Clyde Weir

Inducted into the Shell Rimula Wall of Fame in 2018.

CLYDE STUART WEIR was born in East Melbourne in 1944. He always wanted to become a 'truckie' and in 1966, secured his first driving job carting livestock for Roy McLeod. He then drove for Don Anderson for a while. In 1967 Clyde met Vic Nelson who was another livestock carrier. A job transpired, along with Clyde's first nickname of 'Curly'. In 1968 Clyde met his future wife Bev. By that time Clyde was driving interstate for Taylor-Dalton Transport carting general freight followed by a stint with Downes Transport. In 1970, Clyde was offered employment with McMullens Transport in Orbost. Bev transferred from her teaching position in Yarram and they married in 1971. Clyde and Bev moved to Orbost, where they still reside on a small farm.

Clyde's ambition was to become an owner/driver, so in 1973 he purchased a Bedford prime mover and started towing a pantec for Dalmo's 3D Transport. He updated his truck twice during the next 10 years, before purchasing his favourite truck in 1984; an eye-catching Mack R600, with distinctive green, black and white colours. As the business grew, a second truck was purchased and a driver employed. Both trucks transported timber, general freight, grain and vegetables.

In 1987 Clyde bought Orbost Super Spread. A spreader truck came with the business. Clyde worked long hours and acquired his second nickname, 'Captain Snooze', because he was frequently spotted parked along the Princes Highway, power-napping! Clyde bought a new Volvo in 2000 and painted it to match the R600. Two convertible trailers completed the outfit which was used to cart timber and grain for Orbost dairy farmers. In 2004 he bought a B-Double rated Kenworth and employed a full-time driver.

In 2005, Clyde lost control after striking a diesel spill on the Monash Highway. He hit the concrete barrier and jack-knifed before stopping. Clyde had minor injuries, but sadly the Volvo was a write-off. Despite this setback, Clyde continued his grain business, supplying Orbost dairy farmers until June 2014 in his prized Kenworth which he sold on his retirement at 70 after a long and productive career.