Captain Paul C. LaMarre Jr. has dedicated his life to the Great Lakes maritime industry past, present, and future.
Following in the footsteps of his great uncles Frank and William Hoffman, both masters of Great Lakes freighters in the early 1900’s, he has touched every aspect of the Great Lakes maritime trade and is highly regarded as an industry leader and historian.
LaMarre’s career began at the University of Detroit as an understudy to famed Great Lakes marine artist Father Edward J. Dowling where he learned the principles of painting Great Lakes vessels in watercolor.
LaMarre’s artistic talents would open the door to many industry friendships, the most important being that of Capt. William A. Hoey who would introduce him to a career as the Corporate Treasurer of the Gaelic Tugboat Co.& Diamond Jacks River Tours.
Working for Gaelic Tugboat Co. for over 45 years (1978 to Present), he has also served as longtime Captain of the M/V Diamond Jack.
He was also a founding board member of Lower Lakes Towing Ltd. of Port Dover, ON which now operates one of the largest fleets on the Great Lakes.
In 2001, he was named Historian of the Year by the Marine Historical Society of Detroit.
In 2013, received the International Shipmasters Detroit Lodge #7. Captain Lewis Ludington Award for his years of virtuous service.
In 2015, the National Museum of the Great Lakes named LaMarre one of the Masters of Great Lakes Marine Art of the 20th Century as he has been the “industry’s artist” for over 50 years, completing commissioned works for nearly every Great Lakes fleet.
LaMarre has also inspired the next generation of Great Lakes leadership as his son Paul C. LaMarre III is a prominent industry advocate, port director, and tugboat captain.