John Mahoney

Inducted into the Shell Rimula Wall of Fame at Reunion 2011.
John Mahoney's life revolved around the transport industry. The son of a successful trucking operator in Western Victoria, he learned to drive at an early age and would often be seen parking and reversing trucks in his father's yard. It was here that his passion for the industry began. This dedication was passed on to his son Shane who has worked for Wettenhall's Transport since leaving school in 1992.
John began driving at eighteen working for various local companies carting everything from cattle to peas. Purchasing an International in 1972, John started his own business, Mahoney's Transport. He carted mainly paper, superphosphate and bricks. He then purchased a Mercedes, followed by his favourite, the Scania, which he named the Flying F111.After selling his business John was employed by Blackney's Transport in Geelong where he worked for 21 years. Initially employed as an interstate truck driver, John's invaluable knowledge of the industry was soon recognised and he was appointed as operations manager. John was known as an honest, reliable and trustworthy person who had an amazing way of dealing with people and difficult situations. He was well-respected by clients, drivers and transport industry professionals. Nurturing and training young people and giving them a start in the industry gave him great personal satisfaction.Diagnosed with Leukaemia in 1993, he underwent numerous treatments while continuing to work in the industry before succumbing to the disease in 2011.  John's love for his job contributed to his positive outlook.In the words of a family friend, John Mahoney was a man who loved life, but loved nothing more than his family and friends. He would never pass you by without a wave and a chat, always with a genuine interest in what you had to say.