SASKATCHEWAN TRANSPORTATION HALL OF FAME
The Saskatchewan Transportation Hall of Fame is located in the Western Development (History of Transportation) Museum in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. It was officially opened on June 7, 1989, by the Honorable Grant Hodgins, Minister of Highways and Transportation.
The Saskatchewan Transportation Hall of Fame was established by the Saskatoon and Regina Transportation Clubs to recognize and honour our transport pioneers. It’s purpose is to formally and publicly recognize persons, who in the course of their residence in Saskatchewan, or through their extensive involvement in the transportation industry in the Province, have made outstanding contributions which brought about positive developments of significant and lasting benefit to transportation and distribution in Saskatchewan.
Selection Committee
The selection committee is made up of members from STC, the Saskatchewan Transportation Hall of Fame, the Saskatchewan Trucking Association, and Freight Management Association – Saskatchewan Division.
Current Members
Saskatchewan Transportation Hall of Fame
Selection Committee
Chairman, Saskatchewan Transportation Hall of Fame
President, Saskatoon Transportation Club
Executive Director, Saskatchewan Trucking Association
Representative, FMAC Saskatchewan Division
Officers
Saskatchewan Transportation Hall of Fame Officers.
Officers
Saskatchewan Transportation Hall of Fame
OFFICERS
Mr. Glen Ertell, Chairman
Vice Chairman, Mr. Wade Petrishen
Mr. Barry Frain, Treasurer
Benefactors
The Saskatchewan Transportation Hall of Fame Committee
acknowledges and thanks the following organizations and individuals,
whose assistance made this historical tribute possible.
Saskatchewan Transportation Hall of Fame
Benefactors
The Saskatchewan Transportation Hall of Fame display includes a plaque, updated on a regular basis, which reads as follows:
The Saskatchewan Transportation Hall of Fame Committee
acknowledges and thanks the following organizations and individuals,
whose assistance made this historical tribute possible.
AGT Foods Canada
Regina Transportation Club
Saskatoon Transportation Club
Saskatchewan Highways and Transportation
Canadian Airlines International Ltd.
Canadian National Railways
Canadian Pacific Ltd.
Canadian Industrial Transportation Association, Saskatchewan Division
Federated Co-operatives Ltd.
Saskatchewan Trucking Association
Transpersonnel
Trimac
Athabaska Airways Ltd.
Cogema Resources Inc.
Continental Trucking Ltd.
Ghost Transportation Services
International Road Dynamics Inc.
Kindersley Transport Ltd.
Labatt’s
Lafarge Canada Inc.
McGill’s Industrial Services Inc.
Motorways
Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Inc.
Prairie Malt Ltd.
Purolator Courier Ltd.
Reimer Express Lines Ltd.
Robin Hood Multifoods, Inc.
Sears Canada Inc.
Siemens Transport and Service Ltd.
Fummerton, J. R.
Goodwin, R. F.
Hlavsa, W. J.
Hushagen, R. W.
Kaiser, R.
Kellins, R. W.
Kimpinski J.
Labatt, R. J.
Lerch, D. W.
Mahara, R. D.
McDonough, J. M.
Noonan, P. W.
Pike, C. R.
Petrishen W.
Ripley, G. G.
Sutherland. J. R.
Walker, R. A.
HALL OF FAME
The Saskatchewan Transportation Hall of Fame is funded through gifts and donations acknowledged by the issuance of a tax receipt.
The names of prospective candidates, including a brief biography, must be received by February 1st each year by mail or e-mailing:
Saskatoon Transportation Club
P.O. Box 1643
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7K 3R8
ATTN: Selection Committee, Saskatchewan Transportation Hall of Fame
INDUCTEES
Arnold Cozart
Arnold Cozart was born in 1936 in rural Saskatchewan. With tough times on the prairies and a large family to feed, Arnold made the decision to leave home at an early age of 16 to start earning his own way. Arnold moved around a bit and worked in various jobs before ending up in Winnipeg where he took his journeyman HD mechanics.
He started working for Motorways in the early 1960’s as a truck technician. In the late 60’s Motorways offered him the position of shop foreman in the Saskatoon branch. He continued to impress the industry and was offered the service manager position at Saskatoon White Trucks in 1969. The dealership became available in the early 70’s, the sales manager partnered up with the Accountant, Service and Parts Managers and took over the dealership. They sold and serviced everything from trucks to forestry machinery and RV’s until settling in as a heavy-duty truck dealership. Selling the White Truck brand “The Big Four: White Freightliner, White, Western Star and Autocar”.
In 1980 the dealership became Freightliner Truck Centre (Saskatoon) LTD and sold Freightliner and Western Star Trucks. 1980 brought expansion with a second location in Lloydminster and a heavy-duty truck body shop called Five Star Truck Collision Centre. In 1981 Arnold took the helm at Five Star. It was a learning process as his auto body knowledge was limited but his management skills were strong. His perseverance made the body shop successful, continuing today as the leading heavy duty body repair shop in the northern Saskatchewan market.
With the retirement of the Dealer Principle/General Manager of Freightliner Truck Centre, Arnold and their accountant (Jim) decided to buy out their partners in 1987. Arnold continued to be general manager of Five Star Truck Collision as well as Dealer Principle/General Manager of the dealership. They went through some hard times in the late 80’s but through the respect of the trucking community the dealership persevered and managed growth through the 90’s when they dealt with the majority of the trucking fleets in the area. Due to his true to word business attitude, he earned the respect of employees and customers alike, which lasted him throughout his career, working well into his 70’s. The dealership continues to be owner/managed by the Cozart family today and the customers still recognize Arnold when he stops in at the shop to say hi.
Inducted Into
The Saskatchewan Transportation Hall of Fame
June 2023
Mel Beal
Mel Beal was born in Saskatoon, SK in 1945 to Walter and Violet Beal. He grew up on the farm west of Saskatoon by Grandora with a short stint in Edmonton, AB when the family moved there for 3 years. They returned to the farm and Mel attended the Technical Institute in Saskatoon for high school.
After high school, Mel went to work in the banking industry for a few years in Elrose, SK, where he met and made many lifelong friends.
Mel bought and drove his own truck for several years before he was hired to drive a winch truck for North Star Transport in 1969. Mel moved into the office in 1973 as a Dispatcher and then became Operations Manager in 1976 until North Star was sold to Trimac in 1982. He stayed at Trimac for one year at the request of his mentor Ted Greenaway.
In 1983, Mel and two partners purchased G.A. Turner’s Transport, a bulk fuel hauler from Kyle, SK and moved it to Saskatoon. While still hauling petroleum products, an evolution also occurred. The name was changed to Turner Transport Ltd. and falling back on Mel’s years of experience at North Star Transport, Turner’s started hauling heavy equipment, filling a void that was in the market. Over the years under Mel’s guidance, the company grew from a few trucks and trailers and a small shop and yard to a large fleet of specialized equipment and a bigger shop and yard north of Saskatoon. The fuel hauling portion of the business was phased out, and the focus became heavy equipment hauling. Mel was a recognized leader, mentor and friend in the transportation industry and Saskatoon business environment. He had the work ethic to roll up his sleeves and get the job done when needed, but also had fun along the way. There was no work life balance, but work life integration. Work was part of life, and you lived a life because of the work you did.
Mel was never one for the spotlight, but he had a hand in helping in the background. Many donations of both time and money were made to sports teams, fundraisers, and charity for which he wanted no recognition.
Mel was awarded the Service to Industry Award by the Saskatchewan Trucking Association in 2017 and The Award of Achievement by the Saskatoon Transportation Club in 2018.
Unfortunately, Mel passed away in the spring of 2017. But his sons Dallas and Troy continue on in the transportation industry, following in the footsteps their father provided.
Inducted Into
The Saskatchewan Transportation Hall of Fame
June 2023
Gary L. Redhead
Gary L. Redhead was born and raised in Regina, Saskatchewan. The son of Gordon and Dorothy Redhead, Gary attended Balfour Collegiate High School and the University of Regina where played for the Cougar Men’s Basketball team and met his future wife, Laura Medland.
Gary’s father Gordon was an employee for W.F. Fuller Machinery Limited, a Champion Motor Grader dealer in Regina, established in 1948. In 1968 Gordon purchased the business and renamed it Redhead Equipment Ltd. At the time, Gary was taking Business Administration classes at the University of Regina, but at the urging of his father he joined the company in 1969. Gary worked in various capacities with his father, honing his skills in all areas of the business including finance, marketing and sales management.
In 1980, Gary purchased the business from his father and since then has served as the company’s Chief Executive. Over the years, Gary has continued to diversify his company, adding what are now the company’s flagship brands: Case Construction Equipment, Mack Trucks, Case IH Agricultural Equipment, and Volvo Construction Equipment.
An integral part of Gary’s business is giving back to the communities where his customer’s live. Redhead Equipment and the Redhead family have made significant contributions to hospital foundations across the province, STARS Air Ambulance and other local charities.
Gary is a visionary “Level 5” leader with a wealth of knowledge due to over 50 years in the industry. Highly respected by his peers, employees, customers and suppliers, Gary has built his company from its humble beginnings to its current position as a dominant player in Saskatchewan’s heavy equipment industry.
Gary and his wife Laura are proud parents to two daughters and grandparents to four grandchildren.
Inducted Into
The Saskatchewan Transportation Hall of Fame
June 2019
Murad Al-Katib
Murad Al-Katib’s parents were his inspiration. The Al-Katib family immigrated to Canada from Turkey in 1965 and settled in Davidson in 1975. They showed him the value of community and giving back. This is where he developed his passion to become an entrepreneur in agriculture and to create opportunities in rural Saskatchewan.
Murad Al-Katib is the president and CEO and a board member of AGT Food and Ingredients Inc. In 2001 he founded Saskcan Pulse Trading, the inspiration that became Alliance Grain Traders in 2007. In 2014 Alliance Grain Traders underwent a name change to AGT Food and Ingredients Inc. to reflect its expanding business and increased focus on pulse, staple foods, food ingredients and packaged foods.
