BASc, LLD, PEng
3T1 Mechanical
Inducted: 1982
John Rigsby White joined the Imperial Oil Company at Sarnia in 1933, and rose through a succession of complex and demanding positions to become its President in 1953, and then the first Canadian Vice-President of Standard Oil (New Jersey) in 1962.
After serving six years in South America with Standard Oil of Venezuela, he returned to Canada as Economic Coordinator of Imperial Oil, and by 1950 he was appointed Executive Vice President.
White played an important role in the developments that followed the discovery of oil at Leduc, Alberta, in 1947; the construction of the Interprovincial pipeline, and of the Winnipeg refinery; the building of Canada’s first fluid cracker.
His administrative ability, and leadersh8ip qualities were recognized in 1951 when he was awarded the Engineering Alumni Medal.
Achievements
- Contributed greatly to Western Canada’s oil development
- Past President of the Engineering Alumni Association