MONTREAL, Que. — John Pisarski, of St. Bruno, Que., was the toast of Expocam, as he collected the prestigious 2001 Owner/Operator of the Year Award.

Co-founding sponsors Cummins, Freightliner and Goodyear joined with Truck News in making the presentation to the owner of Montarville Laser, Inc., who has racked up more than 2 million accident-free kilometres in his career. It is interesting to note that Pisarski — or Crazy John as he is known on the CB — has run every one of those clicks since turning 60 years old.

“He never complains … he’s a model for all other truckers to follow,” says Stephan Beliveau, operations manager with Transport Mirald, Pisarski’s fleet.

Crazy John was nominated for the honor by his son Andre, who also happens to be an O/O. “He was so excited when he won, he called me on the cellular right away,” says the younger Pisarski. “He has always been a great role model for me growing up, I’m just so proud of him.”

As part of the extensive package, which will be outlined in greater detail in the December issue of Truck News, the Belgium-born, 69-year-old O/O will travel to any destination of his choosing.

“My wife Noella and I will probably go to see Belgium one last time,” says the victorious O/O who immigrated to Canada at the age of 17. “This is so wonderful to be chosen out of all Canadian owner/operators … Canadian truckers are the best in the world.”