AGT Food and Ingredients is one of the largest suppliers of value-added pulses, staple foods and food ingredients in the world. They buy lentils, peas, beans and chickpeas from farmers around their facilities located in the best pulse-growing regions in Canada, the United States, Turkey, Australia, China and South Africa. They ship their products to customers in over 120 countries, with over 45 manufacturing facilities on five continents. AGT has approximately 2,200 employees, roughly 650 of them in Saskatchewan. AGT creates value for producers, quality products for their customers and growth for their shareholders.
AGT Foods, through its subsidiaries Mobil Grain, Last Mountain Railway, Big Sky Railway and MobilEx, as well as its investments in CanEst Transit, offers competitive freight opportunities for producers to move their products, matching origination and production to supply and demand requirements from farm to customer. AGT Foods directly operates nearly 700 km of rail line across Saskatchewan and features port facilities in Port Ridley, B.C., Thunder Bay, Ont. and Montreal Que., connecting producers to markets across the world. They also operate a small innovative trucking component that haul b-train and triple trailer configurations hauling sea containers from their facilities to railhead in Saskatchewan.
Murad completed his Masters from Thunderbird School of Global Management in Arizona and a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Saskatchewan. He currently serves as chairman of the Government of Canada National Agri-Food Strategy Roundtable, sits on the board of the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada and is the current chair of Economic Development Regina. His accomplishments are exemplary from the Saskatchewan Order of Merit, World Entrepreneur of the Year, Canadian Entrepreneur of the Year, Prairie Entrepreneur of the Year, Top 40 under 40, Global Citizen Laureate and Business Leader of the Year to name a few. With his varied experience at AGT, Murad has proven himself to be a strong financial and strategic business thinker, able to anticipate and mitigate the risks in international trading and commodities.
Murad is married to Michelle; they have two children, Tariq and Serra, and reside in Regina Saskatchewan.
Inducted Into
The Saskatchewan Transportation Hall of Fame
June 2018
George Tupper Connor
The George Tupper Connor story started in 1889, Alma Alberta, County New Brunswick. In 1911, he came to Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan and the Moose Jaw Electric Railway Company, (MJER), and was employed as engineer in charge of a generating plant (diesel engines) until 1919. From 1920 to 1924, George worked for MJER as master mechanic. In 1924, George was appointed General Superintendent of the Moose Jaw Electric Railway.
George Connor was the last superintendent of the Moose Jaw Electric Railway. He was the first to introduce busses to Moose Jaw as feeders to the Moose Jaw Electric Railway and then as the Moose Jaw Transportation Company. Moose Jaw was the first city in Canada to go to all diesel or gas bus fleet. Mr. Connor also operated bus systems in Weyburn and Estevan.
George sat on the board of Prairie Airways (started by the Moose Jaw Flying Club under the leadership of Richard (Dick) Ryan. Canadian Pacific Airlines later purchased Prairie Airways and Dick Ryan later went on to become Vice President of Canadian Pacific Air.
At midnight October 8, 1932 the streetcars of Moose Jaw ceased operations. Moose Jaw was without streetcar or bus service from October 9 to October 11, 1932. Commencing October 11, 1932, Mr. Connor started the Moose Jaw Transportation Company with three busses and the promise of five more to come. On December 19, 1932 the first of the five busses arrived in Moose Jaw with the second arriving December 21 and a total of four arriving in December of that year.
The Moose Jaw Electric Railway started an amusement park in the Moose Jaw river valley known as Kingsway Park. Kingsway Park has since been renamed Connor Park in honour of George.
Inducted Into
The Saskatchewan Transportation Hall of Fame
June 2017
Gordon Klimek
Gordon Klimek was born in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. After Grade 12 graduation, he worked for an automotive parts wholesaler in Prince Albert for four months, followed by two years with the Prince Albert City Police.
In the fall of 1967, Gordon moved to Saskatoon for employment with Pendlebury Customs Brokers where his duties were mainly in accounting. Within two years, the business was sold to Percy H Davis Customs Brokers.
With the retirement of Bill Pendlebury, Gordon became more involved in the brokerage business and completed the requirements to become qualified in the customs brokerage business in 1970. In 1973, he completed a two-year qualification course offered by the Canadian Institute of Customs House Brokers.
Through the years, Gordon held positions as office manager and branch manager with Percy H Davis Limited and after 35 years of employment, he retired in June 2003.
In the fall of 2005, Gordon returned to Percy H Davis Limited on a part-time basis as an account executive and assistant branch manager, retiring permanently on June 15, 2015.
During his career, Gordon was a member of the Saskatoon Optimist Club and the Saskatoon Transportation Club. He was also a director of New Community Credit Union and a volunteer at several major sporting events.
Gordon is happily married to Bonnie.
Inducted Into
The Saskatchewan Transportation Hall of Fame
June 2016
Dave Doepker
Dave Doepker is a second generation family member involved in Doepker Industries Ltd. The Doepker organization began as a small blacksmith and repair shop in Anaheim, Saskatchewan in 1948. In the early 1990’s, the company began manufacturing semi- trailers for the transportation industry. Today Doepker Industries Ltd. has a multitude of products for the agriculture, general commercial flat decks, aggregate, forestry and heavy industrial markets.
Dave graduated from the University of Saskatchewan (1974) with a Bachelor of Education and spent twelve years in the education field specializing in classroom music. He then began five years in the sales and management of an agricultural equipment business before returning to the family manufacturing company in 1987.
When his father retired in 1988 Dave became a member of the Doepker Industries Board of Directors and held Executive positions in the company as Director of Personnel, VP of Marketing, VP of International Business, President and Chairman of the Board.
Under Dave’s leadership the Doepker team grew from approximately 25 employees to a peak of more than 500 in three manufacturing plants across Saskatchewan; Anaheim, Moose Jaw and Saskatoon.
Dave’s passion has always been with the sales and marketing side of the business. His goal, and that of the organization, is to work with Doepker customers to provide them with a product that will make their own businesses successful.
Today, the Doepker brand is well known throughout Canada and parts of the USA. The company has been recognized by the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce with various Abex Awards, has been inducted into the Saskatchewan Business Hall of Fame, is listed in the Top 100 Companies in Saskatchewan by Saskatchewan Business magazine, and is in the Top 25 Trailer Manufacturers in North America.
Dave has participated both as a Board member and volunteer in many organizations over the years with ambitions of making this province a better place. A few such organizations are the Humboldt Hospital Foundation, St. Peter’s College Capital Campaign, Action Humboldt, JCI, and Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce. Always striving towards continuous learning, Dave has found many benefits from his membership in CAFE (Canadian Association of Family Enterprises) and TEC (The Executive Committee – an international group of CEO’s).
Dave and his wife of 45 years, Vi, live in Humboldt. They have two children; Robert in Saskatoon and Mara (with her husband Kirby and sons Jacob and Daniel) in Humboldt.
Inducted Into
The Saskatchewan Transportation Hall of Fame
June 2015
Dave McIlmoyl
Born in Southey, Saskatchewan in 1952, Dave worked as an insurance underwriter for three years at Cooperators and attended the University of Regina completing his B. Admin. in 1977. Dave went to La Ronge in 1977 to work for Northern Cooperative Trading Service Ltd. and joined the Department of Northern Saskatchewan in 1978 as an economic development officer. He joined the Lac La Ronge Indian Band in 1980 as executive director.
Dave McIlmoyl began his journey towards the transportation industry in 1980 when he was hired as the executive director of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band. He was hired to look after the general administration of the band and was directed to focus on finding potential job opportunities for community members.
Around the same time, the Key Lake Uranium Mine (run by what is now Cameco) was starting up in the region. The economic activity around the mine provided opportunity for band members and an opportunity for the band itself to form its own businesses.
The first venture into trucking for Dave and the band was when they partnered with Brodsky Construction. The Lac La Ronge band provided six trucks and Brodsky provided the construction equipment to supply crushed aggregate for the Key Lake Mining Company (which was absorbed by Cameco). Dave was officially part of the transportation industry. Kitsaki Management was formed as the economic development branch of the band to facilitate this joint venture and Dave became the general manager of Kitsaki in 1992.
Through the years, as Kitsaki worked in trucking, they determined the economies of scale that said a big trucking company could run more efficiently than a small one and they began seeking out a partner in order to expand. That is when Dave met Rick Reynolds of Trimac Transportation and Northern Resource Trucking (NRT) was born.
NRT is a partnership that began with Kitsaki and Trimac, but soon grew to incorporate other Aboriginal and Metis communities in northern Saskatchewan. In its current form, NRT is 71 per cent aboriginally owned and the goal put to Dave way back in the 1980s to create jobs and opportunities is being fulfilled.
By 1998, NRT was proving to be exceptionally successful, both as a business venture and as a trucking company in its own right. Dave was moved directly into NRT as its vice president and general manager.
NRT is a leader in Saskatchewan, one of Saskatchewan’s Top 100 Companies, boasting a safety record to rival and beat any company in the industry. This year, with the retirement of Rick Reynolds as NRT’s president, Dave McIlmoyl has been named president and is still its general manager.
In the past 28 years, Dave is proud to boast of NRT’s achievements and its milestones.
Dave is happily married to Therese. He has two children, three step-children and seven grandchildren.
Inducted Into
The Saskatchewan Transportation Hall of Fame
June 2014
J. (John) Kimpinski
John Kimpinski was born in Strathclair, Manitoba and his family moved to Winnipeg when he was two years old.
Following Grade 12, he studied business accounting and administration at Success Business College in Winnipeg where he was encouraged to learn to type by the principal of the college. He went on to win a gold medal for completing the standard ten-minute typing test with no errors and a speed of 70 words per minute.
John joined CN Rail in 1953 and worked at various positions in the engineering and freight sales departments, earning his CITT designation in 1969. He was awarded the Charles Edsforth Medal for the highest standing in Introductory and Transportation Economics. This was followed by a four-year leave of absence to obtain a B.Comm. (Honours) degree at the University of Manitoba where he was listed to the Dean’s Honour Role. He returned to CN in 1973 as Regional Freight Sales Analyst.
