It is with profound sorrow that we announce the death of Patrick Embry Canterbury on Friday, the 20th of June 2025. His sudden passing while on vacation to celebrate his 20th wedding anniversary with his beloved wife, Robyn, has left his family and friends shocked and devastated. Embry had such an impact on so many lives, and we are not able to put into words how much we will miss him.
Embry was born on the 2nd of December 1971 in Dallas, Texas to Patty and Joe Canterbury as the third of four very close-knit siblings. He graduated from Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas in 1990. Embry embodied and carried the “Men for Others” Jesuit spirit throughout his life. Following Jesuit, Embry attended Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering in 1994. He was a member of Kappa Alpha Order fraternity and the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE). Embry was a proud Aggie and cherished the numerous life-long friendships that he made during his time at A&M and after.
Embry enjoyed a long career in the oil and gas industry that started at Halliburton Energy Services. Following Halliburton, Embry worked alongside his grandfather, Joe Canterbury Sr, at Ro-Jo Oil and later, North American Energy. In 2007, Embry founded Hibernia Resources, an upstream energy company focused in the Permian Basin that is now in its fourth iteration after successfully building and selling the first three entities. He was a passionate leader of the company and was most proud of the people on his team and the profound impact he had on their lives. Developing and mentoring young people gave him his greatest joy, and there are many in the oil and gas industry that are so grateful for his generosity of time and the wisdom he provided. He will forever be remembered as an icon in the industry for his technical acumen, breadth of knowledge, leadership, drive, work ethic, vision and execution of the business plan. He built Hibernia centered on the foundations of integrity and communication and the culture of the company exudes these principals and Embry’s personality. Hibernia partnered with NGP Energy Capital for all four iterations and Embry’s impact was felt through hundreds of transactions he completed with many different partners and counterparties, each leading to a lasting connection to Embry. He will be remembered as a visionary entrepreneur and one of the most effective CEO’s in the history of the Permian Basin.
Embry was a man of great faith. He dedicated considerable time and energy to St. Martin’s Episcopal Church as well as many philanthropic causes and faith-based organizations. The causes nearest to his heart were faith based or educational. These causes included the Navy Seal Foundation, WorkFaith, and Texas A&M, where Embry and Robyn created need-based scholarships. Embry also served on the Board of Houston Methodist Academic Institute, and with Robyn, on the Executive Committee of Houston Methodist’s Society for Leading Medicine. Following the October 7th attacks on Israel, Embry began investing in a variety of Israeli companies as a show of support. During his visit to Israel in May of 2024, he solidified his commitment to supporting Israeli enterprises and built strong friendships within the Jewish business community.
Above all business pursuits and philanthropic causes, Embry was most dedicated to his family – his wife of nearly 21 years, Robyn, and their beautiful children – Mary Rose, Camille, Emmy, and August. He guided his children in faith and cherished his time at their 5C (plus 1) ranch in South Texas, teaching his children how to hunt and fish, enjoying one-on-one trips to Argentina, and taking family trips from Texas to the Rocky Mountains, South America, and Europe.
Embry was a treasured friend to so many – whether it was among business colleagues or friendships formed in college, out in the field, on a river, or around a campfire, as he was known for his amazing humor, sound advice, and unwavering support.
One thing Embry made us do was LAUGH- sometimes on purpose and sometimes by just being himself! Above all else, he made life fun, and his energy was non-stop. Embry lived more in his 53 years than most live in two lifetimes! He loved fiercely and loyally, and his family and friends could always count on him in times of need. He will be missed beyond measure, and his legacy will endure in his wife and children and the many lives and organizations he touched.
Embry is survived by his beloved wife, Robyn, and their children that he adored, Mary Rose, Camille, Emmy, and August. He is also survived by his parents, Patty and Joe Canterbury of Tyler, Texas; his sister Rachel her and husband Tom; and brothers Joe Canterbury and his wife Christine, and Tim Canterbury and his wife Kate; along with numerous nieces and nephews whom he loved like his own.
The family would like to thank the countless family members and friends who have helped them during this difficult time. Your thoughtfulness, generosity, and compassion are appreciated more than you know. This is not a goodbye, it’s a see you later!
The family will gather for a funeral service to be conducted at one o’clock in the afternoon on Tuesday, the 1st of July at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church. For those unable to attend the service in person, virtual attendance may be accessed by selecting the “Join Livestream” icon on the service section below.
In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests any memorial donations be made to Houston Methodist in Embry’s memory in support of the DeBakey Heart and Vascular Center or the Center for Health and Nature c/o Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation, P.O. Box 4384, Houston, TX 77210-4384. Friends and family may prefer to make their gift via credit card on the online giving page at https://givingforms.houstonmethodist.org/GeneralGivingForm or alternatively to WorkFaith, P.O. Box 739503, Dallas, TX 75373-9503 or online at https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/1436227 .
We invite you to take a few moments to share fond memories and words of comfort and condolence with his family by selecting the "Add a Memory" icon below.
DONATIONS
DeBakey Heart and Vascular Center or the Center for Health and Nature c/o Houston Methodist Hospital FoundationP.O. Box 4384, Houston, Texas 77210-4384
WorkFaithP.O. Box 739503, Dallas, Texas 75373-9503
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