Brian Kurtz passes away
GUELPH, Ont. – Brian Kurtz, the trucking industry icon who founded the company that bears his name, passed away Aug. 9 at the age of 72.
He founded Brian Kurtz Trucking 39 years ago with one truck, recalled the Ontario Trucking Association (OTA), and was proud of his family-run fleet and the entire industry. His first trucking job involved delivering turnips for his uncle’s farm.
He left a construction job to pursue a full-time trucking job, and began working for various companies. In the early 1970s, he purchased his first truck and became an owner-operator. He formed Brian Kurtz Trucking in 1980. Today, it runs more than 70 trucks, 130 trailers and employs 100 more than 100 people.
“Brian was larger than life, had a great sense of humor and had an enormous love for his family. He will be missed by all,” the OTA said in a statement.
A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, Aug. 18, at Bingemans (Embassy Hall) 425 Bingeman Centre Drive, Kitchener from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Memories will be shared at 1 p.m.
As expressions of sympathy, donations to Hospice Wellington or towards CJD Research (University of Alberta: Dr. Valerie Sim – Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Centre for Prions and Protein Folding Diseases. Checks payable to University of Alberta, memo: Centre for Prions Activities Speedcode 2765) would be appreciated by the family (cards will be available at the funeral home).
Flower donations for the family can be sent to the Henry Walser Funeral Home till 9 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 17. The funeral home will ensure they are transported to Bingeman’s for the celebration of life on Sunday.
Visit www.henrywalser.com for info on the memorial.
Have your say
This is a moderated forum. Comments will no longer be published unless they are accompanied by a first and last name and a verifiable email address. (Today's Trucking will not publish or share the email address.) Profane language and content deemed to be libelous, racist, or threatening in nature will not be published under any circumstances.
I always admired Brian Kurtz for the way he ran his business. Our industry was better because of Brian, and he will be missed by many. We hope his family, friends and staff find comfort at this difficult time. Sincerely, Roy Craigen, Edmonton.