This week, we had a very special milestone at T-R: the retirement of one of our long-standing Drivers, Don Hayden, after an incredible 35 years of dedicated service.

The celebration started with an unexpected twist—a blackout at our headquarters. But in true T-R fashion, we adapted. (If you’ve noticed the dramatic lighting in the photos, that’s what happens when you illuminate a function room using the headlights of the cars parked outside!) Even without power, the show went on.

Our President & CEO delivered the following remarks—by flashlight, no less:

“Today, we’re here to celebrate something truly special: 35 years of service from one of our own, Don Hayden.

That’s not just a long career; it’s a lifetime of early mornings, long drives, traffic jams, loading docks, paperwork, and more cups of coffee than any doctor would recommend.

Don has spent all those years behind the wheel at Tippet-Richardson, and if there’s one thing everyone agrees on, it’s that Don always got the job done—maybe not always in a hurry, but always done right. He had his own pace, and he stuck to it. And you know what? Customers trusted him. Dispatch trusted him. All of us knew that when Don was assigned to a job, things would be handled properly, carefully, and with the kind of professionalism that only comes with experience.

We also can’t talk about Don without mentioning his quirky sense of humour. Whether it was a perfectly timed one-liner, a dry comment when things went sideways, or just that look that said more than words ever could, he always managed to keep things light—even on the toughest days.

Over the years, Don became part of the fabric of this company. New drivers learned from him, customers remembered him, and all of us knew we could count on him—even if it meant waiting just a little longer for him to arrive.

In all seriousness, 35 years of loyal service is something very few people can say. That level of commitment, work ethic, and pride deserves real recognition and deep respect.

So on behalf of everyone at T-R: thank you, Don, for the miles you’ve driven, the customers you’ve cared for, the laughs you’ve shared, and the steady presence you’ve been for so many years.

We will miss seeing you around, but we’re also happy knowing you now get to move entirely at your own pace—no dispatch calls, no schedules, and no one asking, ‘How close are you?’

We wish you a long, healthy, and well-earned retirement filled with whatever brings you the most joy—whether that’s travelling, relaxing, or simply enjoying life off the clock.

Please join me in congratulating Don Hayden on an extraordinary 35-year career and wishing him all the best in the next chapter.”