CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - Jan. 21, 2016) -

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It is with great sadness that Canadian Utilities Limited announces the passing on January 21, 2016 of its former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Ronald D. Southern. Since repatriating Canadian Utilities from foreign control over 40 years ago, Mr. Southern is widely credited with transforming the company into an internationally recognized conglomerate successfully operating in the industrial and utility sectors as an integral part of ATCO Group.

Canadian Utilities is controlled by ATCO Ltd. Mr. Southern founded ATCO Ltd. in 1947 and was its controlling share owner. Mr. Southern controlled ATCO Ltd. through his ownership of substantially all of the voting shares in Sentgraf Enterprises Ltd., a private company owned by the Southern family. Canadian Utilities has been advised that under Mr. Southern's will, control of Sentgraf will remain with the Southern family.

Mr. Southern was closely identified with both ATCO and Canadian Utilities by industry participants, the investment community and the company's share owners. Mr. Southern was 85 years old. He is survived by his wife Margaret Southern and his daughters Nancy Southern and Linda Southern-Heathcott.

Nancy Southern will continue as Canadian Utilities' Chair and as its President and Chief Executive Officer, positions she has held since, 2012 and 2003 respectively.

For more than four decades Mr. Southern played a pivotal and visionary role in every major development in the evolution and growth of the company. He was instrumental in leading Canadian Utilities in pursuit of national and international opportunities expanding its presence and operations well beyond its historic Alberta base to five continents. Each of these achievements was executed with long term focus, determination and fiscal prudence. Mr. Southern's wisdom, passion, resolve and vision will be greatly missed by the people and customers of Canadian Utilities; the lessons he instilled, however, will continue to guide the company as will his own definition of "Excellence".

EXCELLENCE
"Going far beyond the call of duty.
Doing more than others expect.
This is what excellence is all about.

It comes from striving for and maintaining the highest standards,
looking after the smallest detail and going the extra mile.

Excellence means caring.
It means making a special effort to do more."

- R.D. Southern

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