Industry saddened by loss of long-time veteran Bill Barber

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BRAMPTON, Ont. – Long-time industry veteran Bill Barber passed away quietly last Friday in Brampton. He was 87.

Born in Toronto on December 20, 1925, Barber spent over 50 years in the trucking business starting as a downtown city P & D  driver for Canadian Pacific Express. He was with CP for about 18 years in many roles, including driving, dispatching and conducting.

Also included in his industry tenure were over 25 years in sales with Consolidated Fastfrate. He would become an integral part of the company’s growth. He looked after sales in the Queensway area which was responsible for about as much freight for Fastfrate as the remainder of the GTA, according to his son Russ.

Barber retired about 20 years ago but he left his mark on the industry.

“When I started in trucking I can’t count how many times I was asked ‘Are you Bill’s son?’when I said my name was Barber,” recalls his son Russ, now the Mississauga terminal manager with Penner International.

“Pops was real genuine. What you saw was what you got. Always quick with a smile and a joke.  Everyone loved him.  He was always true to his word and that meant a lot to him. He would do anything for anybody. He loved Toronto and he was a proud Canadian,” Russ told Transportation Media, adding “He was very proud of his involvement with Fastfrate. Always wearing their trademark hat, t- shirt or sweatshirt.”

“He was just a great father, friend and human being.”

Barber was predeceased by his wife Dorothy. He was a loving father to Michele (Alfred), Russ (Joyce), Paul (Sandy), John (Darlene), Jody (Sonya) and Jill (Tab). He was also a  proud great grandfather.

Friends may call at the Brampton Memorial Chapel & Visitation Centre, 10061 Chinguacousy Rd., Brampton, Ontario (at Bovaird), 905-460-9155 on Thursday, April 11, 2013 from 5-8 p.m.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, April 12, 2013 at 12 noon in the Chapel. Private Inurnment at a later date. www.bramptonmemorial.com

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