Wilfred N. Hall was born in Vancouver July 29, 1908. He graduated from the University of British Columbia in 1929 with a B.A.Sc. in chemical engineering with first class honours. He worked for Canadian Industries Limited (C.I.L.) for 15 years. In 1945 he moved to what would become Domtar Inc. A few months later, he was appointed vice-president for production and development. In 1950, when Domtar Inc. was created, he was appointed vice-president, operations. In 1955, he was appointed executive vice-president. In 1957 he was appointed president and CEO of Domtar. He worked as a private consultant following retirement in 1967.
He was involved in various groups and associations, serving as president of the Montreal YMCA, among other positions. Hall was active in the language debate in the Quebec through his participation in organizations such as the Quebec Committee for Language Regions, the Dual Language Communities Research Association, and the Positive Action Committee.
He was a long-time member of both the Corporation and Board of Governors of Sir George Williams University. He joined the Corporation in the late 1950s, becoming chair in 1968-1969. Mr. Hall chaired the committee of the YMCA Board of Directors that was responsible for the capital campaign for the erection of the Henry F. Hall Building, known as the Sir George Williams University Building Fund. Mr. Hall was also involved with the official separation of SGWU from the YMCA. (The Y was responsible for the financial and property aspects of SGW until the 1960s. The official separation took was finalized in 1968.)
On October 22, 1965 the SGW Association of Alumni conferred their highest distinction, Honorary Life Membership, on Mr. Hall, for his outstanding contribution to the life and growth of Sir George Williams University. He was awarded an honourary doctoral degree by Concordia University at the convocation at which the Hall Building was officially opened in 1966.
He died in Kitchener, Ontario on November 16, 2006.