Safdar Ali Gill, a geo-structural engineer whose career began in West Pakistan in 1953, and practiced full-time in the greater Chicago region from the 1960s until his last days, has died. He was 94.
His life was shaped by a harrowing childhood refugee exodus from Burma to India during World War II. The immense hardships he endured forged a steadfast resilience, a tireless work ethic, and a lifelong devotion to providing for his family.
Gill, Ph.D., P.E., BC.GE, F.ASCE, served as president of Ground Engineering Consultants Inc. in Northbrook, Illinois, through December 2024. He was known as practical and contractor-friendly, with a keen ability to develop solutions both buildable and answered site problems.
Passionate about shaping the next generation, he also taught engineering at the Illinois Institute of Technology, Northwestern University, the University of Illinois, and the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Those who spent time in his office learned far more than engineering and are grateful for his generous mentorship.
Born in Burma, Gill was the seventh of 11 children. His studiousness earned him a Fulbright scholarship, bringing him to the United States in 1961. He earned his master’s degree and doctorate in civil engineering from Northwestern University.
From 1953 to 1959, he was an engineer for the government of West Pakistan in Lahore, and served as assistant director of designs and research from 1959-1961 and again from 1963-65.
Career growth brought Gill to Kaiser Engineers in Chicago, then to Greeley & Hansen until 1970, when he departed for Ground Engineering Consultants. In rapid succession he became senior project engineer of soil testing services, assistant chief engineer, chief engineer, and from 1975, director. He stepped down as GEC president at the end of 2024.
In 1972, Gill became a U.S. citizen, honored by First Lady Patricia Nixon with a Distinguished New Citizen of the Year award at his naturalization.
Gill was a life member of ASCE. He was a fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers (UK), a member of the British Geotechnical Society, and the Structural Engineers Association, Illinois.
He was predeceased by his wife Parveen Malik in January 2024 after enjoying a 60-year partnership, and is survived by three daughters, a son, and six grandchildren.
