CAMBRIDGE, Ont. — A sign that hung in John Slotegraaf’s shop for almost 45 years read: "If you want to kill time, try working it to death."

And thus it was after a lifetime spent building one of Canada’s most respected Mack dealerships and latterly, fighting a brave battle with Lou Gehrig’s Disease, John Slotegraaf Sr., founder of the Slotegraaf Group of Companies, passed away at the end of the workday on Tuesday, June 14.

Father of Dianne, Donna, Darlene and John Jr., and husband of more than half a century to Barb, Slotegraaf is also survived by 11 brothers and sisters and 13 grandchildren.

The Slotegraaf Group of Companies, which he started out of a two-bay service center in the town of Preston, Ont., now operates six locations and has more than 250 employees.

John Jr. is currently President.

Visitation and Funeral Service were held at Zion United Reformed Church of Sheffield, 238 Old Highway 8, Sheffield, Ontario.

In lieu of gifts or flowers, you are encouraged to make a donation to Edu Deo Ministries (formerly Worldwide Christian Schools) or the Ontario Christian Gleaners.

Watch the coming August issue of Today’s Trucking magazine for more on the life of this outstanding individual.