A Legacy of Quiet Strength: Honouring George Ghitan’s Lifelong Impact
George Ghitan was a visionary leader who dedicated his life to the field of children’s mental health. For more than 40 years, George worked at Hull Services, beginning as a front-line worker, and in key roles as Clinical Director of Residential Treatment Programs, Associate Executive Director and Managing Director of all programs and services. He served as the Executive Director from 1996- 2018. As Executive Director, George expanded Hull from a primarily residential treatment facility to incorporate prevention and early intervention in the community for children, young adults and families. He committed to professionalization of child and youth care in Alberta, with Hull being one of the first agencies to require staff to be certified as child and youth care counsellors. Hull continues to support the Child and Youth Care Association through the generous provision of board and committee members.
George believed strongly in research-based models and thus directed the implementation of 10 evidence-based intervention models, and became an early adopter of “trauma informed programs” using the Neurosequential Model as a framework. Additionally, he was responsible for the expansion and utilization of an innovative software program for information management, case management and outcome monitoring that was licensed more than 600 times by individuals and agencies throughout North America and Australia. George had a long standing and deep commitment to the Indigenous youth and the Indigenous communities. For decades, George brought in elders and leaders who have stayed and developed ceremonial space, training and Indigenous programming.
George’s influence in the field impacted systemic and political change. He received a number of awards throughout his years, most of which, due to his humble nature, were often quietly received with little to no fanfare. But what was clear to those who worked with him daily was that his legacy included strong individual connections to the children and their families—and despite the bigger impact change, his focus on the individuals in Hull’s care never wavered or diminished.
In spite of his fierce commitment to the betterment of children and youth in Alberta, George maintained his sense of humour and wit. George brought a warmth and levity that made him not only respected, but deeply loved. His humour reminded those around him that even in the midst of serious and often heartbreaking work, joy and human connection were essential parts of leadership and healing.
He led with a quiet strength and a laser focus on continuous improvement in our work for the sake of Alberta’s children. His leadership has changed the lives of thousands of children, and to this day, continues to improve the lives of children and families. He took special care to nurture and grow his program leaders, encouraging their growth through advanced education and continuing education opportunities, and giving them a balance of independence and mentorship. His loyalty created a culture where the commitment to the Agency (with employees staying 10+ years and more) and children and families led the majority of employees to go above and beyond with the same kind of passion and commitment that was seen in George.
From Old Europe to Alberta Soil: The Ghitan Family Story
Born in Ankara, Turkey, in 1946 to Romanian émigrés Dimitru and Elena Ghitan—former royal staff to King Carol, who had fled Europe in the aftermath of war—George’s life was shaped by the courage, humility, and deep integrity of his parents. After escaping fascism, communism, and wartime persecution, the family made a final, uncertain voyage across the Atlantic, arriving in Canada via Baltimore before settling in Olds, Alberta. There, Dimitru worked as a farmhand and Elena as a housekeeper, determined to build a better future from modest beginnings. The family eventually moved to Calgary, where Dimitru quietly rose to a respected position as Maître D’ at the Petroleum Club—his fluency in French and old-world grace serving Calgary’s business and political elite—while Elena remained deeply devoted to her family, her Orthodox Christian faith, and the small rituals that held their new life together.
George grew up in Bowness, then a rough-and-tumble city on Calgary’s edge, where he developed the resilience and compassion that would come to define his life. Inspired by his parents’ quiet strength and tireless work, he dedicated his own career to helping vulnerable children and families, eventually serving as Executive Director of Hull Child & Family Services in Calgary. Known for his integrity, and fierce commitment to community, George transformed the challenges of his upbringing into a lifelong mission of service—honouring the legacy of perseverance he inherited and extending it with grace to those who needed it most.
Celebrate George Ghitan’s Legacy with a Gift in His Memory
To honour the life and legacy of George Ghitan, we invite you to make a donation using the form below. All contributions made in George’s memory will go toward establishing the George Ghitan Legacy Fund at Hull Service, continuing the work he dedicated his life to—supporting children, youth, and families on their journey toward healing and hope.
