DON DEMPSEY REMEMBERED (Continued from Page 5)

ATS was very lucky to employ Don for over 23 years. Those of us that were lucky enough to know him and work closely with him know that in any line of work it is very rare to deal with anyone with as much class and professionalism as Don had.

A Note to the people at ATS from the daughters of Don Dempsey
We know dad had many friends, in many places, but not really until he passed away did we know how many. We could not possibly begin to thank everyone for the expressions of sympathy, cards and kind words, but they're a few we would like to say “Thanks” to.

To Jim Anderson, Kevin Huhne, Mike Lakmann and Tim Mueller for attending dad’s funeral and especially for coming to the house after. Also thank you to Jim for speaking at dad’s service - it helped folks who don’t live with a truck driver understand what their life is like. It may not have seemed like much to you, but it meant a great deal to his family.

Kevin - although we spoke on the phone several times, it was nice to have a face to go with the voice. Thank you for all of your help. Dad’s truck recently drove away for the last time this week - the gentlemen who picked it up were incredibly kind - but it sure was an odd feeling and knowing he wasn’t in it. Tell whoever inherits that truck next, “I’m sure a piece of him will always be with them.”

To all his friends along the way - you need to know that dad lived his life the way he wanted and appreciate his “family away from home” when he couldn’t be with us. We know, because he spoke of many of you often. Thank you all again for everything.

Jim Anderson, Relationships Consultant, Anderson Trucking Service, Inc.

REFLECTIONS ON A LONG TIME FRIEND - by Rollie Anderson
My good friend and long time contractor at ATS Specialized, Joe Holthaus, passed away on June 10, from cancer. Joe was leased to ATS through most of his career. He retired in 1998. He was one of the very first owner operators at ATS, was a Million Miler several times over, and ran the Alcan Highway to Alaska for K & W Trucking, which was the Alaska Division of ATS.

Joe was great in physical stature, but had an even bigger heart. Stories were told of how he could throw a tarp to the top of a high load with very little effort, or toss mounted truck tires like most people would toss a pillow. His hands were enormous. When he shook hands with you it was hard not to notice the size of his hands and his strong grip.

I can’t remember the first time I met Joe. It may have been when I was in high school, working summers at the trailer shop. I do know that as far back as I can remember, I knew Joe was someone I could count on. Joe was a mentor to me. I respected him a great deal. He was honest, hard working and would tell you what he thought even if it wasn’t what you wanted to hear. He was a responsible man. If Joe told you he would do something he would do it. He was one of the best in our fleet of Alcan drivers.

Joe was a gentleman. Besides trucking, he loved his family and especially his grandchildren. He always acted appropriately around customers and staff, and was an excellent representative of our company and trucking in general.

Our industry has lost an outstanding driver, and I have lost a good friend. Please join me in offering sincere condolences to his friends and family. Joe, we will miss you!

Rollie