in the organization he helped build, but in the many lives he touched along the way.

To say that George was humble would be an understatement. His humility was legendary. No matter how deserved the recognition, he was never comfortable in the limelight, preferring instead to quietly fly under the radar. Yet one of his greatest gifts was his ability to inspire confidence in others — to have them believe in themselves and give them confidence to go on and accomplish great things.

For me personally, George was a longtime mentor and a trusted confidant, and I am a better person for having known him. I will always be grateful for the opportunity he gave me and for the trust, guidance, and encouragement he shared along the way. As I reflect on my years with George Bishop and the Scotia Investments Limited Group of Companies, I do so with a proud sense of gratitude and admiration — for the opportunity he provided me, for the lessons he taught me, and most importantly, for the person he was.”

Gary Johnson
Former President and CEO, Maritime Paper

George served in various capacities over several decades, including chairman and director. He was fully committed to the principle of investing for future generations. His contributions were instrumental in the company’s growth and success; and George’s dedication to community, innovation, and stewardship is reflected in the values that continue to guide the Scotia Investments Family of Companies. His impact is pervasive in our culture today and will remain with us as we look to the future.

We remember with heartfelt gratitude the enduring influence of George Bishop; his legacy continues to inspire those who work with and are part of the Scotia Investments community.

Our thoughts are with George’s immediate family: his lifelong partner and wife Lorraine and daughters Leslie and Kristin and their families.

Randy MacMillan
President & CEO

George’s full obituary and online condolences may be found at White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville. Donations in his memory may be made to the Carey Me Fund through the Valley Regional Hospital Foundation and to the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia.