Laurie Latham

LAURENCE EDWARD LATHAM, (Laurie) sometimes known as Loz or Prong was born on 26th October 1954 in Kilcoy, Queensland and grew up on the family cattle farm in Kilcoy. After a couple of local, "uninspiring" jobs, Laurie entered the trucking industry in his late teens carting grain for Sinnamon Transport in the early 70s.

Laurie went on to drive a SAR for O'Connor's Transport of Kilcoy on a Brisbane to Perth run and later for Errol Teichmann in 1979, where he drove an 'R' Model Mack for the next four years. In 1983 he was employed by Reg Nolan driving a Kenworth.

By 1987 Laurie had started working for Densley's Transport driving a SAR called 'Eliminator'. A year later, Truckin' Life magazine awarded 'Eliminator' as their prestigious RIG OF THE YEAR; a testament to the dedication Laurie put into his job and looking after the truck - one of the several loves of his life. In 1993 a new T950 Kenworth arrived at the depot. It was christened 'Four and A Bit' (425hp Cat motor) and because of his pride in 'Eliminator' he was asked to become the driver.

In 1998, after 25 years on the road, Laurie opted to spend some time as a yardman for Followmont Transport - but it wasn't long before he felt the need to get back on the road. Mark Tobin Transport had just started in 2002 and Laurie was asked to be his first driver. This began a 16 year association with MTT driving Brisbane to Mackay. Despite serious health issues during the last five years of his career Laurie continued trucking. Diesel ran in his blood.

Laurie Latham passed away in July 2018 leaving his partner Claire. He is remembered as a great mile maker who was very reliable and always on time. He was well liked and respected and a true gentleman of the highway who delivered meticulous presentation in both himself and his truck. His friends declare;

"His ability to find water taps in the most unusual places to keep his rig shining was legendary!"

Laurie loved a laugh, a cold drink on a hot day, motorbikes and trucks, and reminiscing about the good old days. R.I.P.