Son of magnate Allan Scott remembered for his contribution to Australian trucking
Ray Scott, a name synonymous with Mt Gambier and the wider trucking industry, has passed away.
The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) led the tributes today, noting Scott had played a significant role in the industry, from humble beginnings in his father’s – Allan Scott’s – family business, through to becoming a major shareholder in Scott Group of Companies, including the K&S Corporation.
After Allan died Ray established his own trucking operation, Raymond Scott Transport.
“Trucking was a major part of Ray’s life since he was a child when his father, trucking magnate Allan Scott AO established his transport empire in Mount Gambier in the 1950s,” ATA chair David Smith says.
“Ray was admired for his professionalism, passion, and extensive knowledge of the transport industry sectors, from livestock to oil hauling.”
Scott was inducted into the National Road Transport Hall of Fame in 2013, which recognised his history in the road transport industry and long service on road train work into the Northern Territory.
Former ATA chair Denis Robertson says Scott and his family were also very supportive of the ATA and helped to organise one of the ATA’s largest Forum on the Road meetings when it travelled to Mount Gambier in the early 1990s.
“Ray was a very practical and hands-on operator. I recall when International Trucks Australia (now Iveco) launched a new truck in Alice Springs, Ray was enlisted to do the demonstrations because he was so highly skilled,” Robertson says.
“I also recall his father Allan saying that Ray was the best operator he had, being the most efficient on tyres, fuel and always keeping his trucks in perfect condition.
“As well as being a highly accomplished operator, Ray demonstrated great kindness, always lending a helping hand. He also had a good sense of humour, often coming out with great one-liners.”
Former ATA chair Noelene Watson says Scott was well known for his kind nature and always willing to help those in need.
“Ray was one of the very kindest people in the industry,” Watson says.
“Whenever the ATA was in need of assistance, Ray would always come to help.”
Smith adds: “On behalf of the ATA and the wider trucking industry, I extend my condolences and deepest sympathy to Ray’s wife Jill and their family.”
The Victorian Trucking Association (VTA) also paid tribute.
“It is with great sadness that the Executive Council and Secretariat of the VTA acknowledges the passing of Ray Scott on Monday 13th July after a protracted illness,” VTA CEO Peter Anderson says.
“Ray was an icon of the transport industry who defined a place within our sector that will be hard to replicate.
“He was known by all to be honest, hard-working and generous in so many ways to everyone he would meet.
“Ray loved his children and grandchildren and made sure that they always had his full attention.
He was always humble in his dealings, but you had to be sharp to ensure that he did not get all his own way.
“As a truck driver he was one of the best that our industry has ever produced. We will forever miss his dry sense of humour and cheeky smile.
“On behalf of the VTA and the transport industry, we extend our condolences and deepest sympathy to Ray’s wife Jill and their family.”