Andrew "Andy" Arnott McArthur

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Andrew “Andy” McArthur, age 88 of Halifax, Nova Scotia. Andy passed away on February 26, 2024 at home surrounded by the love of his family. Born on March 26, 1935 in Lochgelly, Scotland, he was the son of Peter and Georgina McArthur.

Andy had a long and highly distinguished career in the shipbuilding industry spanning five decades. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Naval Architecture from Kings College, University of Durham in Newcastle, England and got his first job in 1952 as an Apprentice Draftsmen at the Burntisland Shipyard in Scotland.

In 1958, Andy married the love of his life of 60 years, Jean. Andy and Jean left Scotland in 1960 and moved to Denmark where Andy continued his early career and where his first daughter, Susan, was born. With a toddler in tow and pregnant with their second child, Jaqueline, Andy and Jean immigrated to Canada in 1962 where he began his career with Saint John Shipbuilding eventually serving as President from 1973-1985. During his time at Saint John Shipyard, he was instrumental in securing many new builds and repairs of ferries, tugs, tankers, ice breakers, defense vessels, and the Canadian Patrol Frigate Program (CPF). Andy and Jean built a wonderful life in Saint John, New Brunswick where they welcomed two additional daughters, Jane and Jennifer.

In 1986, Andy, Jean and family relocated to Halifax, Nova Scotia when he purchased Halifax-Dartmouth Industries Limited (HDIL). At HDIL under Andy’s leadership, he continued to secure work for the organization in all areas of naval defense, coast guard patrol, reservist works, as well as offshore rigs, and all areas of the demand for ship repair. Inclusive in those would be Projects such as, The Maritime Coastal Defence Vessels (MCDV); CCGS Louis St.Laurent; Mid-Shore Patrol Vessels (MSPV); Arctic Offshore Patrol (AOPs); and the Canadian Patrol Frigate Replacement Program, the largest single shipbuilding contract to date in Canada worth over $3.8 Billion. Andy would go on to sell HDIL in 1994 and establish McArthur Consulting Limited (MCL), that would operate until he finally retired for the 7th time in 2018. With Andy at that helm, MCL was instrumental in continuing to grow international partnerships within the Maritime industry that will continue to expand the capabilities of the shipbuilders we have.

As a pillar in the industry, Andy held many board memberships including the Royal Institute of Naval Architects, the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers, Advisory Board for Marine Transportation, Chair of the Shipbuilding and Repair Sector Task Force, Director and Chairman of the Shipbuilding Association of Canada, Chairman of Llyods Canadian Committee, Board Member of the American Bureau of Shipping and Chairman of the Nova Scotia Canadian Forces Liaison Council.

Not only successful in his career, Andy was a much loved husband, father, son, brother and friend. Andy was always up for a party, a great meal and a glass of wine. In his spare time, Andy and Jean enjoyed curling, golfing, travelling and spending winters in their home in Sebring, Florida. Andy was an example of hard work and determination and he will be so dearly missed. We will be forever grateful for the gift that was his life.

Andy was predeceased by his wife, Jean, his parents and siblings, Joyce and George. His memory will be forever held in the hearts of his surviving family: his daughters Susan McArthur, Bedford, Jaqueline (Gary) Stephenson, Florida; Jane (Gerard) Farrell, Upper Tantallon; Jennifer (Brian) Kelly, Toronto. Andy will also be fondly remembered by his six grandchildren Amanda Stephenson, Kaitlyn Farrell, Andrew Farrell, Brett Thorne, Jack Kelly, and Jordyn Kelly.

A service to celebrate Andy's life will be held on March 23, 2024 at 2:00pm at J. A. Snow Funeral Home located at 339 Lacewood Dr, Halifax. Online condolences may be made at: www.jasnowfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia.