Heartbreak in Houston: Hibernia Resources CEO Embry Canterbury Dies Suddenly, Leaving Behind Powerful Legacy in Energy Sector

HOUSTON, TX — The Houston business and energy communities are reeling from the sudden and devastating loss of Embry P. Canterbury, the Founder, Owner, and Chief Executive Officer of Hibernia Resources III, LLC. Embry passed away unexpectedly on June 21, 2025, marking the end of an era for a man whose vision, leadership, and heart helped shape not only one of Texas’s most respected energy companies but also the lives of countless people around him.

A native Houstonian, Embry Canterbury embodied the city’s resilient spirit. He was bold, determined, and endlessly passionate about building something lasting. Those who knew him best describe him as a rare blend of sharp business acumen and genuine human compassion—a man who could command a boardroom with ease yet never forgot the names of junior employees or the stories they shared.

Embry founded Hibernia Resources III with a clear mission: to redefine the independent oil and gas sector through innovation, integrity, and stewardship. What started as a bold idea became a powerhouse under his stewardship, with the company earning a reputation for operational excellence, forward-thinking strategy, and deep respect for the communities and landscapes where it operated.

But for Embry, success was never just about production numbers or profit margins. It was about people. He believed in leadership that lifted others, in empowering talent from within, and in doing things the right way—even when it wasn’t the easiest path. As a mentor, he shaped careers. As a boss, he inspired loyalty. As a man, he earned trust.

His colleagues at Hibernia recall a leader who set high standards but never asked of others what he wasn’t willing to do himself. He was often the first to arrive and the last to leave, checking in on operations as attentively as he checked in on his team’s well-being. Even as the company expanded its footprint, Embry ensured its culture remained grounded in respect, transparency, and shared purpose.

In industry circles, Embry was regarded as a thought leader and a stabilizing force. During downturns and disruptions, his insights helped steer not only Hibernia, but also served as a north star for many peers navigating similar challenges. His voice carried weight in strategy sessions, conferences, and community forums alike—always thoughtful, always solution-oriented, always grounded.

Despite his professional accolades, Embry’s proudest role was as a father. His family was his anchor, and he often credited them for keeping him grounded amid the pressures of executive life. He was known to step away from meetings to catch his children’s games, to rearrange travel for family milestones, and to prioritize time with his loved ones above all else. Friends say that in conversations with Embry, it was clear—his world began and ended with the people he loved.

His unexpected passing has left an unfillable void. In Houston’s tight-knit energy sector, the news sent ripples across offices and oilfields alike. Tributes have poured in from friends, employees, competitors, and community leaders, each painting a portrait of a man who left everything better than he found it.

“Embry was more than a CEO—he was a mentor, a friend, and a role model. His legacy is in the people he touched and the standards he set,” said one longtime colleague.

Hibernia Resources has not yet named a successor, and the company is expected to release further details regarding succession plans and a formal memorial in the coming days. A celebration of life, open to family, friends, and members of the industry, is currently being organized.

For now, those mourning his loss are holding close the lessons he imparted: work hard, lead with purpose, and never forget what matters most.

Embry P. Canterbury was a titan in his field, but those who knew him will remember him first as a man of heart. His name will continue to carry weight in boardrooms, but more importantly, it will echo in the stories told around dinner tables, in memories shared over coffee, and in the lives he helped shape—quietly, humbly, indelibly.

May he rest in eternal peace.