After resigning from CN in 1975, John joined the Canadian Transport Commission in Ottawa as Senior Economist. In 1980 he was appointed Executive Director of the commission’s new Western Division headquartered in Saskatoon.
He served on the CITT Board of Directors in the mid-80s, including position of chairman in 1984. In 2009, he was inducted into the CITT 40-Year Club.
On relocation to Saskatoon in 1980, John joined the Saskatoon Traffic Club (now the Transportation Club) and the Saskatoon Golf & Country Club, serving on the executive of both, including president of each.
In 1985, the Canadian Transport Commission became the National Transportation Agency of Canada. John was appointed Regional Director, Western Region, retiring from the position in 1991.
In 1989, he co-founded the Saskatchewan Transportation Hall of Fame. John was initially co-chairman and has been chairman since 1992. He chaired the 1997 National Transportation Day hosted by the Transportation Club and is five-time chairman of the annual National Transportation Week awards banquet hosted by the Transportation Club. He received the Transportation Club’s Award of Excellence in 1995. In 2004, he rejoined the Transportation Club executive as club treasurer and has held this position for the past 10 years.
John and his wife, Grade, celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary in September 2012. They have four children—daughter Cheryl and sons Kevin, Trevor and Terry. Over the past 20 years, the family has grown significantly with the addition of 13 grandchildren and one great-grandson.
Inducted Into
The Saskatchewan Transportation Hall of Fame
June 2013
K.J. (Kerny) Korchinski
Kerny Joseph Korchinski was born in ltuna, SK and grew up in Strongfield, SK. He says that growing up in small town Saskatchewan, there was little exposure to the transportation industry, He believes that is what intrigued him—the uniqueness and mystique and the image of sheer power and supremacy. He remembers the only truck that came to town in the early 1950s was a blue CPR International Boot. Not many people remember that model, but to him it was like a space shuttle. He was in awe every time it arrived to deliver articles to the local CP station.
Early in adolescence, Kerny realized that academics were not his forte and he decided to quit school before completing grade ten. He was more interested in working with his hands and enrolled in a pre-employment mechanical course in Edmonton.
Foltowing several jobs as a heavy duty mechanic in different locations and a year after getting married and becoming somewhat responsible, he decided to follow his dream and bought the family’s first truck. This move was certainly not the choice his wife Pat would have made, but he selfishly made it anyway.
Kerny’s trucking career took him to places throughout North America. His travels allowed him to meet many interesting people and he developed a strong network of people who he respected and whose company he enjoyed. When it became necessary to stay closer to home he made a career change and sold cars in Lloydminster, another one of his passions, and ultimately he got his dream job selling trucks in the Lloydminster area.
In 1981, he and Pat were approached to take on a minor partnership in the Peterbilt dealership in Saskatoon, a decision that was quickly made. However, less than six months later, the parent company went into receivership. That left the new partners to either give up or get creative. They chose the latter and, along with three partners, sustained the economic downturn and 23 per cent interest rates. Not only did they survive but, in 1984, expanded to serve the Lloydminster market. in 1989 another expansion took place to serve the Regina market. In 1996 the Collision Center in Saskatoon was started and, in 2008, the Estevan store was opened.
When the Korchinskis became involved in the Saskatoon Peterbilt dealership, there were only four Petes in northern Saskatchewan. They felt they were pioneering a new venture and, as a result, the name and the logo of the frontiersman with rifle evolved. To establish their own identity they were determined to promote the Frontier Peterbilt image rather than using the established Peterbilt oval. This proved to be a successful strategy.
Kerny believes he has been blessed over the years with the support he received from the industry, customers, suppliers and staff, all of which resulted in his wonderful success. He and Pat have become involved in many initiatives to reciprocate that support. He has chaired the STA Associate Trades and has been involved in several school-to-work programs such as Junior Achievement with which he is still active as a Governor. They pioneered the Youth Internship Program that allows schools to provide work placement programs that qualify as credits. For the past 17 years they have supported Saskatchewan immigration programs and served on government advisory boards.
Kerny and Pat, along with their children and their families, are very proud to have been a part of this incredible industry and province. in retirement they plan to balance their time between Saskatoon and their other home in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. They plan to continue their involvement in community activities in both places and want to be able to make a difference in the lives of those who are much less fortunate than they are. They believe the greatest blessing they have experienced is in being able to give something back.
Inducted Into
The Saskatchewan Transportation Hall of Fame
June 2012
E.D. (Ed) Zsombor
Edgar Donald Zsombor was born in Wakaw, Sask. and raised on a farm near Ens, After graduating from Wakaw high school Ed was accepted to the University of Saskatchewan where he obtained a Civil Engineering degree in 1967.
His transportation career began with the Canadian Pacific Railway shortly after his university convocation. During his eleven years with the company Ed worked throughout Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario in various positions related to ensuring tracks, bridges and other related railway infrastructure were in safe operating condition for the locomotives and rail cars travelling on it.
In the late 1970s Ed became general manager of a private Ontario company that manufactured components for railway tracks before moving back to his home province of Saskatchewan to work as a rail transportation consultant.
As a contracted consultant from 1979 to 1982 Ed helped the Saskatchewan Grain Car Corporation, a provincial Crown corporation, purchase their fleet of 1,000 rail cars, which moved agricultural commodities throughout Canada, the United States and Mexico. He also prepared a feasibility study for Southern Rails Co-operative, which later became Saskatchewan” s first shortline railway in 1989.
Subsequently, Ed worked for the City of Regina where he provided expertise related to railway relocation projects and other engineering services before moving to the Government of Saskatchewan in 1997,
Within the provincial government Ed has been key to fostering Saskatchewan’s shortline railway system, thanks to his role in developing a variety of programs at the Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure that support this important component of the transportation system. Safety has also been Ed”s top priority as the provincial railway inspector and he has overseen the development of safety programs for children and for Saskatchewan’s shortline railway companies. His work later earned him a deputy minister”s award, a prestigious honour within the provincial public service.
In 2007 his rural railway expertise was sought overseas when he was invited to speak in Australia about the future of shortline rail in that country at a symposium presented by the Railway Technical Society of Australasia (RTSA) and Charles Sturt University. During the same trip Ed testified about his Saskatchewan shortline railway experience to the Government of Australia?s House of Representatives Standing Committee on Transport and Regional Services.
Ed is a charter member of the Lions Club, a member of the Knights of Columbus, and served as mayor of Pilot Butte, Sask. for over 20 years. He and his wife Marian have three daughters.
Inducted Into
The Saskatchewan Transportation Hall of Fame
June 2011
D. R. (Dave) Ridsdale
David Robert Ridsale was born in Dodsland, Sask., shortly after his family emigrated from England, and was raised on a small farm near Asquith. At age 18, he enlisted in the army and was trained as a driver / mechanic in the Reconnaissance Corps. In 1949, he and his older brother, Fred decided to utilize some of the skills they learned in the army, acquired an operating authority to serve seven town between Saskatoon and Manitou Beach. They bought a truck and went out to drum up some business. The first load for Ridsdale Transport was a five-pound carton for an implement dealer in Watrous.
Te main competition in the early days was rail. The brothers were able to complete by offering personalized same-day service with pickup and delivery with the same equipment. In the winter the provided heated service by incorporating a wood-burning heater, complete with chimney, in the truck box.
It certainly was not easy work. At the time, the Department of Highways did not clear the roads in the winter. This was done by local snowplow clubs, usually a group of farmers who would chip in to by a snow blower and look after a portion of the road. Occasionally, the roads would get so plugged the snowplow would abandon the road and plow a route through the fields were the snow was not so deep. Sometimes Dave would finish delivering the freight in the town and find several cars waiting at the edge of town for him to break the trail to the next town.
In 1961, the brothers dissolved their partnership. As his share of the company, Dave retained two five-ton trucks, a half-ton, and the original seven town operating authority. With determination and hard work, he continued to grow the company until his retirement in the 90’s. The foundation he built ensured that his family and employees could continue to grow and prosper. In 2009, Ridsale Transport Ltd. celebrated its 60th anniversary at which time its employee numbered over 250, serving over 200 Saskatchewan points, using 400 pieces of equipment from a network of 10 terminals including Winnipeg, Edmonton and Calgary. All of this from a five pound shipment in 1949.
During his career, Dave was a long time supporter of the Saskatchewan Trucking Association, serving as General Merchandise Conference Chairman, on Government Advisory Committees, and as President from 1980-81. He was awarded the prestigious Trailmobile Service to Industry Award in 1982. Some of the issues he dealt with were possible fuel allocation system due to a looming fuel shortage, lack of uniform standards between provinces for the trucking industry and, of long term consequence to the industry, the deregulation of Trucking Authorities.
Dave and his wife, Edith, had six children – four boys and two girls, several of whom are still actively involved in the industry. Dave’s maxim was to be fair and honest, to work hard and to take pleasure in a job well done. He enjoyed his work and made friends along the way. He had fierce loyalty to his long-term employees, which made his work the true definition of a family business.
Inducted Into
The Saskatchewan Transportation Hall of Fame
June 2010
S.E. (Sterling) Hornoi
Sterling Edward Hornoi was born and raised on his great grandfather’s farm near Rouleau Saskatchewan. He left school at an early age and, from August 1958 to 1970, drove a truck for Hornoi Transport Ltd., a company operated with his father. Used truck sales, a sideline, led to the formation of Sterling Truck & Trailer Sales in 1972.
In 1973 there was a railway strike and, on a business trip to Toronto, Mr. Hornoi noticed a large number of rental units on the roads. It occurred to him that there should be a demand for this type of service in Saskatchewan. Upon entering Regina, and with $1,800 down, he acquired his first three units and formed Hornoi Leasing Ltd. Within a year the feet had grown twenty highboys and ten vans – he had pioneered the truck and trailer leasing business in Western Canada.
