HAMILTON, Ont. — Fluke Transport coined one of the more clever marketing slogans in the trucking industry: "If it’s on time, it’s a Fluke."

But luck had nothing to do with Bobby Fluke becoming a successful fleet owner and one of the most respected businessmen in Hamilton.

Bobby died in his sleep this past weekend, the Hamilton Spectator reports. He was 87.

The trucking pioneer was born in 1921, one year after his father started hauling goods with a single horse-drawn wagon. A few years later his father added a truck, and soon enough, Bobby joined the business and over the years, grew the fleet.

Ron Foxcroft, who bought the carrier from Fluke in 1983, told the paper that Bobby gave him some invaluable advice 25 years ago, including: "don’t haul steel or auto parts."

Surely, that tip comes in handy these days. "When you think about it, the people who are struggling in this industry today are the people who move steel, auto parts and go long distances," Foxcroft said.

When he took over the company, Foxcroft gave Fluke a lifetime contract for any position he wanted. Bobby stayed on until he was 80 years old and contributed part-time until just two years ago.

Fluke is survived by his son, brother Joseph and sister Jessie. He was predeceased by his wife Ethel, a daughter, Beverly, and brother Sam.