Gordon Goodear

Inducted into the Shell Rimula Wall of Fame at Re Union 2004.

Gordon Goodear has worked in the road transport industry for many years, much of it for Wettenhall Cartage Co then later for RA&S Wettenhall Interstate.

He served with that organisation for a total of over 30 years. During this time he developed a reputation as a courteous, efficient and reliable operator and was well-known as a gentleman of the road. Gordon has had many a nickname over his driving days: Flappers, Grumpy, Chicken Man George, just to name a few, but most of his old mates who know him real well simply call him Gordie. Gordie has just about done it all and what he hasn't done is not worth doing.

His driving days started way back in 1953 when he worked for Yellow X-Press. Gordie drove for quite a few companies during his career.  These include Harry Powell, Denis Quigley, Chalmers, John and Bob Wettenhall, Tobin Transport, Eastoe Transport and last, but not least, Milthorpes Transport. During this time he drove a wide variety of trucks, both English and American marques.

Eight companies in the past 50 years are a true judgement of his approach to his job. Gordie always had time for his shower, mixed grill and that quick half an hour of sleep, then back into it making that steady mile up the road. The job was a priority, no doubt about that, but Gordie always had time for a smile, a quick chat and to give a mate a hand if needed. The people who knew Gordie say that if the job just had to be done then send it with Gordie; he was renown for being on time, every time. To those that knew him on the road he is a legend in his own life-time and a true professional in whatever task or duty he was given. It is estimated that Gordie, over the 50 years he travelled up and down the road has travelled some 8,000,000 kms. The keys to the truck have been hung up and the dreaded logbook has been burnt. The past 50 years have seen some really big technological changes. This industry has literally been built by the likes of Gordie.