Today Hornoi Leasing Ltd. is one of Canada’s largest leasing operations and, along with Sterling Truck & Trailers Sales, owns approximately 400 pieces of equipment and employs nearly 100 people.
Integral to the success of Mr. Hornoi’s companies is the ability to offer complete transportation solutions to a wide range of customers. Under one roof the can find new and used trucks and trailers, daily rentals, full service leases, finance leases, a collision center, and parts and service.
Over the years he has served his community and actively supported charitable organizations such as the Salvation Army, the Saskatchewan Abilities Council, the Canadian Red Cross, and the Children’s Health and Hospital Foundation of Saskatchewan.
Mr. Hornoi has been in the transportation business for nearly half a century. According to him a good deal of the credit goes to his wife Pat, his family, and dedicated employees who are always willing to go the extra mile. His companies are local, family owned and operated, with the next generation actively involved in day-to-day operations. Pat is Secretary Treasurer, son Shawn is operations manager, daughter Tammy is comptroller, and daughter Shannon is the accountant. This will ensure the organization’s future success.
Inducted Into
The Saskatchewan Transportation Hall of Fame
June 2009
A.C. (Clay) Dowling
A.C. (Clay) Dowling
Alan Clayton Dowling was born in Toronto, Ontario. At an early age his parents moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba where he was raised and educated. He sought employment in an industry of interest and excitement and found it in the transportation industry.
Shortly after the rail strike in the early 1970’s, an opportunity was presented at a pool car forwarder. Westway Forwarding was a young company that provided for and satisfied his ambitions; after several operational roles he became operations manager within two years. A few years later, Clay was asked to join their sales team. His combined operational and sales experiences provided for his promotion and transfer to branch manager in Saskatoon in 1984 and he held that position until their failure in 1987.
Third Party Logistics and Freight Brokerage was fairly new and almost nonexistent in Western Canada. Clay entered into this emerging business and the creation of Ghost Transportation Services. The failure of their local warehouse and local delivery supplier created an opportunity to add those capabilities to their market and offered a physical presence. Changing market conditions led to the addition of regional and long haul equipment to serve Canada and the United States markets by complimenting the non-asset capabilities.
Innovation, hard work and the passion of a committed staff created several businesses recognition milestones; one the Top 100 Fastest Growing Corporations in Canada by Profit Magazine in 1995; Top 40 Fastest Growing Corporations in Saskatchewan in 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2001 by Saskatchewan Business Magazine; ABEX and SABEX award winners in 2002 for Service Industry; SABEX finalist in 2002 for Service Industry; and Top 50 Saskatoon corporations in 2008 by Saskatoon Star Pheonix. Clay believes success is to be celebrated and recognized.
Clay was individually recognized in 2000 with the Transportation Award of Achievement for Initiative and Innovation in forming Ghost Transportation Services and in 2006 as a Man of Influence by Saskatchewan Business Magazine.
Clay’s comments and passions carry on through his commitment to the city of Saskatoon and the Province of Saskatchewan through involvements outside of business, but in the business community as: Past President of the North Saskatoon Business Association, Past President of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce, AHRDC Committee member, ACRE Committee member, past Director of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, Ambassador for Saskatoon through Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority, ACTION Saskatchewan chair, Big River Economic Development Committee, Mentor in Raj Manek Mentorship Program, Charter member of TEC in Saskatoon and Committee member of 2 Prairie Ports Gateway and Inland Port undertaking. Clay believes if you draw from, you must put back.
Clay’s wife Marty, daughter Joleen and son Alan provide for family dynamics of support, patience and understanding, as family is our legacy.
Inducted Into
The Saskatchewan Transportation Hall of Fame
June 2008
Russel Marcoux
Russel Joseph Grant Marcoux, the eldest son of 12 children, was raised on the family dairy and grain farm near Viscount, Saskatchewan. In 1975, with the support of their father, Grant, the four Marcoux brothers, Russel, John, Joe and Tod, along with Russel’s wife Bonnie, ventured into the trucking business, which led to the creation of Marcoux Brothers Trucking in 1977.
In 1980, Russel and his two brothers purchased N. Yanke Transfer Ltd., which consisted of two trucks and five trailers, to secure Yanke’s operating authority to transport grain, fertilizer and general merchandise throughout Western Canada and the northwestern United States.
Today, the Yanke Group of Companies consists of seven separate operating groups that include Yanke Expedited Services, Yanke International Van, Container Port of Saskatchewan, Yanke Logistics, Yanke Multimodal, Cool Blue Xpress and Aero Delivery operated by Brett Marcoux, Russel and Bonnie’s son. The organization has grown exponentially since it was formed and today consists of nearly 2000 pieces of equipment and approximately 750 people. Mr. Marcoux states that his growth could have not been accomplished without the support and assistance of his wife, Bonnie, particularly from an administrative, accounting and family perspective.
Russel admits that, in the early days, he concentrated almost solely on growth and numbers eventually came to realize that the people of the company were key to his success. Today, Yanke is very focused on its people and has made substantial investments in hiring and training the right people and then providing a supportive, team environment that includes a full range of benefits and programs geared to the well being of its staff and operators.
This commitment to excellence has resulted in many awards for the Yanke Group of Companies, some of which are Saskatchewan’s ABEX Awards. including the Business of the Year in 2002, Canada’s Top 100 Employers, Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies from 1999 through to 2007, the Saskatchewan Labour Force Developing Board Training for Excellence Award, The Queen’s Golden Jubilee award in 2002 for significant contribution to compatriots, the community and Canada, and the SABEX Hall of Fame in 2007.
Mr. Marcoux has always been strong believer in giving back to his industry and his community. He served as Chairman and Director of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, as Director of Farm Credit Canada, as Chairman and Director of St. Paul’s Hospital, as Director for the Canadian Trucking Association, on the Board of Governors for Junior Achievement where Yanke was recently inducted into the JA Hall of Fame, and was a founder of Synergy Today, an organization dedicated to jobs for young people. He has also served on numerous fund raising committees such as the Children’s Health and Hospital Foundation, the United Way, The Saskatchewan Diabetes Association, St. Andrew’s College, St. Martin’s Church, Saskatchewan Special Olympics, the Heart and Stroke Foundation and Sherbrooke Homes.
Although only 5 percent of Yanke’s revenue comes from Saskatchewan, Mr. Marcoux has kept the company headquartered here because Saskatchewan is home. His family is here. His roots are deep and loves the province.
Inducted Into
The Saskatchewan Transportation Hall of Fame
June 2007
D.C. (Dennis) Goll
Dennis Charles Goll was born in Flin Flon, Manitoba. At an early age he began to work in the oil fields to earn money to pursue a flying career and, in 1972, graduated with honors from the first flight-training school program at Mount Royal College in Calgary. Following graduation he worked as a pilot with a regional airline in Saskatchewan.
Mr. Goll’s aviation career of over 35 years has included all facets of the industry, from work as a pilot through management and ownership of a diverse aviation organization. With over 14,000 flying hours he has flown throughout Canada, the U.S.A., and Mexico. One of his most personally satisfying accomplishments has been flying into almost all of the remote communities in the Northwest Territories.
In 1983, with Mr. Goll as the driving force and visionary, West Wind Aviation was established as a two person, one aircraft operation, with the primary focus on service and quality. Despite the arrival of airline deregulation, a struggling Saskatchewan economy, and a general mood of pessimism that prevailed in the early 1980’s, he recognized the need for a first class charter and executive air service. Through Mr. Goll’s leadership, and his strong philosophy of providing the higest level of safety and service to customers, West Wind evolved into a dynamic, growing organization.
Originally established to provide corporate air charter service, West Wind’s strong commitment to the resource sector of northern Saskatchewan has been a major contributing factor to its growth. Over time the demands and challenges of the industry presented numerous opportunities resulting in new ventures, each contributing to the diversification of the organization. In 1993 Mr. Goll was instrumental in bringing a world-class level of service to Saskatoon with the construction of a corporate executive aviation facility – the Saskatoon Aerocentre. The Regina Aerocentre followed in 1994. In 2004 West Wind launched Express Air, offering quick business class service between Saskatoon and Regina. Shortly after, Pronto Airways, a regional commuter airline made its debut Today West Wind is recognized as Western Canada’s largest full support aviation operation.
With his constant pursuit of excellence, a positive attitude, and the ability to recognize opportunity, Mr. Dennis Goll, President and CEO, has led West Wind Aviation through the challenges of a highly competitive industry. His absolute, no compromise attitude towards safety and dedication to customer service has established a higher standard for aviation in the industry and resulted in his company being well recognized by customers, peers, and regulatory agencies.
Mr. Goll is a community minded individual and his leadership and organizational skills have been utilized on various committees in the communities where he has lived; he has served as advisor and consultant on numerous aviation projects and is a past Director for Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce and Ambassador to the City of Saskatoon with SREDA.
Inducted Into
The Saskatchewan Transportation Hall of Fame
June 2006
E. (Erwen) Siemens
Mr. Erwen Siemens founded Kindersley Transport Ltd., now a part of the Siemens Transportation Group, in 1962. He was 21 years old and had been working in his father’s trucking business since the age of fifteen. While working for his father he got a first hand look at how a trucking busi-ness operated as he was involved in all aspects of the business including driving for several years. Although the knowledge gained in these years would assist him when he started his own business, it was his intuitive skills that would make him successful.
He has a definite passion for the trucking industry. He has been a mem-ber of the Saskatchewan Trucking Association for over 30 years and the Canadian Trucking Association for over 15 years. In both associations he served as President, which was a significant commitment as it took impor-tant time away from his own business. He had the desire to see the indus-try grow and develop into a respectful profession. Through both these organizations he was honoured with the “Trailmobile Industry Person of the Year” for his positive contributions and impact to the motor truck industry. During his term as President of the CTA, he was instrumental in the partnership development of the Mexican, American and Canadian Trucking Associations. This partnership formed a foundation to permit carriers to operate more freely between the countries.
