Jone Hognestad, born on February 12, 1955, in Bryne, Norway, passed away unexpectedly on October 8, 2022, on BC’s Sunshine Coast. A lifelong lover of the sea, Jone found joy both in his professional pursuits on the water and in the tranquility of the coast he proudly called home.

Jone made a lasting impact on the local and global shipping community over a career spanning nearly 40 years. As General Manager of Gearbulk Shipping Canada Ltd. in Vancouver, Jone mentored countless UBC Commerce alumni, helping them navigate the global shipping industry and build a foundation for their success. Many of these graduates became industry leaders—a testament to Jone’s commitment to nurturing talent and the future of shipping.

After his time at Gearbulk, Jone served as President of Waterfront Shipping, a subsidiary of Methanex Corporation. Jone pioneered the development of hybrid engines for ocean-going vessels, utilizing methanol as an alternative fuel. His visionary leadership positioned Methanex and Waterfront Shipping as leaders in sustainable shipping, contributing to significant environmental benefits worldwide.

While Jone’s professional contributions are well-regarded, he will be remembered most as a devoted family man, mentor and friend. His love for the sea and passion for innovation were matched by his dedication to those he cared about. Jone leaves a legacy of kindness, ambition and progress that will continue to inspire those who knew him.

Jone is deeply missed by his wife of 42 years, Arnhild Hognestad, along with their three children: Karoline Marcher, Nils Johan Hognestad (Jeremy Irla) and Jo Ivar Hognestad (Ana Maria Rodriguez-Velasquez), as well as his grandson, Jon Ivar Marcher. He is survived by seven siblings, many loving in-laws, nieces and nephews.

In honour of Jone’s passion for the oceans and the next generation of shipping professionals, his friends and family have created the Jone Hognestad Memorial Fund. Your gift will pay tribute to Jone’s life and career by supporting students in the UBC Sauder School of Business. Final decisions on the award description and student eligibility will be made in consultation with the family.