Fishing industry and community leader Steinar Engeset honoured on 84th birthday

Avid sailor Steinar Engeset was honoured on his 84th birthday Saturday with a plaque that will hang at the Dartmouth Yacht Club.

— Steinar Engeset created hundreds of jobs in Atlantic Canada’s seafood industry during his career as a businessman and entrepreneur. He’s also a philanthropist who gives back to the community and many charities close to his heart.

The avid sailor was honoured on his 84th birthday Saturday with a plaque that will hang at the Dartmouth Yacht Club, paying tribute to his achievements.

“The honour that I was given here today, my goodness it’s like a good sendoff at 84,” said Engeset. “You have to enjoy every day you get.”

Friends and representatives of the charities Engeset’s supported organized the surprise party to thank the Norwegian-Canadian for all he’s done.

“A simple thank you to a man who has given so much of not only his financial resources but also his time,” said longtime friend and former MP Peter Stoffer, who helped organize the event. “And not just one organization, but to many, many, many individuals and organizations here (in Atlantic Canada) and across the country.”

Several dignitaries were on hand including former federal fisheries minister Geoff Regan, who met Engeset when he held the portfolio. Regan said the two remain close friends.

“I was already aware of his tremendous support for veterans and the contributions he makes to so many organizations,” said Regan. “Whether it’s HMCS Sackville, The Canadian Naval Memorial Trust, whether it’s the Nova Scotia Tattoo, or the Convoy Cup or many other organizations that he’s supported with his time and treasure,”

Engeset was born in Norway during the Second World War and he’s never forgotten the allied forces who helped liberate his homeland. While he was the Honorary Consul of Norway for Nova Scotia, he was inspired to create the Convoy Cup: a sailing race that pays tribute to the convoy of allied ships that sailed from the Bedford basin to move vital supplies to Europe during the Battle of Atlantic.

“If these ships didn’t get to the other side D-Day would not have happened,” said Engeset. “Think about that.”

A bronze plaque is still being finished and will replace the temporary granite plaque that was unveiled at the yacht club Saturday.

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