Erwen is a skilled negotiator. He takes the approach of a win-win deal. He understands the needs of the other parties to achieve their goals. He is aware that another deal will occur in the future and that fair honest bar-gaining is the only way to deal.
The ability to read people and to trigger on their strengths and capabilities is an absolute asset of Erwen. This ability has assisted him in developing a competent staff that is loyal to him. His key people are all long time employees, which is essential for sustainable growth and stability.
He has been and is heavily involved in his community church where he has served on several boards such as the Redberry Bible Camp (camp for children), Central Haven Personal Care Home (seniors’ care home), and moderator (head of the church board).
He is a dedicated family man who has raised five children (Doug, Darrell, Terry, Thomas and Lisa) with his wife Lily Ann while building his business. This is his greatest accomplishment as both his business and family have been built with solid foundations while facing many challenges. Erwen is currently working with and mentoring his four sons.
Inducted into The
Saskatchewan Transportation Hall of Fame
June 2005
D. G. (Dennis) Doehl
Dennis Gerald Doehl was born and raised in Southey, Saskatchewan, and at 17 took his first step into the transportation industry as a driver/salesman with Me!hill Beverages (Pepsi-Cola) in Regina. In 1964 he purchased Jay’s, a small trucking operation from Jay Geddes. Jay’s Moving and Storage was born.
Over the next forty years Jay’s expanded to over 13 branches with two major divisions, moving and freight, employing over 400 people in Saskatchewan and Alberta and operating over 500 pieces of equipment. Despite this tremendous growth it remains a family owned and operated business, headquartered in Regina, and Mr. Doehl’s leadership has earned Jay’s a reputation as one of the finest transportation companies in Canada.
During this time Mr. Doehl recognized the potential and opportunities in Saskatchewan and continued to grow his company. He purchased over 20 other companies, adjusted days of service to meet the changing needs of customers, and improved the quality of that service. Today Jay’s serves over 250 large and small Saskatchewan communities.
Mr. Doehl dedicated his career to making the transportation industry more professional and more accountable to the public it serves. He has been a member of the Saskatchewan Trucking Association since 1966, a Board member for over 30 years, and was treasurer for 10 years. In 1999 he received the STA Trailmobile Service to Industry Award which recognized his leadership to the trucking industry. He is a past President of the Saskatchewan Trucking Safety Council and was on the Board for two years.
Mr. Doehl has served on the Boards of the Canadian Tariff Bureau, the Canadian Association of Movers, and the Canadian Trucking Association. On a national level he has been affiliated with Atlas Van Lines since 1970 and has been on their Board for 32 years. As an executive member of this board he helped define policies and guidelines that shaped the industry in Canada.
Mr. Doehl always felt a deep personal responsibility to give something back to the communities where he does business, and in doing so has become known for his generosity to many local charitable organizations. As well, earlier this year, he established five $2,000 annual post secondary Scholarships for deserving children of Jay’s employees.
Although dedicated to building a successful business Mr. Doehl never failed to take time to contribute to the industry that afforded his success. His candid input, insight, and forthright observations, were much valued and left a lasting impression on the transportation sector.
Inducted into The
Saskatchewan Transportation Hall of Fame
June 2004
D. L. (Donna) Goertzen
Donna Lois Goertzen was born and raised near Estevan, Sask. Her grand-father was one of the first homesteaders in the area and her father continued the tradition. Mrs. Goertzen’s early work experience was with the Farm Credit Corporation in Regina. Later she moved to British Columbia and held the position of accountant for an automotive dealership. She entered the transportation industry in 1984 with the accounting department of an international carrier based in Saskatchewan. When Braunkohle Transport, now RSB Logistic, was founded in 1985 by a German conglomerate, Mrs. Goertzen was appointed Director of Finance of the new operation. In 1986 she became involved in the operations side of this international transportation company and was appointed General Manager. In 1991 she was promoted to President.
Under Mrs. Goertzen’s management and direction RSB Logistic in North America has grown from a start up operation to a mature, well known and well respected international transportation company specializing in the safe and efficient worldwide transport of radioactive materials.
For nearly twenty years Mrs. Goertzen has participated in all facets of the transportation business, including sales to customers in North America and many other parts of the world, establishing satellite offices in both Canada and the U.S., and ensuring that the operations of RSB Logistic are, first and foremost, carried out in strict compliance with safety regulations.
Mrs. Goertzen is an acknowledged expert in the international commercial nuclear fuel community with respect to radioactive materials transport and leads the North American arm of this activity, working closely with her German counter-parts, even to the extent of having become comfortable with the use of the German language. She is an active participant in the World Nuclear Transport Institute and the World Nuclear Association. She is a member of both the Canadian Nuclear Society and the ANSI N14 Standards Committee, the American body which sets standards for the packaging and transportation of radioactive materials.
Inducted into The
Saskatchewan Transportation Hall of Fame
June 2003
J. W. (Joe) Kanuka, Q.C.
Joseph William Kanuka was born and raised in Regina. His parents, who came to Canada from the Ukraine, stressed the importance of education, respect for elders, and the law. After high school Mr. Kanuka studied Commerce at the University of Saskatchewan where one of his professors remarked that he should think about going into law because it was doubtful he would ever be an accountant.
Mr. Kanuka was called to the Saskatchewan Bar in 1959. One of his clients, an oil transporter, recommended him to the Saskatchewan Trucking Association who needed someone to act on behalf of a number of highway carriers wishing to oppose a railway application for certain trucking rights.
Even though the hearing was the next day Mr. Kanuka, who knew little about the highway transportation industry, agreed to take the case. After spend-ing a long evening with about ten truckers who educated him about their business, he went to the hearing the following morning and won his case. After that he had ten or more highway carriers who would go nowhere else. He had become a trucking lawyer.
During the following years Mr.Kanuka practiced extensively in the area of transportation law, acting for hundreds of motor carriers, providing advice on all matters that effect transport operations, and appearing before most transportation boards in Canada and the Interstate Commerce Commission in the United States. He has long been regarded as an expert in this area. In the past several years he has also become involved in the regulation of short line railways in Saskatchewan.
In his long and illustrious transportation career Mr. Kanuka was directly associated with many highway carrier issues. Some of the most memorable in which he participated were approaching the Highway Boards in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Alberta, to have joint hearings; approaching the Boards throughout Canada to have joint hearings; co-operation meetings between the three prairie Boards and the U.S. Interstate Commerce Commission; being a founding member, and president, of the Canadian Transportation Lawyers Association and being elected an honourary life member.
Throughout his life Mr. Kanuka stressed the benefits of education and sports, and he and his wife June-Ann instilled this belief in their five children, all of whom excel in sports and their professions. Mr. Kanuka, who was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1979, is currently the senior partner of Kanuka Thuringer in Regina. He is a member of the Canadian and American Transport Lawyers Association, the Canadian Trucking Association, the Law Society of Saskatchewan, and the Canadian and Regina Bar Associations, and is a past lecturer at the University of Regina. A life long interest and involvement in sports led to his induction into the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame in 1998.
Inducted into The
Saskatchewan Transportation Hall of Fame
June 2002
A. T. (Art) Bergan
Arthur Theodore Bergan was born in Assiniboia, Saskatchewan, where he joined the Saskatchewan Department of Highways, supervising the design and construction of highways. He attended the University of Saskatchewan, obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering in 1961.
After graduation, Dr. Bergan continued his road-building career, supervising the design and construction of highways, many in previously undeveloped regions in north and northeastern Saskatchewan. An estimated 500 miles of Saskatchewan highway were built under his supervision, through such challenging terrain as permafrost and muskeg.
Dr. Bergan completed his Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering at the U of S in 1964. He then began a career in academia with the U of S Department of Civil Engineering. At the same time, he continued to orchestrate many large road construction projects.
In 1968, he took an educational leave to earn a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from the Transport Institute of the University of California at Berkeley. Returning to teach at the U of S, over the years Dr. Bergan supervised 46 M.Sc. and Ph.D. students, a number of whom are now leaders in the transportation engineering field. He remains a respected mentor to his former students, continuing to provide sound advice and guidance to many.
Recognized as an international authority on transportation engineering, Dr. Bergan has authored numerous refereed journals and conference proceedings; served on countless college, national and international professional committees; was appointed President of the Canadian Technical Asphalt Association; and served as Assistant Dean of the College of Engineering from 1978 to 1983. He is a member of the Association of Professional Engineers of Saskatchewan and many other engineering and transportation associations.
Dr. Bergan was also instrumental in establishing a network of Transportation Centres across Canada, under the mandate of Transport Canada. The network has evolved into Canada’s lead center of excellence in transportation safety research, with research centres located across Canada, including the University of Saskatchewan. The network continues active today, conducting vital research in traffic safety, with Dr. Bergan at the helm in Saskatchewan.
In the late 1970s, Dr. Bergan spearheaded the development of a weigh-in-motion scale, capable of weighing trucks travelling at highway speeds. This new technology led to the formation in 1980 of International Road Dynamics (IRD), a Saskatoon company specializing in the area of weight-in-motion, commercial vehicle operations enforcement and intelligent transportation systems.
Under Dr. Bergan’s 20 years of leadership as Chairman of the Board, IRD has become an international leader in Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). The company produces and markets its technologies in over 30 countries around the world, generating gross annual revenues in excess of $20 million. IRD directly employs 140 people, and contracts with many local suppliers and tradespeople.
Inducted into the
Saskatchewan Transportation Hall of Fame
October 2001
A. R. (Ross) Walker
Ross Allan Walker was born in Lindsay, Ontario. Growing up on a mixed farm, with emphasis on dairy cattle, he shovelled a lot of manure. One cold winter day he firmly resolved that, much as he liked cows, he would pursue a career other than in agriculture.
After graduation from Lindsay Collegiate in 1947 Mr. Walker joined Canadian National Railways. He began as Asst. Agent and progressed through increasingly senior positions. More recent examples would be Area Manager, Thunder Bay and Winnipeg, 1969-1971; Director, Accident Prevention and Safety, Montreal, 1971-1972; Chief of Transportation, Montreal, 1972-1979; Vice-President, Mountain Region, Edmonton, 1979-1985; Senior Vice-President, Western Canada, Edmonton, 1985-1994.
