It is with sadness OTA announces the passing of former OTA President/Chair and founder of International Truckload Services, Max Haggarty. He was 85.
Max served as President of the Ontario Trucking Association from 1975-1976
A private graveside service will be held at Belleville Cemetery. Arrangements in the care of Steele Funeral Home, Moira Street Chapel (613-968-2273 ) in Belleville. If desired, memorial donations to the United Way would be appreciated by the family.
Robert passed peacefully at his residence on Friday August 14, 2020. Son of the late Nesbitt and Lillian Haggarty. Beloved husband of Linda Haggarty (nee- Harrison). Dear father of Robert (Allison) Haggarty, Pamela Haggarty (Keith), Dianne Haggarty, Brent (Erin) Woods, Brock (Cari) Woods and Erica (Michael) Metcalf . Remembered by nine grandchildren and one great grandchild.
Born in Wooler, Max began driving trucks for his Dad’s company, Haggarty Transport, at the age of 15. Max’s dad died young, forcing young Max and his older brother Harold into running the company. Together they were very successful and the company became Lafferty Smith Express Lines which was sold in 1976.
During this time, he became the youngest, at the time, president of the Ontario Trucking Association. Max then bought and ran Quinte Transport and Freightmaster until starting International Truckload Services in 1987 with one truck. ITS prospered and grew to over 400 tractors by 2014.
Max was a big supporter of local communities and charities. He supported the Belleville Police Service and in particular the K-9 program. He arranged truckloads of relief supplies with ITS for victims of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans and the Fort McMurray wildfires.
