Doug Smith, founder of Manitoulin Transport and one of the trucking industry’s greatest pioneers, celebrated his 90th birthday recently at the company’s headquarters in Gore Bay, Ont.
Staff and family didn’t have to travel very far to deliver his cake, as the company patriarch still maintains an office and works regularly at the landmark terminal.
Although retiring from trucking doesn’t seem to be an option, Doug has expanded his interests and passions over the years. His love for the hometown he was born, raised and built a family business in, inspires him to fulfill many philanthropic endeavours – including working with the town council on many beautification and heritage projects for his community.
A great Canadian, Doug was named in 2007 to the Order of Canada, this country’s highest civilian honour, for his “contributions as a business leader, philanthropist and champion of economic and community development in Northern Ontario.”