As Senior Vice-President, Western Canada, Mr. Walker had overall responsibility for a business with annual revenues in excess of two billion dollars, expenditures of $850 million, annual capital expenditures of $150 million, and a work force of ten thousand people. His management responsibilities included the development and implementation of financial, operational and human resource policies for CN’s Western Canadian railway operations.
In addition to the regular day to day matters, he was directly involved in the following issues which had significant impact on the Province of Saskatchewan:
- the great Crow Rate debate.
- the Prairie Branch Line Rehabilitation Program and the expansion and upgrading of rail lines to Vancouver and Prince Rupert.
- development of incentive rates for grain movement.
- development of the port at Ridley Island for grain and coal loading.
Mr. Walker has served as director with the Western Transportation Advisory Council, CIC Canola Industries of Canada, Canac Consultants, Northwestel, CN Explorations, and Integrated Resources Inc.
He was held the office of Governor of Junior Achievement of Alberta, Governor of the Business Council of B.C., and received the award of Officer, Order of St. John.
It is interesting to note that, in retirement, Mr. Walker owns and operates a 1500 acre cattle ranch at Rocky Mountain House, Alta.
Inducted into the
Saskatchewan Transportation Hall of Fame
June 2000
W. D. (Bill) Preston
William Dent Preston was born in Rosetown, Sask. and received his elementary and high schooling there. Following Grade 12 he attended the University of Saskatchewan, receiving a B.A. (Economics) and a Law degree. He also attended an LL.M. program (advocacy) at Northwestern University, Chicago, Ill.
For the past thirty years, during Saskatchewan Motor Transport’s economic evolution from the railways’ oligarchy of the late 1960s and early 1970s, through the Highway Traffic Board’s paternalistic management of the late 1970s to the early 1990s, and the present environment of continental safety regulation, Mr. Preston has supported the industry as an advocate, adviser and lobbyist.
- as an Advocate, he provided insights on the economics and operations of the LTL industry, both when the railways were withdrawn in the 1970s and when couriers were entering in the 1980s. He has worked for 15 to 20 LTL carriers and a like number of truckload carriers at one time or another.
- now, as an Adviser, he is assisting Saskatchewan carriers stretching into the United States, with safety, immigration and customs compli
- as a Lobbyist, he is a founding member and past director of the Canadian Transport Lawyers Association, addressing the importance of equity and uniformity in North American truck regulation, including addresses to the Saskatchewan Trucking Association urging economic deregulation after years of regulatory paternalistic management.
Mr. Preston, who is a diabetic and had a kidney transplant in 1990, has devoted a great deal of time to public service. He is presently a representative to the Saskatoon District Planning Commission; treasurer of Arbitration and Mediation Institute of Saskatchewan; a member of the St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation Major Gifts Committee; vice-president of the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation — Saskatoon Chapter; on the Board of Directors of Juvenile Diabetes Foundation of Canada; past president of Synergy To-day; spokesman for Kidney Foundation of Canada; past chair of Transplant Games Association; past secretary of Saskatoon Medico-Legal Society; past president of Optimist Club of Saskatoon; and a founding member of the Just-Say-No program against drugs in Saskatoon.
Mr. Preston is a founding member of the Canadian Transport Lawyers Association and has been a director on this board three times, providing valuable input for Saskatchewan. He has been a partner with the law firm of MacDermid LaMarsh in Saskatoon since 1976.
Inducted into the
Saskatchewan Transportation Hall of Fame
June 1999
R. J. (Reg) Lewis
Reginald John Lewis was born into a transportation family in Moose Jaw, Sask. His grandfather ran a hansom cab company in London at the turn of the century. His father was a contract carrier for the Post Office in Moose Jaw, first with a horse and buggy and then truck. In 1932 the senior Lewis moved to Saskatoon and began Lewis and Sons Transport.
The business required total family input and Reg’s responsibilities grew from washing trucks to driving. During high school he often drove a truck at night, arriving home in time for breakfast and then classes. He worked holidays and off hours, accumulating considerable highway miles and experience
With the coming of war, Reg joined the Canadian Navy and served three years in North Atlantic convoy escort duty. On his discharge in 1945 he joined his brothers Les and Bert in Lewis and Sons Transport. He soon accepted more responsibility and his father turned management of the company over to him. Lewis and Sons expanded to cover the Province intra and extra provincially.
In 1958 Canadian Motorways purchased Lewis and Sons. Reg, Les, and Bert were retained to operate as Soo-Security Motorways. Reg’s initial responsibilities were as Regional Manager for Northern Saskatchewan and Northern Alberta, followed by Saskatchewan and Alberta, serving in Saskatoon and Regina. He then moved to Winnipeg as Director of Marketing, General Manager and, finally, as President and General Manager in 1975. During his tenure as President and GM the company purchased Skingle Transport, Ball Cartage, McArthur and Sons, and Chapman and Carson Northern. New and larger terminals were built, and innovations such as triple trains were developed with Saskatchewan Government co-operation.
In 1980 Mr. Lewis was appointed Senior Vice President, Canadian Motorways, and in 1982 he assumed the position of Senior Consultant and retained that position until his retirement in 1987.
Mr. Lewis had forty years of association and trade activity at both the provincial
and federal levels. Following is a partial history of his service and achievements:
Saskatchewan Trucking Association — Director 1952-73, and President three terms. Gross weight limits raised from 48,000 lbs. to 72,000 lbs; Canadian Trucking Association — Director 1952-82, President three terms, and Special Consultant 1981-87; Chairman, National Energy Committee; Federal Grain Committee; Transport Canada Highways Transportation Research and Development Board; Senior Grain Transportation Committee; Roads and Transportation Association of Canada; Canadian Metric Commission; Chairman, Human Resources Development Committee, Canada Manpower and Immigration.
Mr. Lewis received Trailmobile’s Man of the Year award in 1964 and again in 1983; he served on the Saskatchewan Government’s Advisory Council on Transportation from 1958-64, and was a member of the Saskatchewan Highway Traffic Board from 1964-74, the first non civil servant appointed to this Board.
Mr. Lewis attributes the success that he may have had in the freight business to good honest competition, a dedicated staff, and the understanding and participation of a family which permitted him to devote many hours to the various interests involved in highway transportation.
Inducted into the
Saskatchewan Transportation Hall of Fame
June 1998
R. L. (Roger) McCallum
Roger Lee McCallum was born in Saskatoon and, in 1953, began work with the O.K. Economy retail store chain. In 1955 he moved to the grocery warehouse division of Federated Co-operatives. He was attracted to the traffic and transportation business at Federated and took a pay cut in 1957 to begin his career in transportation/distribution logistics.
He became supervisor working with the warehouses, buyers, logistics processes, car fleet, expanding the private trucking fleet, customs, claims, and developed alliances and friendships with department people, carriers, shippers and receivers, that have lasted to this day.
In 1961 Mr. McCallum became Traffic Manager with Intercontinental Packers, with responsibility for other plants, the private carrier fleet which he expanded, plant delivery fleets, the car and tank car fleets, inter-plant hauls, claims, and customs. In 1975 the sales/order entry system became an added responsibility along with that of management office union negotiator, Western Canada Metric Transportation Committee. Between 1977 and 1979 he served as Corporate Director of Materials Management and then Director of Public Relations and Public Affairs.
In 1979 Mr. McCallum entered the general merchandise common carrier field as General Manager, Ridsdale Transport, and then as partner/CEO of W.C. Hill Transport, hauling mine and speciality products, and petroleum. In 1982 he established McCallum Consultant Services Ltd., serving shippers, carriers, and receivers.
In 1985 Mr. McCallum joined Saskatchewan Highways and Transportation as Senior Physical Distribution Officer and then Manager of the Logistics Advisory Program. This province-wide program advises shippers, carriers, and receivers, in logistics management practices and assists specific clients in realizing on identified deficiencies and potential opportunities. Mr. McCallum’s personal efforts as facilitator/co-ordinator helped in the establishment of Container Port of Saskatchewan Corp.
Mr. McCallum has authored magazine articles, has guest written in Canadian Shipper, and has authored and collaborated on material for three manuals currently in circulation. He maintains association with the Canadian Industrial Transportation League, Saskatchewan Trucking Association, Chartered Institute of Transport, Canadian Association of Logistics Management, Saskatoon Traffic Club (Charter Member), and Logistics Council of Canada.
Inducted into the
Saskatchewan Transportation Hall of Fame
June 1997
J. W. (Jack) McCaig
John Waters McCaig was born in Thornhill, Scotland. In 1919 the McCaig family emigrated to Canada, settling in Ogema, Sask.
Mr. McCaig had many jobs over the next few years. In 1928, he began delivering coal with a horse and wagon in Moose Jaw, Sask.
In 1930 Mr. McCaig bought his first truck and began Regina Beach Transfer. In 1931-32 he sold this business and established McCaig Cartage Co. in Moose Jaw with two second hand trucks and a semi trailer he constructed himself. He delivered wooden sheds and petroleum storage tanks, followed by gravel hauling and road construction. Ten years after starting with a horse and wagon, he owned five trucks. In 1941 he sold his thriving business to enlist in the army, serving until 1944 when he returned home and reactivated McCaig Cartage.
In 1945 Mr. McCaig formed MACCAM Ltd. with Al Cameron. The company name was derived from their nicknames. In the same year the partnership secured the Moose Jaw Ford-Lincoln-Mercury dealership. MACCAM became two companies — MACCAM Ltd. which sold cars and MACCAM Transport which was the trucking business.
Two other endeavours soon developed, MACCAM Construction Ltd., and Dominion Auto Carriers which resulted in the first over-the-road hauling of new automobiles from Eastern to Western Canada.
In 1952 MACCAM was split, with Mr. McCaig retaining the trucking and construction companies. He had always encouraged his sons to be part of the business and, in 1960, a holding company, Trimac Limited for the three McCaig boys, was formed.
