The Commercial Vehicle Industry Association of Queensland (CVIAQ) is in mourning following the loss of founding member and inaugural president Ted Van Fleet, who passed away peacefully on December 18, aged 84 years.
Ted was instrumental in the CVIAQ’s formation in 1970, accepting the position of chairman in its founding year and holding office as president until 1972. He also played significant roles in establishing commercial vehicle associations in other states and ultimately bringing the state associations together to form the Commercial Vehicle Industry Association of Australia (CVIAA).
Ted was also part of the group of industry identities responsible for the development and subsequent organisation of the inaugural Queensland Truck Show held at the premises of Haulmark Trailers in 1968. His leadership helped lay the foundation for the future success of the show, taking it from strength to strength throughout the ‘70s.
“The entire commercial vehicle industry ofQueenslandwas saddened to hear of Ted’s passing,” said current CVIAQ president Bob Martin. “The Brisbane Truck Show stands as a legacy of the hard work and determination that founding members like Ted put in all those years ago.
“We were very fortunate to have him with us at the last Brisbane Truck Show in 2011. The smile on his face expressed how immensely proud he was of how the CVIAQ had progressed over the years.”