Anderson Haulage mourns passing of founder Don Anderson

Don Anderson, founder of Don Anderson Haulage, passed away at his home on July 1. Anderson was an icon in the North American trucking industry and will be deeply missed by a huge cadre of family, friends and industry professionals.

“Through all the successes of his life, my dad always retained a sense of integrity and humbleness,” Michael Anderson, son of Mr. Anderson and president of Anderson Haulage, told the Stouffville Sun-Tribune.

Founded by Anderson in 1960, Anderson Haulage is considered one of Ontario’s most successful trucking companies. The company is based in Gormley, Ontario.

“Don was always with you on the good jobs, the bad jobs, the terrible weather and the long hours,” Ray Jollymore, a 35-plus-year employee of Anderson Haulage, said to the Sun-Tribune.

Anderson was known as hard working, demanding and honest. He started the business with a single gravel truck in 1960 and grew it into specialized industries including infrastructure, oil and gas and energy. In 2006, Anderson received the Ontario Trucking Association’s Service to Industry award.

Anderson is survived by his wife Maris and their four children, Michael, Elizabeth, Jane and Susie. Michael Anderson has been president of the company since 2002.

“Although we are terribly saddened that the founder of our company – my dad – is gone, we are comforted in knowing his legacy lives on,” Michael Anderson said. “In fact, his name lives and will continue to live in each and everything that we do. From our dedicated employees and loyal customers to our signature big blue trucks, his legacy will remain. Don Anderson Haulage will continue to do what we have always done and that is to deliver exceptional customer service to our valued customers. In fact, we will continue to do what my dad would order us to do and that is to ‘Keep on Trucking.”

Visitation for Don Anderson will be held at Dixon-Garland Funeral Home in Markham July 6, 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. and July 7, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. A celebration of Anderson’s life will be held at Le Parc Banquet Hall in Thornhill July 8 at 11 a.m.