In 1960 Trimac acquired H. M. Trimble & Sons, operating in Alberta and B.C., to compliment MACCAM’s business in Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Further expansion brought routes into Eastern Canada, and ICC authority was secured for operations into the U.S.A.
In 1967 the trucking companies began operating as Trimac Transportation, which name served to identify the two original companies MACCAM and Trimble. Trimac is headquartered in Calgary, with Mr. McCaig’s son J. R. (Bud) McCaig as Chairman of the Board, and Bud’s son Jeff, President and CEO.
Mr. McCaig strived to advance the trucking industry. He served as President, Saskatchewan Motor Transport Association, 1947-1952, and President, Canadian Trucking Association, 1952-1953. He believed his drivers were “Knights of the Road”, courteous, safe, and always ready to assist motorists with vehicle difficulty. He insisted on clean trucks and premises, and introduced driving awards and safe driving pay bonuses.
Mr. McCaig devoted a great deal of time to public service. In 1960 he was Vice-President, Moose Jaw Chamber of Commerce, and Saskatchewan Director, Canadian Chamber of Commerce. In 1964 he became a founding director of the Saskatchewan Economic Development Corp. and, in 1965, led the Saskatchewan Diamond Jubilee and Centennial Corp. to mark the Province’s sixtieth anniversary. He chaired the corporate gifts division of the Moose Jaw YM-YWCA to build a new community sports centre.
Inducted into the
Saskatchewan Transportation Hall of Fame
June 1996
J. R. (Jack) Sutherland
John Raymond Sutherland was born in Heward, Sask. and raised on the family farm. He completed high school in Stoughton, Sask. and graduated from the University of Saskatchewan in 1953 with a Civil Engineering degree.
Mr. Sutherland joined the Saskatchewan Department of Highways and Transportation in 1953 as a resident engineer in charge of construction projects. Over the years he was promoted to positions of increasing importance until 1981 when he became Deputy Minister, responsible for administration of the department and management of the highways system in Saskatchewan. He remained Chief Executive Officer of the department until his retirement on July 1, 1992.
Mr. Sutherland’s leadership and foresight had a significant influence on the development of the highway system in Saskatchewan. Some major initiatives included:
- Operation Open Roads and Operation Main Street, which provided small communities with better highway access and funding for paving main streets.
- Transportation assistance programs to provide bus service to rural communities and transit service for handicapped persons in urban centres.
- Passage of a new Railway Act that facilitated establishment of Saskatchewan’s first producer owned shortline railway.
- Design and construction of five major air bases in northern Saskatchewan to provide service and fire protection for northern communities and forest resources.
- Development of several transportation technology initiatives to improve the safety and efficiency of commercial truck equipment.
- Design and construction of four lane highways and the introduction of passing lanes on two lane highways.
- Development of a Traffic Accident Information System, used by all police forces and other agencies in Saskatchewan.
For his distinguished service Mr. Sutherland was awarded the Lieutenant Governor’s Medal in 1987 by the Regina Chapter of the Institute of Public Administration of Canada. He served as President of the Roads and Transportation Association of Canada from 1985-86 and, during his tenure with RTAC, chaired a committee of Deputy Ministers established to oversee a major initiative to improve truck safety and harmonize vehicle weights and dimensions across Canada.
In 1993 he received an award from the Saskatchewan Trucking Association and the Truck Transportation Industry for his contributions to that industry.
Mr. Sutherland is on the board of directors of the Santa Maria Nursing Home and the Regina Rotary Club. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus, serves on a committee of the Regina Early Learning Centre, and is a former board member of the John Paul II Catholic Centre.
Inducted into the
Saskatchewan Transportation Hall of Fame
June 1995
R. D. (Dick) Mahara
Richard Dick Mahara was born in Musidora, Alta. in 1910, and was raised on the family farm at Morecambe, Alta. He went to school there to Grade 10.
Mr. Mahara, employed by the CPR, came to Saskatchewan in 1930. After being laid off by the railway he worked for a garage in North Battleford where he also acted as a Commission Agent for Gray Goose Stage Line. In 1936 he became a driver with Gray Goose. So began a career in the bus industry that spanned over half a century.
In 1937 Gray Goose Stage Line was purchased by Midland Bus Lines and Mr. Mahara became Midland’s Terminal Manager in North Battleford. Midland was, in turn, purchased by Greyhound Lines in 1938. Mr. Mahara served Greyhound as Terminal Manager in North Battleford, and relief District Superintendent in Saskatoon.
In 1946 he became Traffic Manager with Saskatchewan Transportation Company, and during his time with STC was Asst. General manager of Operations, Acting General Manager, and Operations Manager.
In 1966 Mr. Mahara accepted the position of Sales Manager with Western Flyer Coach, Winnipeg, and in 1967 became Canadian Sales Representative with Motor Coach Industries, Winnipeg.
In 1969 he was appointed District Superintendent, Greyhound Lines, Calgary, and in 1970 became Regional Manager of Greyhound’s Central Region, and Canadian Coachways (Alberta) Ltd., a subsidiary of Greyhound Lines. In 1975 he retired on pension from Greyhound but was retained as Consultant, Eastern Canada.
From 1976-77 Mr. Mahara was General Manager, Farwest Bus Lines, Kitimat, B.C., and from 1978-88 was a Consultant with Moose Mountain Lines, Regina. From 1988 to 1989 he acted as part time Consultant with Capital Coach Lines Inc.
Mr. Mahara was on the Executive of the Saskatchewan Highway Safety Council from its inception until 1966. He is a Charter Member and an Honourary Lifetime Member of the Western Canada Motor Coach Association. He was made a Lifetime Member of the North West Commercial Travellers Association in 1991. He is a Charter Member of the Regina Chapter of Skal Club International.
A Mason since 1950, and a Shriner since 1952, Mr. Mahara maintains a close association with these organizations to the present time.
In May, 1986, Mr. Mahara was presented with an award by the employees in the bus industry to mark fifty years of continuous service.
Inducted into the
Saskatchewan Transportation Hall of Fame
June 1994
F. R. (Floyd) Glass
Floyd Glass was born on a farm near Kerrobert, Saskatchewan in 1916 and received his public school education there. In 1933, because of drought and the depression, his parents moved the family to Prince Albert where his father started a creamery business. He finished his high school and then took courses at the Ontario Agriculture College. He worked at the family creamery until the start of World War II.
Early in 1940 every commercial pilot in Canada was asked by the Canadian Government to join the R.C.A.F. Prior to this time Mr. Glass had become interested in flying and, after purchasing an airplane for $450, he obtained a private and commercial pilot’s licence. With the R.C.A.F. he was a British Commonwealth Air Training Plan instructor until 1945. In his spare time he did some bush flying in northern Saskatchewan.
At the end of the war Mr. Glass returned to Prince Albert. He now very much enjoyed flying and decided to make it a career rather than returning to the dairy business. He became a pilot and roving field officer with the Saskatchewan Dept. of Natural Resources. The government provided an aircraft for his travel throughout the north.
During the next three years a fleet of ten aircraft was acquired to carry out government work. In 1947, following his recommendation to the Minister of Natural Resources concerning the need for a commercial air service, Mr. Glass was delegated to set up Saskatchewan Government Airways. This new company was to provide scheduled and chartered flights throughout northern Saskatchewan, and Mr. Glass was appointed General Manager.
In 1950 Mr. Glass resigned from Saskatchewan Government Airways in order to look at other opportunities. He did some flying on the west coast for two years but, with the uranium boom in Saskatchewan, an excellent opportunity seemed to exist right back in the country he knew best. He formed Athabaska Airways Ltd. and commenced operations in February, 1955.
Since this date, Athabaska Airways has grown and prospered. Starting with one float plane, the present day fleet comprises 25 aircraft and 10 helicopters. Charter bases have been established throughout northern Saskatchewan. The company is involved in Charter and schedule passenger service, freight handling, survey work, oil exploration, forest fire suppression, hardrock drilling support and medical evacuation. In 1989 a scheduled service was established between Regina/Saskatoon/Prince Albert and northern Saskatchewan. Two new 19-passenger aircraft were purchased for this service.
In 1990 Athabaska Airways received the Samuel McLeod Award for Job Creation and Investment, in 1991 the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce Annual Business Excellence Award for Investment, and in 1992 the firm was inducted into the Saskatchewan Business Hall of Fame.
In 1992 Mr. Glass was awarded the Samuel McLeod Legacy Award for outstanding performance in business, and was made a Life Member of the Prince Albert Chamber of Commerce.
Although Mr. Glass has flown over 30,000 hours, he still finds it a thrill. Today he has more time to do as he pleases, which means working on his 3,000 acre farm near Prince Albert, or developing his 800 acre island in the Bahamas.
Inducted into the
Saskatchewan Transportation Hall of Fame
June 1993
K. K. Siemens
Kornelius Kornelius Siemens was born near Ufa, Russia, and immigrated to Canada in 1926, settling on a farm in the Balgonie-Pilot Butte area of Saskatchewan.
By 1937, after eleven years of drought and wind, Mr. Siemens realized the land would not provide for his growing family. He moved to Saskatoon and bought a general freight truck line business. At forty years of age he was gambling on building a career in motor truck transport.
With one old truck, long hours and much hard work, he serviced the Saskatoon-Beechy route for three years. He then sold his business at a profit and purchased a more lucrative franchise. A second truck was acquired during the 1940-42 period.
In 1943 Mr. Siemens began transporting gasoline for the Alaska Highway. After several months he returned from Alaska to haul petroleum and petroleum products, and machinery, in Saskatchewan.
Agreed charges resulted in most of the petroleum returning to the railways, but Siemens Transport adapted by increasing its share of machinery transportation and, in 1957, starting to haul bulk cement in air slide tanker trucks. Bagged and bulk cement, along with heavy machinery, still represent major traffic for Siemens Transport and Service Ltd. of Saskatoon.
