Truck driver Matt McNab says driver Lorne Watson was something of a legend on the Sunshine Coast. Watson passed away Aug. 3, after a lengthy health battle. He was 81.
“Here on the coast, everybody that's driven trucks or gravel trucks or been around the scene knew him,” says McNab. “He was the lead hand for BA Blacktop, so he did all the machine moves for them, and he was on site with them for probably 50 years. Put over a million kilometers on his truck driving up and down the Coast.”
Which is why local truck drivers are gathering this Saturday afternoon to drive from Sechelt to Gibsons. McNab volunteered to help spread the word, so took to Facebook to invite other truck drivers to join the parade. The drivers also hope locals who knew or knew-of Watson — and kids who love trucks — will line the highway and wave as the trucks go by.
“He would love that, so we’re putting it out there,” says McNab. “Lorne lived his whole life around trucks and it's just a good send off for him.”
McNab says truck drivers will gather in the parking lot of the Sechelt Hospital, 5544 Sunshine Coast Hwy., before leaving for Gibsons around noon. As of Tuesday, more than a dozen truck drivers had already confirmed their participation in the parade, with more expected to join in. McNab says all are welcome to take part.
“We’re hoping to see a lot of people lining the road,” says McNab. “There are some good spots to gather, especially around Davis Bay.”
Watson, who was the owner/operator of L & J Contracting, is survived by his wife Julie, daughters, Corrie and Vicky, and son Vern, as well as six grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
Following the truck rally, a celebration of life is taking place at the farm Watson shared with Julie, at 2 p.m. on Mansfield Road in Roberts Creek. Guests are asked to BYOB and a chair.