Mr. Siemens was one of the founders, and served as a director, of the Saskatchewan Trucking Association. He was a strong supporter and promoter of STA truck rodeo programs, always ensuring that as many of his drivers as possible took the driver training course. Several captured top honours in this program.
In 1966 Canadian Trailmobile Limited presented Mr. Siemens with its Annual Award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the truck transportation industry and the Saskatchewan Trucking Association.
Mr. Siemens was also a member of the Canadian Trucking Association for many years. Throughout his career as a highway carrier he stressed the need for the trucking industry to improve its image and promote better relationships between truckers and the public.
Inducted into the
Saskatchewan Transportation Hall of Fame
June 1992
C. R. (Charlie) Pike
Charles Ronald Pike was born in 1926 in Regina, Sask. to railroading parents. His father was employed by the Canadian Pacific Railway for forty years, retiring as a senior official in the Passenger Dept. His mother had been a stenographer with CP. Both were residents of Regina for over fifty years.
In 1946 Mr. Pike began work with CP Rail in Regina as a rodman and junior transitman. He subsequently moved to CP’s regional headquarters in Winnipeg in 1953 where he served as Special Engineer and Division Engineer, in 1963 to Schreiber, Ont. as Division Engineer, in 1966 to Toronto as Asst. Engineer, Manager of Planning, and Superintendent, and in 1972 to system headquarters in Montreal as Asst. Chief Engineer, Chief Mechanical Officer, and Vice-President, Operation and Maintenance.
In 1982 Mr. Pike returned to Winnipeg as Vice-President of CP Rail’s Prairie Region. He retired from this position in 1987. Because of his experience he was asked to continue work with CP Rail, under a personal services contract, as a Senior Management Consultant.
Throughout his long and distinguished railway career he was involved with many significant developments in railway transportation in Western Canada and in Saskatchewan. Initially the maintenance of facilities for steam locomotion was a tremendous challenge. Then, in the 1950s, conversion to diesel power called for massive reorganization.
Some of the major accomplishments with which Mr. Pike was closely associated included: conception of the improved Air Flow Method of train braking, ultimately leading to adaptation of end-of-train monitoring devices and removal of the caboose; implementation of important changes in railway operating and safety procedures following the Mississauga derailment; development of the Rogers Pass Tunnel strategy; introduction of new locomotives specifically designed for prairie branch line service; construction of new facilities and implementation of a number of improved procedures which directly assisted Saskatchewan’s grain, potash and coal shippers.
Mr. Pike is a Professional Engineer, having graduated from the University of British Columbia in 1950. He was a Director of the Canada Grains Council, 1982-87, Director, Public Markets Ltd., 1982-87, Member, Senior Grain Transportation Committee, 1982-87, and has held senior positions with numerous other professional, business and community associations.
On his retirement Mr. Pike was informed by CP Rail’s Chairman and CEO that his had been not only a distinguished career but also the most varied of any officer in CP Rail. There was no one else who could lay claim to having worked in a senior capacity in Engineering, Mechanical, Operations, and Planning and Administration in the course of one career.
Inducted into the
Saskatchewan Transportation Hall of Fame
June 1991
B. W. (Basil) Hindmarsh
Basil William Hindmarsh was born in Cardinal, Ontario and moved to Saskatchewan on a permanent basis in 1916. He lived in Trossacks, Coronach, Buffalo Gap, Assiniboia, Moose Jaw, Regina, and Saskatoon.
In 1927 Mr. Hindmarsh acquired a farm near Coronach, Sask. Along with the farm came an old Model T Ford truck. He soon found himself hauling not only his own grain but that of his neighbours as well. He traded up to a heavier Model A and began hauling grain and livestock.
In 1937 he moved to Assiniboia as manager of the Assiniboia Co-op. In the same year he became involved in a trucking business which eventually grew to be Freightways Ltd. He was associated with this company until 1961. Also in 1937 he and two associates founded the Saskatchewan Trucking Association.
Mr. Hindmarsh was appointed Sheriff of Assiniboia in 1949. He also served on the town council and was Mayor for six years. In 1957 he was transferred to Moose Jaw as Sheriff. In 1958 he was appointed to the Mediation Board for the Province of Saskatchewan and, in 1961, became Chairman of that Board. In 1973 he was appointed to the Saskatchewan Highway Traffic Board and served in that capacity until 1982.
In 1978 he was a member of the Saskatchewan Transportation Advisory Council which reviewed the performance of the general merchandise trucking system in serving the needs of rural Saskatchewan.
Mr. Hindmarsh could boast that he had participated in fifty consecutive Saskatchewan trucking conventions and, in 1987, on the anniversary of its fiftieth convention, the Saskatchewan Trucking Association honoured him with its “Pioneer Award” to commemorate his dedication and contributions to the trucking industry. The Association also named him Honourary President for life.
Inducted into the
Saskatchewan Transportation Hall of Fame
June 1990
J. M. (Jim) McDonough
James M. McDonough was born in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan and received his education there and in Montreal. He joined Robin Hood Flour Mills in 1952, and assumed several positions with the company until 1965 when he joined the Federal Government as Supervisor of Subsidy Programs with the Feed Grain Administration. In 1966, he was named Director of the Feed Grain Administration. It was then that he worked on designing legislation leading to the Livestock Feed Assistance Act and the establishment of the Canadian Livestock Feed Board of which he became Executive Director in 1967. The Governor-in-Council appointed him a member of the Livestock Feed Board in 1968.
He was loaned to the Canada Grains Council in 1973 when it undertook to examine grain handling and transportation problems in Western Canada on behalf of the Federal Government. In 1975 he became Executive Director of the Grain Handling and Transportation (Hall) Commission, while remaining a member of the Canadian Livestock Feed Board in Ottawa.
He was appointed a Commissioner of the Canadian Transport Commission in 1977 and in 1979 became Senior Commissioner, Western Canada, responsible for the Commission’s new Western Division headquartered in Saskatoon. Concurrently, he served as a member of all modal committees of the Commission and Chairman of the International Transport Policy Committee. In 1984 Mr. McDonough was appointed by the government to conduct a study into the railway branch line system to explore and pursue the development of innovative options and alternatives to provide improved transportation services to those areas of Canada affected by rail branch line abandonment. This inquiry culminated with a report entitled “Report of the Inquiry into Railway Branch Lines” published in June 1985.
Mr. McDonough was appointed a Member of the National Transportation Agency January 1, 1988, and retired from the Agency on December 31, 1988.
Mr. McDonough is a Trustee of the Canadian Transportation Education Foundation, a member of the Chartered Institute of Transport, an Honourary Member of the Canadian Institute of Traffic and Transportation, and a member of the Arbitration and Mediation Association of Saskatchewan.
Inducted into the
Saskatchewan Transportation Hall of Fame
June 1989
H. F. (Mitch) Mitchinson
Harold (Mitch) Mitchinson was born in Wilkie, Saskatchewan and received his public school education in Hardisty, Alberta and his high school education at the Saskatoon Technical Collegiate Institute while living in Sutherland. It was in Sutherland that he married his wife Olive in 1939.
Mitch learned to fly with the Saskatoon Flying Club where he received his private pilot’s licence in 1936, followed by a commercial pilot’s licence in 1937 and concurrently he took an aircraft engineer’s apprenticeship during the years 1936 – 1938.
Mitch served with the RAF in World War II. Following the war in 1945 he became Chief Instructor for the Cub Aircraft Flying School in Hamilton, Ontario. In 1946 he moved to Saskatoon and started Mitchinson Flying School which for the first year concentrated on flying training and barnstorming at fairs in Saskatchewan.
In 1947, Mitch changed the name of his company to Mitchinson Flying Service Ltd. The full services of the company included flying training, aircraft sales, power line patrols for the Saskatchewan Power Corporation, wildlife surveys for the Department of Natural Resources and the Federal Wildlife Service, air photos for the Star Phoenix, and charter flights. Mitch is considered to be one of the pioneers of flying training instruction in Saskatchewan and it is estimated that as many as 100 students who graduated from the flying school have gone on to become pilots for commercial airlines in Canada.
Mitch retired in 1980 and he and his wife moved to British Columbia. His former company in Saskatoon still retains the name Mitchinson Flying Service Ltd. Mitch has qualified for his pilot’s licence for fifty years in a row.
Inducted into the
Saskatchewan Transportation Hall of Fame
June 1989
C. L. (Cal) Udell
C. L. (Cal) Udell was born and raised near Viscount, Saskatchewan.
He began his lifetime transportation career at age 23 from his home. With a 1949 Mercury 3-ton and a 1947 Chevrolet 3-ton he spent three years in a self-employed venture serving the agriculture and construction industries and the oil fields.
In 1951, he joined Trans-Canada Highway Express Limited as operations manager for Saskatchewan. In 1959, he became president and general manager of Continental Trucking Limited, based in Saskatoon, a position which he still holds.
During Cal Udell’s 40 years in the trucking industry, he has devoted much time and energy to public service. He was president of the Saskatchewan Trucking Association from 1970-72, and has served on the executive committee, the board of directors and the standards councils of the Canadian Trucking Association.
In 1975, Cal Udell was instrumental in organizing the C.T.A. National Safety Committee and he served as its Chairman until 1987. Under his chairmanship, significant improvements in policy and operations occurred. He actively promoted the C.S.C. Professional Driver Improvement Course which was designed to improve the driving practices of truck drivers. As well, he encouraged and supported the creation of a safety manual for use by trucking firms, which outlines safety practices not only in areas concerning vehicle operation but also ancillary activities such as terminal docks, warehouses and garages. Concentration on the selection, training and well being of the driver has been of primary importance in Cal Udell’s mind.
In 1977 Cal Udell was Saskatchewan Regional Chairman for NTW, in 1978 president of the Saskatoon Traffic Club, and in 1981, the National Transportation Week Secretariat honoured him by naming him Canada’s Transportation Man of the Year. In 1982 he was appointed to the Saskatoon Transit Vehicle Accident Adjudication Appeal Committee.
Inducted into the
Saskatchewan Transportation Hall of Fame
June 1989